uni advice for silly freshers part 2. the shequel

sent my face off to the shops whilst the rest of me bed rots

Ok my silly blog destroyers... 

Welcome back to a strongly requested part 2. in the words of the late great Rita Ora (She's not dead but her clothing range with Primark is bordering on the less alive side of rigor mortis). *breathe* I would NEVER release my art before it was ready... but part 2 of my obnoxiously naff blog is fully cooked. she's ready and raw.

Realistically the tiny slither of chance that actual freshers might read these uni tips and tits is so slim, my blog might as well be on the Slimming World diet. cheeseluver but Sheese on the rocks, hold the lactose.

But if you are a freshi looking for some hot to go advice, welcome in, we have Frosty Jacks on tap. Otherwise indulge in this as a piece of soft-hitting, nostalgic, memory-lane sodden 'journalism'.

Loneliness and boredom

Uh oh! Here's the emotional bridge. 

Pre-uni, whenever uni was the topic of conversation, the topic of loneliness would arise. Naively, I felt this topic of chat was an obligatory disclaimer to recognize, an urban myth of sorts, but not a genuine feeling one actually experienced at uni. Afterall, you’re away from home, surrounded by loads of other students, who are going out and making memories all the time, right! Wrong. 

At some point, uni will likely debunk the urban myth status of loneliness and boredom. Whether your mates have gone home for the weekend, or it feels like everyone but you have found their best course mates, there can be moments of still, quiet, and loneliness (especially heightened by the non-stop student buzz around you). 

1. Start planning things to keep you busy during these harder times, from cheffing up that one meal you’ve been putting off making because it requires a spice that isn’t mixed Italian herbs (fancy), to signing up to a society. 

1. There’s also lot to be said for a to-do-list and the routine and satisfaction these gems can bring. You try ticking off ‘clothes wash’, ‘buy cayenne pepper for dins’, ‘email lecturer’ on a mundane Monday. 

(*emotional part*) But most importantly, be kind to yourself and remember that you’re seeing the highlight reel of most people’s uni experience, not the full selection box of emotions and experiences.

👳And if times get really desperados, just convert to a new religion like I did! that will keep ya busy xxx #christianmingle 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Gretchen Wieners is the ultimate Proverbs 31 woman

 Relationships 

some relationships are for a reason, a season or a lifetime. These girls are for all 3  

• Flatcest?

Look, there are countless advice articles out there that practically SHOUT at you, and will wring you out by the scruff of your NECK to avoid getting involved with your flat mate at. all. costs. The reasons for such are fair and reasonable- aka the exact opposite of decisions you’ll make at uni. So, even if you set clear boundaries to never cross enemy lines in your head, it’s not the end of the world if it does happen. Lots of cases it works out, in many it doesn’t, but it’s often only awkward if you make it awkward (and considering you’re sharing a roof, try with all your might to not make it so).

• Sad girl era 

And then there’s heartbreak at uni, which can be one of the hardest slaps that uni life throws at you. You’re in the same bubble as your ex, the same student stomping grounds that mean bumping into eachother in the middle aisle of your local Aldi is an adrenaline inducing high likelihood. 

 This is just another reason (besides the fact that mates are often the longest lasting and best relationships anyway) why maintaining a close friendship support system is so important and ensuring that whether you’re in a relationship or not, you give your mates the time, attention, and love they deserve.

• Working hard, or studying Sociology?

Be easy on yourself if your work suffers as a result of a heartbreak. It's never too late to catch up on the academics (this is coming from a girl who can count the in-person lectures attended on one hand). But! This is also coming from a girl who studied Sociology (aka the softest of subjects. A subject so soft I'm surprised it didn't get the chop from the Tories alongside Golf Management). 

And also coming from a girl who prides herself on working well under last-minute pressure (aka procrastination leaves me no choice but to pull an all nighter the night before the deadline). Your degree might not cut you the same grace as mine did and you might have no choice but to crack. on. 

Penny Sale!!! 2 for 3 on all mental helf disorders!!

Your heart might be in one thousand little tatters but that compulsory lab, those three essays and the two placements won't do themself. In many ways, diving into your academic work can prove to be one of the most delicious and practical distractions. Not only are you pouring in your energy to something productive and rewarding, but the routine and challenge of academic work will put your mind to work on something positive and fulfilling. 

 

Taking care and listening to your own feelings is always top priority and putting off studying is easier to rectify than putting off facing your feelings (which will eventually catch up with you). 

Florals for spring (cleaning)?

Groundbreaking.

No. The only thing that is breaking the ground of your dismal uni room floor is the mound of clothes, chipped plant pots and sports nights miscellaneous dress up pieces that haven’t been touched all term. Uni buildings are basically built upon string beans, cello tape and magic wishes: one stomping foot or passive aggressive door slam away from crumbling destruction. 

In my 22 years of life I know two things to be Bible truth: 

• Every uni term you will acquire a years worth of belongings that would give the Storage Hunters UK team a funny tingling feeling 
•  I’m convinced nothing will taste as good as the Scooby Snacks that I’ll never get to try

You will be a hoarder by the tender age of 20!!!! And when it’s time to move out of halls and into your second year gaff you’ll be overwhelmed with the amount of brick a crap you’ve acquired over the year.  

same! 

But you also won’t want to bin any of it (because you’ll be thankful you kept that beer funnel that’s acquired a thick layer of correct flavoured VK mould). #immunity 

Get rid of stuff as you go along. I Begatron. If you’re not using it, get rid. The box of freebie pens and posters bestowed upon you during Freshers? Chuck. The right of passage yet eternally naff traffic cone you stole on a messy Tuesday night? Return her to the streets! You’ll be glad when the time comes trust and believe.

Good luck babe!