University myth: debunked
When I started university, I genuinely believed most of my time would be spent in lecture rooms, studying 24/7 and struggling to stay awake. But the reality is that university is an entire range of experiences and opportunities that shape you as a person just as much as your degree does.
More than just studying
Whilst lectures, studying and assignments do take up time; my student experience has been so much more than what is in a textbook. I’ve learned how to balance independence with responsibility, how to put myself out there and to learn who I am outside of studying and where I want to go in the future. I never expected university to change who I was and provide me with the life lessons it has, and I think whilst part of that has come from studying it also comes from navigating a new chapter of life with new people.
The perks of student life
If we are being honest, being a student comes with perks purely based off the ‘student’ label…
- Discounts Everywhere: Student discount is a saviour! Most places ranging from clothes, food, software, will offer a generous student discount. The tiny student ID card will become your best friend when it comes to saving money.
- Flexible schedules: If your degree is anything like mine, with 9 contact hours a week, it allows me to build a routine that works for me and my lifestyle.
Supports services that actually make an impact
Figuring out what you want to do post-graduation is a fear that resonates with a lot of students but isn’t spoken about that much. The university has a Student Futures department, in which they have career coaches that are available Monday-Friday. There are multiple support services that help students both during their studies and in preparation for after their studies. When personally using these services, I left feeling more confident and less overwhelmed during stressful aspects of university.
Opportunities that open doors
Uni has opened doors I never expected. I’ve taken on placements that gave me a real insight into the industry and joined workshops that helped me build confidence and practical skills. Each opportunity has pushed me forward, helped me grow and made my degree feel connected to the real world as opposed to being stuck in a classroom with no experience.
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