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

A Positive Reflection

Seeing as it's now waaaay over half way through the year (what the hell?), there is no better time to reflect on all the positive and good things that have stuck out from the rest so far. It's so easy to become lost and stuck amongst the negative and bad things that arises for each and every one of us, we almost lose track of all the good and how far we may have come in such a short space of time. It's not all doom and gloom..

January
Welcoming a new year isn't something that I tend to enjoy, and I swear that January this year felt like the longest month ever - or was that just me? That being said, I smashed my January university exams and worked so hard for so long. It truly is the best feeling when your efforts, persistence and patience all come out on top. January also marks the first time I published a blog post, working alongside a brand. How exciting! At the very end of January, my favourite individual came and stayed with me for a couple days at university. It was so lovely to have her down, and to show her all around my second home.

February
I spent a few weekends at home in February and I loved it. Being away from home is something I have never struggled with, not even when I was younger. But there is something so comforting about spending time at home after you've been away for a while. The hard work at uni also continued throughout the month of February, so a little break was very welcomed. I also made the best pancakes for pancake day - yum!

March
SNOW!! We had snow here in the UK and as stressful as it was, it worked out ok in the end. Uni was closed for 3 days... And one of my closest uni friends, who was on placement whilst I was in 3rd year, ventured 8 hours from London to come and see me for the weekend. We braved the snow and had such a lovely time catching up and drinking too much (oops). I also had a reading week in March which meant travelling back home again, and I got to spend some time with my grandparents and my favs from home. I also cut all my hair off in March, something that I was so glad I did. My Dad also came down for a St Patricks Day, we drank Guinness and saw one of his favourite bands, happy days. At the end of the month, I came back home for the Easter holidays.

April
I started the bank holiday weekend in Wiltshire celebrating Rachel's 21st birthday. It was nice to catch up with uni friends we all hadn't seen for a while, and Rachel and I alone drank too much prosecco (not that it's ever a bad thing haha). After 3 weeks of being back home, it was time to go back to uni and start getting my life into order for the last push of my three years studying.

May
May was the most stressful month I have ever had, by far. So SO many deadlines, all of which I met, and I sat my last 2 exams. Uni came to and end in May and it was such a strange feeling. To think something that you've been working towards for three years was finally over, was so bitter sweet. I worked my butt off in May, and I couldn't be prouder of myself for doing so.

June 
The Summer Ball was at the very beginning of June, and Rachel came down and stayed at uni with me for a couple of days. There was no better way of celebrating the end of uni, than the way we did it. So many laughs, so much wine, so much sun and exploring. I was truly on cloud nine. I then travelled home to jet off for a week in New York with my Dad. This trip was my 21st birthday present, but tied in so nicely with the end of university. No better place to celebrate and no one better to go with than my Dad. Towards the end of June, I left my job at uni and came back home to a few job interviews and a new job. June was such a fast paced, but incredible month. One I am not going to forget.

July
And this is where we are all at now. This month I have received my overall degree grade, and my Dad has done the best job with my car, which is now back on the road. I have so many summer plans to look forward too. Just writing this post has made it so clear that there have been so many amazing things that have happened this year so far and we still have the other half to come. However you may be feeling at this moment in time, have a think back to the start of the year, and write down all the things you've overcome and achieved.. trust me, you'll surprise yourself.

What has been your favourite memory of 2018 so far?

Amber X