What University Has Taught Me

I have finally done it. University is now over. On the 20th of September, I returned back to uni for my graduation. It was such a special day, full of happiness, excitement of what's to come and honestly, warmth. We were all surrounded by friends and family members who were all so proud of all that we'd achieved whilst studying. It was almost a bubble of smiles and worthiness. It's a day I'm never going to forget, and I'm so happy I got to share it with my favourite people - my Dad, my Nan my Auntie, and of course, all of my course mates. Little me has a degree?! It's such a crazy thought. Dwelling on what has happened over the past three years got me thinking about all that the university experience has taught me. Obviously, everyone's experience is personal and different, that's the way it is. But upon reflection, this is what I believe living away from home, studying and meeting new people has taught me.

Independence
I have always been happy to be by myself and get on with things, but university takes that to the next level. There is no one to rely on but yourself for most things. Even making sure you go to the shops to buy more milk, or making sure you sort out your calendar with dates. Everything is your responsibility. I loved this aspect of the university experience. It genuinely makes you feel like you have your life together, and I definitely prefer having no one else to rely on, except myself. There is so much freedom!

People are Sh*t
Pretty self explanatory really. But it's just life. I have a handful of people that I'm so glad that university gave me the chance to meet, others.. not so much. You're constantly meeting so many new faces, and that's a great experience don't get me wrong. I just wish that I hadn't given certain individuals so many chances, but hey, their true colours arose eventually. It's almost a positive thing that you realise people may not be who you thought they were. Definitely a good learning curve, and an even better validation for what you want out of friendships or even relationships. So I guess meeting some shitty human beings isn't all that bad.

The experience isn't for everyone
On hearing of other peoples university experiences, they always sound like they are having the time of their lives, grabbing so many amazing opportunities and saying yes to each and every event.
Whereas, on the other hand, people don't have such positive memories. I do believe that it is mostly what you make it.

Hard work pays off 
10000% you get back, what you put in. You're not going to get the grades, or success that you wish to achieve if you don't put the time into doing so.

So here's to 3 years hard work, and seeing what the future holds. 

What has your university experience been like? 

Amber X

Saying Goodbye To University

I've finally done it. Three years of studying have officially come to an end. It doesn't feel like it has completely sunk in yet, even though it's been a solid 3 weeks since I sat my last exam. I'm not sure of the point that it will.. maybe when I permanently move in back home, who knows. The second to last post I published here on my blog explained how I was taking a back seat from blogging to get my head down and focus on my last assignments. It's crazy that they're all done now, and all I'm waiting on is results day. No more exams, ever!

I'm not sure how to feel about the end of uni - it's such a mixed bag of emotions. I feel so happy and relieved to be able to say that I put my all into my degree, and I couldn't be more proud of myself for that. It's also the most bizarre yet rewarding reality that I have a degree! But on the other hand, I know that it's going to be so weird moving my things out of my flat for the last time, knowing I'm not going to be returning for another year of study. It's always been the case where I'd be able to enjoy my summer knowing that I'd return to uni in September, it's acted almost as a little comfort. But that's not going to be the case this time round.

The best way I can describe how I feel is that I know it is time to move onto something else. Three years have flown by, this year definitely quicker than the other two. But I'm more than certain how ready I am for a break from education, and to get stuck into something else that will enable me to flourish. 

I've thoroughly enjoyed my course, and have learnt so many new things. I'm looking forward to the next step, what ever that may be I don't know. But things will all fall into place I'm sure. I have well and truly celebrated the end of uni within the last 3 weeks. The Summer Ball was definitely a highlight of my third year. It's always so nice to get dressed up and there was nothing better than celebrating with my favourite people. More recently, I had the most incredible trip to New York (posts to follow hehe). I'm truly on cloud 9 at the moment. 

If you've been to University, how did you celebrate it coming to an end?

Amber X