Thursday 08-09-2016 - 10:48

Heart beat thumping… breathing getting heavier or stopping completely… hand trembling over the mouse or envelope? That’s exactly how I felt when I gained my place at university.

Strange how reading that one word – “Congratulations” – can change everything!

I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to come to university, and definitely wasn’t set on a career in my subject. So after 5 years (soon to be 6!), why am I still here? And no, it’s not because I failed years. I’m here because being involved in Higher Education is a unique experience that at one stage or another will make you feel every emotion possible and witness transformations or ground-breaking experiences that you can’t anywhere else. Not to mention, all of the great people you meet along the way! But that’s enough of that. This ain’t no marketing material. Who cares? You got in! Woohoo! :-D

Well, now that you’re here, I suppose you will be wondering how to survive your first term?

1. Pack your stuff the night before - There is nothing worse than having to find your stuff scattered around whilst nursing a hangover, especially if you’re running late! 
2. Talk to everyone and anyone who will listen – you will never be bored, alone or stuck for a listening ear if you need to have a rant. 
3. Don’t suffer in silence. Do it with others, it’s much more effective! HaHa. No seriously, if you have a question, ask it! Shout it if you have to. This is a small campus, someone is bound to hear you ☺ There is plenty of support from your lecturers to other uni staff, and don’t forget about us in the SU!
4. Eat well – I know I sound like a nagging parent, but it’s true. For once, they’re right! Eating regular healthy food can make a big difference to not only your health, it also stops you getting spots (which is obviously of utmost importance) and can even help you with personal hygiene! As well as contribute to your concentration, and let’s face it, with all of them late nights, you’re gonna need all the help you can get. 
5. Play Pokemon Go. Well… you don’t have to, but just get off your backside and do something. Go somewhere. Even if it’s just a lap around campus or down your road. You will not learn everything behind a screen. Experience it. Preferably with a bit of fresh air. And you will have plenty of people to do things with if you follow Tip 2 above. So no excuses! I’ve already prepared you – See even I prepare! HaHa ☺

The biggest tip I have is use your common sense! Use this and you will never have any fails. Don’t use it, you are just asking for trouble. If you don’t have any…. Well… there’s probably just no hope. It’s called natural selection. HaHa. No seriously, it would be impossible to not have common sense. So use it! 

Okay, so you are all equipped with some handy tips on how to survive your first term. Anything I didn’t mention, I’m sure will come naturally, so don’t worry, be happy. Keep calm and carry on, and all that jazz! ☺ 

Emily - Union President