It is that time of year again where people are off to uni and it is often a very stressful time. I guess this post is aimed at anybody who may be feeling anxious or confused about the whole experience.
This was the best way I could think of to get it across to an audience which may be affected by it in the next few weeks or years.
This year I finished my degree after three years of what resulted in feeling sad, tired and inadequate and often buckets of tears and I really think I should perhaps have listened to the advice I'm about to give.
Most people have such a fantastic time when they go to university and learn so much not only about their chosen subject but about themselves too and for that reason the purpose of this post isn't to put people off going to uni AT ALL, it's to reassure anybody out there who is confused or unsure if it's what they really want.
Firstly, there's no rush. It's a massive decision to make so take your time. If it's what you really want then you go for it and live the dream, but if it's something you're anything less than 100% sure about then give it some time, if you then decide it is for you then you'll still want to do it in a years time.
Next, you might be thinking 'but all my friends are going now' but seriously so what if they are? Nobody will think any less of you if you don't rush off to pick out a cheap kettle and bed sheets for your new digs (if they do then they need evaluate themselves as people) you might feel a little left out to start with but when you stick a whopping £30,000 price tag to 'fit in' I know what I would rather.
Some people have in their heads 100% set in stone what they want from life and where they are heading and for those lucky, lucky few (and it is only a small few) uni will be an easy option, but for everybody else? Don't worry.
The last few years of education can be a confusing time with SO many choices and decisions required but remember that nobody expects you to know indefinitely what you want to do. The ages of 14-18 are hard enough without being pressured into deciding what you want to assign yourself to for the rest of your life.
Thirdly, like me, you may not feel ready to leave home in which case why not find a uni that is in your home town or nearby and easy accessible with a short commute? It would not only ensure you would be happier in the long run but it would also save you a whole heap of money. Besides, who doesn't want to be in their happy place?
Lastly, if somebody close to you is set on university, like a best friend or boyfriend/girlfriend, and they are excited about their upcoming journey it is very hard to show enthusiasm. I get that, it really is hard. BUT that partner or best friend will still be there after the three years if they value your relationship as much as you do and if things don't work out then you can see them for who they really are. People that matter will ALWAYS only be on the other end of the phone or a Skype call away.
The first question you should ask yourself is 'Do I really want to go?' if the answer is 'yes' then answer 'Do I really need to go?' if yes is your answer to both then off you go,you will probably have a ball!
However, if you answered 'no' to either, particularly to the first question then please, for your own sanity and happiness, don't.
If you don't 100% want to then you won't get what you're expecting out of it. This is the mistake I made. I rushed through clearing thinking that if I could get on a course all my troubles would disappear and I would feel better about everything. Needless to say, I didn't.
Like I said, I don't want anybody to think that I'm trying to dissuade anybody from going to uni because I'm not. Looking back now I did have some good times and I met people who would not have entered my life otherwise. I just wanted to offer a bit of advice to anybody who may be confronted with the same things I was a few years back. Just don't leap into something you don't really want because you will have to pay for it and nobody wants to pay for something that they didn't want, right? Right.
Oh, and my close person who went to uni? He's very much still my close person <3 which is just proof that if you want something enough it will all work out. :)
(sorry, not sorry for soppy bit)
If you ever feel unsure or anxious about life then give this a listen, every word is true.
It's called Everybody Is Free To Wear Sunscreen by Baz Lurhmann.
This has got a bit long now, so sorry about that, but if it helps one person then it's totally worth it.
See you soon with some of the stuff I've been loving recently :)
Ciao!
xx
