Is university for you? My uni experience so far: tips & advice

Should you go to university or not? It's a big decision and lies heavy on many peoples' shoulders throughout their academic life. I made the choice to apply for uni in 2015 and I couldn't be happier, therefore I felt it would be useful to share my University experience so far to (hopefully) help out anybody who is considering going to university.

Contents:

1. Applying for University

2. Student halls & Freshers

3. Workload & exams

4. Helpful links

Applying for uni:

The only word I can use to describe the process of applying for university is 'bittersweet'. I was so excited and optimistic for the future, but at the same time- incredibly stressed and anxious. The first bulk of the application was easy and consisted simply of personal details and mandatory 'tit-bits' of information UCAS required from me, (if you have no clue what I'm talking about- UCAS is the admissions organisation for university and college in the UK). The hard part came with the personal statement segment of the application. In a sense, this was somewhat easier for me as I was applying for the same course, but just at different universities, meaning my personal statement was simply tailor made to one specific course- Journalism. I know however, some people apply for slightly varying courses within one application which I'm presuming is a lot more difficult!

In my college, we had someone called a 'personal tutor' who would assist with any problems we had at college, but would also aid with the university application process. I decided to scrap every single piece of advice this person gave me (rebel, I know), and instead took my drafted personal statement to my English Language teacher. I would highly recommend taking your personal statement to the relevant teacher at college if possible, because its likely that they will know best and have more hands on experience with the UCAS application within your chosen subject. This turned out to be one of the best decisions I had made because not only did I end up with a polished personal statement that I was more than happy with, I had also chosen slightly different universities to apply for. My teacher was able to advise me on specific skills that I needed to include in my statement with regards to an English related degree, as well re-shaping my attitude towards university. Let me explain...

Before applying for uni, I would consider my self to have been a 'university snob'. What I mean by that is, someone who only cares about the 'name' rather than the 'quality'. In a nutshell, I wasn't looking at which universities were the best for my course specifically, but instead just which universities were 'Russel group'. My English teacher, completely transformed my mindset on this and convinced me to apply for Salford. In his words I'd be "stupid not to- especially with MediaCityUK on my doorstep." So I did. I took part in a quick group interview and was promptly offered a place there.

In quick terms, yes, you will be stressed and yes, you will have to do multiple drafts of that tedious personal statement...but if you put in the hard work- it will pay off'!

Student halls & freshers:

Moving away from home for the first time was extremely nerve-wracking but very new and exciting. I personally think the key is having an open mind and treating this as a brand new chapter of your life. My attitude simply was that none of these people know anything about me- so I'm just going to be friendly and be myself. I was essentially a blank book at this stage.

I was one of the last people to move into my student flat, which I shared with five other people who all studied varying courses. I'm very much an extrovert so easily launched myself in socially and enjoyed taking part in the freshers activities and nights out (who can say no to 90p drinks?). Obviously, some people find this harder than others. But try not to overthink having to move away from home, because having independence is a great thing and a very important life lesson to gain. Think of this as a positive experience and a chance to make new social circles as well as getting a fantastic qualification.

Alongside freshers week, I also had induction classes for my course at the same time- which was annoying to say the least...going into your first ever induction session hungover is not the best start!

The only negative aspect of the first few weeks of uni is the fact that I suffered with cripplingly severe homesickness- which I did eventually manage to overcome. Oh, and lets not forget that dreaded freshers flu! With regards to homesickness and how to deal with it: I do have a few tips:

1. Resist the temptation to have constant, daily contact with home. Although you miss your family, spending hours on FaceTime everyday actually makes you miss them more and can take time away from making new friends (making you feel even more isolated).

2. Even when it may seem difficult, try to keep yourself as busy as possible. Sign up to one of the societies or freshers events, say yes to that night out! This will take your mind off home and also strengthen new friendships you have formed.

3. Wait it out. This may seem easier said than done but in my personal experience, not going home at all for around 5-7 weeks helped me completely kick the homesickness as I got used to not having my mum around 24/7. At some point you need to adjust to being independent and living away from home, so in my opinion...the sooner the better!

Workload and exams:

Despite being a higher level of education than A-levels- I was very pleasantly surprised with how easily I adapted from the jump from A-levels to degree level education. In fact, I found it very easy, simply because I was doing one subject that I was extremely passionate about. I wouldn't worry at all about the transition from a-level to university because chances are, if you've survived that horrific jump from GCSE's to A-level- you'll be just fine!

In terms of workload, I didn't find this too difficult (hopefully I don't jinx myself for second year). I can't speak on behalf of all courses, and obviously degrees such as medicine and law are likely to have a much bigger workload than Journalism (what I am studying). However, I never really got any 'homework' as such and simply had two assignments per module, per semester. So essentially I had six assignments per semester (one full term). Assignments for me ranged from essays, to an in class news-writing test, to even creating my own online newspaper article (conducting my own interviews etc). I didn't find this too stressful due to the simple fact that we could access what each assignment entailed from the very start of term, so I could prepare well in advance. I also felt like I had plenty of time to complete these tasks, especially as the holidays at university are much longer, as there are no half-terms. I ended up being off for around 6 weeks at Christmas, 3 at easter and then a whopping 14 at summer!

Exams...we all dread them, but unfortunately it's a part of life that we all just have to deal with at some point. I was lucky in my first year, as my course specifically only had one 'traditional' exam that took place in a huge classroom. I didn't mind this though, as the topic I was examined on (media law), I was extremely interested in and I had more than enough time to revise for. I don't know many people who felt stressed or bogged down with exams at uni in their first year (unless of course they were studying a degree such as medicine)...I guess what I'm trying to say is- don't worry about it! The likelihood is that you will be okay, plus in the majority of courses, your first year doesn't even count anyway!

All in all, I have had one of the best years of my life since starting university. Especially having had a rubbish time at A-level (I highly regret chemistry A-level...we will leave it at that!). I have made friends for life and gathered so much vibrant and interesting knowledge on a subject I love so dearly.

Helpful links:

Student finance:

Maintenance loan info

Tuition fees/general info

Applying for uni:

info on applying through clearing

picking the right course for you

Personal statement help and advice

general application info

(keep in mind this was for people applying to start uni in 2017)

Mental Health & Uni:

General info and guidance