An open letter.....

As September is quickly approaching I thought I'd take the opportunity to look back at all that I've learnt this past year and write an open letter of advice to past me or any new freshers who are just about to start university. 

Many of you may be nervously awaiting results day, as was I this time last year and as I look back to that time not so long ago I can breathe a breath of fresh air knowing that all was ok. Everything will be OK! 

I was ecstatic to find out that I'd gotten into my first choice university, with grades which were more than I ever expected....even though I did have a full day of work to follow. 

But of course some of my friends maybe weren't so happy with their results, but a year on I can honestly say they are all doing so well whether they got into a university through clearing, found a job or apprenticeship or are taking a year to decide what step they want to take next. All options are great, and don't let anyone tell you which way is better to go because it totally depends on the person. There are so many options out there to discover all with their own pros and cons.

However, for me I'm glad I took the route to University. 

Although the wait to start is extremely nerve wracking it is comforting to remember that every student just starting out are feeling EXACTLY the same way...even if they don't show it. For many this is the first time they will be spending an extended period away from home and from their family, which can be quite distressing for some. However, its good to view this change of scene as a new opportunity to develop. Develop your knowledge, social skills, friendship group, patience, and even your dance skills on nights out (haha only joking). 

But in all seriousness this, right now is an amazing opportunity that not all get to experience so my first word of advice would be to take it all in, take a minute within all the craziness and soak it all in. It won't last forever!

There is no time like freshers week, or even the next three or four years to make as many new friends as possible, push yourself outside your comfort zone and just put yourself out there. This could be sitting next to someone you don't know and sparking up conversation in a lecture/tutorial, or joining as many societies as possible. These are all great ways to broaden your friendship group and learn about all these cool, new people who may have an extremely different lifestyle to you. Just be prepared to tell people where you're from, your name and what course you do about a million times in this period! 

Much of your first year experience (if your living in halls) is defiantly based on the random selection of people you are placed with in halls. Now I've seen it go both ways however, I was extremely lucky to be placed with a group that got on so well...we even cooked and shopped as an eight! However, this doesn't have to be the be all and end all if you don't end up getting on with this bunch of people. 

One thing that needs to be remembered is to respect other people and be aware of their way of living as well as your own. This includes not leaving your old washing up all over the kitchen, stealing peoples milk (this causes so much debate!) or making too much noise in the early hours of the morning. It just makes life so much easier if you can just have a joke and a laugh with your flatmates instead of annoying the hell out of each other. 

Although, you may end up with a pushover like me who ends up washing other peoples stuff up and cleaning the kitchen because they don't want to bother anyone....don't be that person, it gets tiring after a while (haha). It's made me realise what a mothering person I am considering the amount of cooking, cleaning and washing I did this past year, which I never thought I was!

As someone who was very shy and didn't really enjoy the clubbing scene (wow that's changed!) there are so many other ways to meet people and have fun. With the huge array of sport societies and other clubs you are sure to find something that sparks an interest, or even getting a job on campus may open up a great new friendship group, the possibilities are endless. Just remember to keep in touch with your friends at home, because after all university doesn't last forever, and it would be a shame to cut ties with the group you've been friends with for years. I even found that I was able to have more fun with my friends at home after being at university for just one term!

I suppose the main message I'm trying to get across is to take chances. That could be taking a module you know nothing about, or joining a sports club you've never done, just small steps could help so much with confidence. 

As I eagerly await summer to end so I can get back to the uni way of life I look back on my first year with so so many amazing memories that I will never forget, wishing I could do it all over again. However, the next chapter of my uni story is calling, and I cannot wait to get back to all my friends and make even more memories this coming year. 

One of our many silly squad photos :D So much love for this bunch!