If you can relate to these things, you’re definitely a third year Nottingham student

University is coming to an end and you have come a long way since being a fresher. As a third year I feel there are many things we now know about uni life that we didn’t at the start of our journey.

Unquestionably, we have had quite an unordinary experience at university, having had all three of our years here affected by the coronavirus pandemic. However, this has only made us third years closer in the experience that we share as a year. Here are a few things that third year students at the University of Nottingham should definitely be able to relate to.

21st birthdays

The amount of 21st Birthdays has sky-rocketed this year and everyone is pulling out the stops. Suddenly it feels like new events are being added to Facebook every day and your timeline is being filled with new things to attend. This year you can expect many fancy three-course meals and open bars.

Campus names

There is an evident lingo barrier between first and second years. For example, when did the Teaching and Learning – also known as T&L, become Monica Partridge? Please stop #MonnyP.

A ‘good’ night out

Lemonade Mondays are cancelled. It’s no longer acceptable to attend Przym on a Monday because it is a night for freshers that sadly, we no longer are. Although it is the only place where you can get a double vodka lemonade for £3 so hopefully it’s acceptable to go at least by summer.

A ‘good’ night in

Often, your friends will say no to a night out, favouring a “good” night in watching The Office or Euphoria. As a third-year, clubbing is now far from your priorities. Whilst in first year it was expected to go out at least three times a week, this would be impossible in third year. Apart from not having the same energy as we did being freshly 18, in third year a night in can be far more appreciated considering the stress you might be under.

Library days

For me, this was the fundamental jump from second year to third year. The amount of work this year has accelerated and everyone is talking about their dissertations. The library has now become a part of the daily routine whether you have seminars on campus or not. However, the library is also your new social hub as every third year will bump into each other there. I’ve also realised that after a week spent in Hallward I have spent an unhealthy amount of money on library coffee and meal deals.

Portland food

Just like Ink, the Chinese restaurant in Portland is also a memory of the past. The sweet and sour chicken is dearly missed especially after an afternoon lecture.

Sharking

This is one to be avoided. If they ask, what halls are you in? RUN. It is quite a frightening feeling that you are one of the oldest at the university and probably should act like it.

The fear of leaving soon

I’m sure most of us have randomly had terrifying revelations that university will soon be over, and you will never get to experience it again. I must admit, this often keeps me up at night.

The fear of being an actual adult

Getting asked by everyone and anyone about what your plans are after university can be very stressful, especially when you have absolutely no idea. On top of this, it seems like everyone is applying and interviewing for jobs. Can’t we just live in the moment?

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