All the struggles of being an English student at University of Liverpool

We've all at some point got on the phone to our mum to have a cry about how hard uni is, or complained to our mates on other courses who just can't relate to our pain. Well guys, we're all in this together…

Here's some of the struggles you have, or inevitably will, face when being an English Literature student:

The surprise first year modules

So, apparently when you apply for a uni course you should maybe look at the module info in detail rather than just skimming over it…unbelievable right? I may have been guilty of the latter, and got the shock of my life when I realised that I had to take a language module (*lit students audibly cringing*) and a minor.

Turns out, nearly everyone is the same boat. The language tutors were super helpful and guided us all through it together (although they did try to convert us to the dark side…nice try but no chance). For the minor, the best advice would be pick something you have always wanted to try, rather than something that you think goes well with your course. The best part is, you get to drop them after first year (thank god)!

How many Shakespeare plays?

Learning how to reference

This applies to all uni students, but why did English choose the worst style? MHRA we hate you.

Hardly ever being in uni

Sounds amazing, but it is actually so difficult to manage your time properly. The struggle of resisting binge watching a series because you've only got one lecture that day is REAL. The contact hours for this course are so little; we're talking 6-10 a week, max – cue every family member saying "Do you even go to uni? You're hardly ever there". Studying independently is like a BIG thing with English.

The sheer volume of reading

This might sound obvious, but it can get seriously hard, I'm talking two novels a week sometimes. It depends on what modules you're taking, and what type of texts you're studying, but some weeks you really are that unlucky. My advice, actually start your reading in the summer (rather than just telling yourself you will…and then re-reading Harry Potter…again).

Try getting through these two in a week!

Everyone presuming you want to be a teacher

"What kind of job can you even get with an English degree? You must want to go into teaching". Absolutely not, I hate kids! (should I be saying that?) Anyone who has even considered studying English can relate to being asked this, multiple times. There are actually other jobs out there for English graduates you know.

Carrying all of your books with you to lectures and tutorials

Not to be dramatic, but a 1000 page book is really heavy! Don't even get me started on anthologies. And when you have more than one module in a day…your muscles ache just thinking about it.

Having to do a starred module

A starred module covers pre-1800's literature, and it is compulsory to do at least one during your degree. For anyone like me who loves their more modern texts, you'll be hating every second of it (no offence Renaissance lit, but we're looking at you).

Having most of our books on the top floor of Sydney Jones

Soooooo many stairs!

Getting a tutor whose office is on the top floor of Abercromby Square

Even MORE stairs!

People thinking it is easier than a BSc

"Isn't it just your opinion?", "There's no right answer, you can say whatever you want", "all you do is read books". How frustrating! So no, there is no single right answer, but there sure are a lot of wrong ones. And yes, it is our own opinion, but you bet it's backed up. We can't just type a few numbers into a calculator, unlike some courses…

It might be a struggle, but there is no other course we'd rather study (honest!)