So you’ve got past the ‘Fresh’ stage of first year and you’re now an official member of the University of Nottingham. BUT there are some mistakes you’re bound to have either made already, or will do pretty soon. Here is the comprehensive list of 14 mistakes that all Freshers will make; second, third and fourth years – you can relate.
1. Forgetting the essentials
You’re all settled into uni now, but damn, you’ve left that essential shirt/skirt/dress behind at home. You can always visit home during your reading week (N.B. not meant for first year study), or you can blackmail your parents to send it up (with a care-package full of chocolate too!).
2. Packing waaaaay too much
Alternatively, you’ve gone to the opposite extreme and packed the ENTIRE HOUSE (including the kitchen sink). Not to worry, just hire a removal van…or five.
3. Setting off the fire alarm in halls
There’s no doubt you’ve probably experienced this or maybe even caused it? Yeah you came in drunk from Crisis and you really wanted that pizza. Sainsbury’s Basics at 4am is. the. one.
4. Signing up to every single society. Ever.
You got a bit too big for your boots at the Fresher’s Fair and are now a member of the Quidditch, Ice-Skating and Chess societies, and for some reason the Chemistry Society, when you study History. Why not go along to these sessions anyway? You never know, you might find your niche!
5. Racking up a huge overdraft
So you’ve never had the responsibility of a student loan. Well, I can vouch as a third (and final!) year that this problem does not get any easier. In fact, it might even be getting worse. Better start counting those pennies Freshers!
6. You mix whites and darks in your first wash
Yep, we all know the painstaking expense of hall washing machines and the ridiculous amount they charge to do a simple eco wash. Don’t think that you’re cutting corners by washing white and darks together though, it won’t turn out well.
7. Wasting time studying when you should be living in Ocean
When students say that first year doesn’t count they really mean it- it doesn’t count. Aim high (and by high I mean 40%) and you’ll have the year of your life.
8. Kissing the person who is on all of your modules
This is a recipe for disaster. It may seem like a good idea to drunk you but when hungover you has to face this person at 9am in a lecture, you won’t have anyone to blame but yourself.
This one applies to all years. Trust me, from personal experience, never – and I repeat NEVER – go shopping on an empty stomach. You get back to your hall/house/flat and you’re the proud owner of half of Tesco.
10. Trying to re-invent yourself
When you go to uni, be yourself! Otherwise you’ll get to week five, become lazy and revert to your old ways, only to discover that you have no real friends.
11. Buying ALL of the suggested reading for your course
If the reading is suggested, don’t do it. Heck, you don’t even need to do the core reading for first year.
12. Not signing up to the doctor’s surgery in Fresher’s week
This sounds like such a faff but before you know it, your diet of vodka, pot noodles and potatoes will throw you into the nightmare that is Fresher’s flu.
13. Getting a house for second year with people that you’ve known for approximately 5 minutesSo you’re being really eager and have decided to get a house in November with people that you’ve known for no time at all. Just watch as the year progresses and every little annoying habit they have grates on you. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
14. Leaving the references for your essay until 5 minutes before the deadline
DO YOUR REFERENCES BEFORE THE DEADLINE. Just saying.
Edited by Lucy Jackman
Sources:
http://www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/societies/find-a-society/
http://www.kic.org.uk/pathways/blog/university-myths/
http://www.24informations.com/students-dont-let-stress-overcome-studies/
http://www.savethestudent.org/save-money/health/freshers-flu.html
http://conversation.which.co.uk/home-energy/washing-glass-door-danger-broken-exploding-beko-miele/