A letter to my first year self

As a general rule, first year is a time for experimenting, getting sloshed and waltzing through life without a fucking clue what you’re doing.

A lot of advice I was given went way over my head. But now, exactly half way through my degree, the smoky haze of carelessness I’d been drifting through for a year (and a bit) has finally worn off.

I find myself wishing I could grab my past self and shake her…then calm her down and show her this guide to figure things out sooner.

Go out of your way to meet new people

D’Yandra Forrester, a second year studying Japanese, says: “Prepare yourself for small talk and repetition, you’ll meet a lot of new people”.

What subject are you studying? Where are you from? What halls are you staying in? Be prepared for a multitude of the same-old questions and don’t sweat it.

And if you’re really unsociable, Film second year and part-time hermit Bessi Weir says: “Try and leave your room at least 3 times a week. See some daylight.”

Expect to be expected to drink, but learn your limits and when to say know. Prepare yourself for a bit of embarrassment along the way, it’s all part of the learning curve.

Even if you’re not a big drinker, go along to pre-drinks anyway – it’s a great way to meet people in a relaxed environment and will save you a tonne of money on food and drinks. Speaking of saving money…

Your student loan is NOT limitless

Save money by all means necessary. Language student Amy Hobourn advises cooking as much as possible,

“Don’t just get takeaway, your money will go in a dash.”

While her housemate Callum Read suggests any big meat eaters shop in the Covered Market,

“It’s much cheaper, and you can get it in bigger quantities”.

It might seem like a chore but it’ll save you so much money in the long run. Make the most of your freezer space, particularly in halls as you might not get so lucky with space if you house share in your second year.

Yes this is a freezer, not a microwave

And if we’re talking alcohol? Let me reiterate the importance of pre-drinks. I cannot emphasise this enough.

Don’t make the mistake I did and spend a fortune on crappy drinks in the middle of a sweaty, crowded bar. Spirits and mixers are the way forward. And for those with more expensive taste…suck it up you’re a student now. I

f you want to feel classy, just learn to love wine. It almost never fails, and you can get it soooo cheap…

I’ve found my real friends

Accept that not all first year friendships will last

I mean, wine is forever but friendships…not always. While you’ll meet a bunch of awesome people, try not to cling to the naïve hope that all these friendships will last.

Also, it’s worth remembering that first year halls are always gonna’ be a luck of the draw kind of thing. You often meet your friends for life at uni, but you won’t necessarily find them under your own roof.

Don’t worry too much…

Be zen….like this cat

…the trick is to worry just the right amount. So it’s your first year, enjoy it. But don’t forget how quickly time can fly, because it will.

You have to make the first move when it comes to making the most of uni life – so go out there and experience as much as you can. Ever wanted to try pole dancing? Do it.

First year is awesome, and will likely be the least stressful time of your uni life – so make the most of it get stuck in to as much as possible and make it all worthwhile.