‘Getting with a whole friendship group’: Asking Newcastle graduates their biggest regrets

Apart from the obvious hangxiety…

2 months ago | UPDATED 1 month ago

University life is very rewarding at times. Putting yourself out of your comfort zone in uncomfortable situations, like knocking on your neighbours’ door, can be very rewarding and allow you to branch out and boost your confidence. However, regret is equally as present in a university student’s life.

Hanxiety is arguably the most common form of regret that a student experiences – but what else can we learn from graduates’ regrets so that we don’t make the same mistakes?

‘Not joining societies!!!! Don’t be a boring bitch like me, go be social’

Societies are one of the easiest ways to meet people. Enrolling for memberships on the NUSU website is practically the same as online shopping. The great thing is that you can enrol for as many memberships as you’d like, which will allow you to go cold water swimming on a Sunday, walk alpacas on a Wednesday, and bake cakes on a Friday. The possibilities for making friends are endless.

‘I wish I’d saved more money before I went. Your overdraft isn’t free money’

Um, yes it is (I’m delusional).

‘Second guessing everything. You just have to go for it, full send’

This is much easier said than done. The hardest part of uni, especially first year, is throwing yourself in. You may have regrets, and you may come down with the worst case of hanxiety you’ve ever experienced, but you will only find your people by putting yourself in situations that push you out of your comfort zone. Say “Yes” as much as you can – within reason of course…

‘Getting with a whole friendship group’

Can I be you pls x

How does it feel to have been someone’s sloppy seconds, snack and side dish?

‘Not applying for accommodation on time’

Suddenly reaching November and realising that most houses in our beloved Jesmond had been snatched up is one of the worst feelings. It’s arguably more stressful than starting your assignment the day before it’s due.

Many are lucky enough to settle down and find a house with a bunch of people that they clicked within Freshers’ Week, whilst some have found themselves stuck in a contract with a psychopath who showcased their true colours conveniently after signing the tenancy (yes, I may be reliving my own experience here).

I find comfort in knowing that the stress of finding accommodation/housing is a universal experience.

‘Not doing the pre-seminar tasks seminar’

Instead of feeling regretful, we should really thank those who answered the lecturers’ questions. To those who masked our incompetence, we praise your big brains and your accountability.

‘Do your best to get a 2:1, I didn’t and now I’ve got no options’

This sounds more like a warning than a regret. Try not to worry too much! Purely passing your degree is an impressive achievement.

‘My biggest regret is going to uni’

Wow, mic-drop moment. Pipe down negative Nancy. The only not-so-positive things about uni are the negative bank balances and an addiction to coffee (which tend to go hand in hand).