10 Things You'll Learn at University

So now I've finished my degree I feel like I should share my university wisdom with you all like some wise old university guru. Going to university is definitely a life changing decision, and odds are you'll come out the end of it a slightly different, hopefully better and more mature (there's still time...) person than that little fresher tentatively moving into a big strange place all those years ago. So whether you're planning on starting uni this September and are curious to see what's ahead, are already at uni and need some reassurance, or are finishing uni and would like to know you're not alone, here are my top 10 things that you'll learn at university (alongside all that education stuff of course):

1. You're more confident that you think

You've moved to a completely new place, for some people hundreds of miles away from home, all on your own! Even that in itself is a massive jump. You've had to socialise and mix with a completely new set of people and form a new circle of friends. Think back to your very first day as a scared little fresher saying goodbye to your family, and you've probably come a long way! So if you're ever doubting yourself, just remember how far you've made it on your own and how many fears you've conquered, and realise you have a lot more confidence than you think!

2. You can and should do things on your own  

You won't always have people by your side to do everything with you, so it's important that you learn to do things by yourself. You've already done that by even deciding to go to university! By the end of uni you'll have found a new sense of independence and discovered the liberating feeling of knowing you are capable of doing things by yourself!

3. Explore your uni town

You're probably in a new town with a completely different atmosphere to your hometown - it would be a shame to not explore it, wouldn't it? Have lunch in independent coffee shops and tea houses, drink cocktails in the local bars, eat out in different restaurants. But you're not just limited to your uni town; venture out and visit some tourist hot spots in other areas close by! If you want to be super keen and organised, write yourself a little (or big) bucket list of places to visit and eat at, and aim to tick them all off before you leave uni!

4. Try out a new hobby

Before I started uni almost everyone told me to join a society, so during Freshers I signed up to countless societies on offer, even those I had no interest in whatsoever (*cough* fishing society *cough*). However, despite my enthusiasm, I never actually followed through with any of the societies I had so eagerly signed up to. Although I didn't join a society, I have tried out many different activities, from kayaking and windsurfing to surfing and paddleboarding, as well as starting pole fitness outside of uni, influencing me to create a new pole fitness society. So, if like me you don't join a society, always be on the look out for other opportunities to try out new activities, or you can always make your own society if nothing else appeals!

5. Get involved with uni life

One of the best parts about going to university is the sense of community within student life, particularly when living on campus. There's always so much going on, from freshers to various other social events, it would be a shame to miss out! Chances are you won't get to experience the same sense of community again as with university, so make the most of it now and get involved!  

6. Laugh at your mistakes, but also learn from them

Let's be honest here, you're going to make a few a lot of mistakes while you're at uni, both academically and drunkenly, maybe even both at the same time (shhh, don't tell the lecturers!). However, uni and life are too short to dwell on those mistakes, so instead of piling on the regrets, learn from them! And that really embarrassing drunken night you'd rather forget? Laugh at your ridiculousness, it makes for a good story!

7. Look after yourself

You know that typical student stereotype? You know, the one who doesn't know their limit when it comes to alcohol, whose culinary knowledge expands no further than the temperature the oven must be on to cook frozen pizzas, who barely sees the light of day after pulling all-nighters and sleeping in until 3pm? Try not to be that person. Not only is it bad for your health, but it will affect your mood massively and make you feel awful. Ok, it is maaaaybe acceptable to behave like this during Freshers when you're still trying to find your feet, but after that, maybe not. Save yourself a horrendous 2 day hangover by realising your limit when it comes to alcohol, put down that microwave meal and learn to cook a couple of decent, healthy meals, and don't get yourself into a spiral of late nights and late mornings (trust me, it will mess up your body clock and will take ages to get back to normal). And lastly, remember those multivitamins!

8. It's OK to be selfish

There will be times when you'll have to be selfish, focus on yourself and do what's best for you. And that's OK. So if you don't feel like going out, don't be afraid to say no, and if you don't feel 100% happy or like you're benefiting from a situation, don't be afraid to do what you want instead. At the end of the day you're at university for you, not for anyone else.

9. Have fun, but remember why you're there

With the ability to do whatever you want without your parents telling you yes or no, it's never been easier to go crazy and have fun! However, it's important to remember why you're at university: to get a degree. Have a social life, but don't let it take priority over your work. After all, you are spending £9k a year for your degree, you want to make sure you get a good result at the end!

10. Everyone's winging it!

So you've reached the end of your degree. You don't know where to go from here. Everyone else seems to have it all figured out. I'll let you in on a little secret: they don't. They may make it look like they know exactly what they're doing, exactly what career they want and exactly where they're going to be this time next year, but in reality they're just as confused as you are. So there's no need to panic, you've still got plenty of time to figure things out!

Are you at university? What life lessons have you learnt? Or are you hoping to start in September? What are you looking forward to? Comment below!

Love, Beth xxx

(Disclaimer: images taken from my Pinterest account, I claim no ownership)