The first year of university was definitely one of the hardest years I have done. I studied at London College of Fashion doing Fashion Photography and Styling, I'd moved from the north west away from my family and friends, which I admit was so difficult. I found the people there very different to what people are like up north, money was such an issue and I struggled to find a job. I admit, I honestly didn't try that hard the first year because I hated being in London, the course just wasn't for me and as much as it had been my dream since I was around 10, I just didn't want to carry it on. I didn't quit, I carried on till the end of the year, as hard as it was I carried on and finished with a D+ Referral, I wasn't happy about that but I managed to get into a different University.
After changing university and courses I was more than happy with my decision. I met the most amazing people through the university and the course has been so much better for me and my career choice.
If your thinking of heading to uni or even changing here are my tips after experience:
1. Always make sure you apply for the courses your interested in.
2. Think carefully about your choices, you might want to move away from home but sometimes it can get lonely and you just crave being with family or friends from home so sometimes its easier being less than an hour away.
3. If you have your mind set on a career or you know what industry you want to go into, make sure the course you want to study will help you into this and give you the skills to move forward.
4. STAY IN HALLS! Some people don't like the idea but honestly I moved nearly 300 miles away from home to stay in halls with people I had never met or spoken too, although it was difficult for me, it was the better idea because I met some really nice people and it gave me that independence to live alone.
5. When it comes to your second year and it's a choice to move in with friends you've made, always make sure you do it! Its amazing to live with your friends and even better when they're doing the same course as you!
6. Put the effort in, I didn't put any effort into my first year and although it doesn't actually count towards your final grade, it really prepares you for second year which really does count.
7. If you don't like your course after the first couple of weeks, make sure you say something and change! don't be miserable in your course as it could lead to you not attending class and possibly dropping out or even being kicked out which isn't worth it at all.
8. If you want to change university, do it sooner rather than later and make sure it feels right with yourself. I wasn't sure about moving to London at first and I didn't actually put it as my firm choice but then it didn't feel right, I had dreamt of this since I was 10 and I didn't want to give it up, I tried it, didn't like it so i moved closer to my family and the university I chose was so much better for me and my career.
9. Don't be shy and make friends! I was really shy in my first year and I was wrapped up in a relationship which made it difficult to make friends as I was always going back home to see him or he came down to me! Second year I made a few friends which was a lot better and I moved in with them 3rd year and now they're some of my best friends and one is now my world and Im a lot happier being around these people and in the new relationship ( I say new, we've been together 19 months)
10. Relationships are very difficult to maintain throughout university, especially long distance. My previous relationship ended 5 months into my first year which was very difficult and it put me off doing my work, i pretty much threw my first year away because of it so if you are thinking of moving away, make sure your ready to deal with long distance and if you don't think you will, especially with the social life at university, then think twice about relationships. Im not saying break up, just make sure you do whats right for you and your life. However, I moved university and 2 months into being here I got into a relationship and its been the best thing thats happened to me, I maintained my friendship with the ones I made at university and handled having a relationship and were still going strong now.
11. Freshers week! Do not be a bore and sit in, I know nights like that aren't for some people, but the experience is one you will never forget! You make a lot more friends this way through flat parties, house parties, gatherings etc and its a great way to meet new people and get the real university experience!
12. It's not all fun and games - No its not at all, it can get extremely difficult, you could find yourself crying, stressing out, locking yourself away, endless nights in the library and I personally have found it to be some of the most difficult times so far, the second year I was very ill and it did really affect me and my work and my tutor agreed however I put so much effort into my 3rd year and as difficult as it was, Its all worth it in the end.
13. Student Loan - This can be so frustrating! People getting 3x more money than you, not being able to afford rent and even not being able to afford to live but it is difficult and I really feel for people who get nothing, I couldn't afford to live in London and struggled so much as my loan didn't even cover my rent, let alone help me out whilst Im there but my tips are:
- Speak to the University to see what they can do for you
- Sell some of your old things you might not take to university
- Sell your old clothes, an app I recommend is Vinted, you can swap and sell all your old or new clothes
- Speak to the SLC as I did and they told me to fill out another form and from doing that I actually got a lot more.
- Get a job!
- Speak to university about what jobs they offer, even just being an ambassador when its open days pays you.
- Keep your parents sweet - sometimes you might just need their help!
14. Driving @ University - If you drive, depending on where you go, sometimes your car can come in handy whilst you there however petrol, tax, MOT and insurance can sometimes set you back so make sure you know you can afford to run the car whilst you are there. My second year I got a car for my 21st and It was difficult to pay for petrol but I managed it and it really helped when going food shopping with friends!
16. Getting a job - This was my worst enemy, I couldn't get one my first or second year no matter where I applied I just couldn't get a job! so here are my tips on getting one:
- Hand your CV everywhere!
- Always ask if they have positions going when you go out
- Apply for nightclubs and bars, its long hours but its worth the money and the job is pretty fun
- Go to the university and ask them to go through your CV with you, it can really help with you getting a job
- Always be prepared for knock backs and not even hearing anything from them
- If you can, it might be difficult but getting into a position now in the industry you want to be in will help with your future career (i am currently finding this out now and struggling!)
17. If you are questioning university now, don't. The prices are very high and sometimes it can actually cross your mind whether it is worth going but in my honest opinion, after struggling with money, being ill, falling out with family/friends/ex's/boyfriends whatever, its worth every single penny. You get an amazing degree out of it, study a subject you are actually passionate about, meet the most amazing people who will be your friends for life, experience new things, live the life of a real student and even fall in love!
I have had some hard times, but the past 3 years and studying have been the best thing to happen so far and I am super excited to start a career.
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