University is a time in your life where you really do discover who you are and what you want in life. Before I go all philosophical with you guys, let me share a bit about my university experience.
COLLEGE
In 2012, I was at college getting my A-level results at 8 am, praying I’d got into my first choice uni, Salford. When I got my results, I panicked. I needed 3 B’s for Salford, I’d only got 3 C’s. A teacher pulled me aside, helped me to calm down and told me to log onto the UCAS website. I’ve never felt so relieved to see that Salford had accepted me to study Journalism!
MOVING TO SALFORD
For the last weeks of August, I finished my part-time job and bought everything I needed. Move-in day consisted of my mum, dad and I transporting a million boxes from Hull to Salford. My parents stayed in Salford overnight so we could buy any other bits and bobs the following day.
My first night at uni was far from good. I was knackered from travelling all day so wanted an early night. I found that a couple of girls on Facebook lived in the flat opposite but we were all too tired that night to do anything. However, my flatmate decided to have a huge party and made noise all night long. She left the kitchen in a right state and I refused to clean up after someone else’s mess.
HOMESICKNESS
The second night wasn’t much better. My friend from home arrived and we spent the night hanging out in my kitchen with another flatmate and his friends. Then the flatmate invited more people who invited their friends too. Soon enough, there were about 40 people stuffed into my kitchen. I have really bad anxiety around people I don’t know well so I ended up back in my room, crying myself to sleep. I hated feeling like this and knew there was only one option: I had to go home.
The following morning, a tearful Sian rang her dad who took the day off work to come and pick me up. Many people had a huge go at me for not sticking it out. At the end of the day, I left before I’d even registered for my course. Someone could easily have taken my place. I really wanted to study Journalism but knew that if I didn’t leave then, I’d leave at some point anyway.
THE NEXT STEPS
The day after I got home, I weighed up my options. I realised it was either to find a full-time job or to go to my local uni. I rang Hull up and they offered me a place on their Business course straight away.
My point is that if you don’t get into your first choice uni, it’s okay. If you do and you hate it, it’s okay. Over the past few years, I’ve realised that it’s okay to quit if it’s going to make you happier. My university experience has shown me that I’m stronger than I thought I was.
For those of you who think you have to go to uni, you don’t. For most careers, there are other options. If you want to wait to go to uni, then wait. There’s nothing wrong with taking a year out or longer to discover what you really want to achieve in life. Careers don’t have to start in your twenties. Look at how many people change careers later in life! What I’m saying is make sure you do what you want or you won’t be happy. Throughout it all, my university experience taught me that I know myself better than anyone else.
2021 UPDATE
I’m now self-employed and enjoying the best part of my life. University was a struggle for me but it’s given me skills that I still use to this day. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. Although my journey wasn’t linear, it’s unique to me and I’m proud of it. Keep up to date with my career and life by giving me a follow on Instagram (both personal and biz profiles).
