Coming to Nottingham for the first time in September 2021, as a fresher, knowing I’d be here for the next 3 years, I was intimidated and a lot more anxious than I realised. Welcoming a new area, new people, new paths and possibilities, it was overwhelming. But once I started navigating my way, I gained momentum and felt more comfortable with the new.
We were gifted 2 weeks of freshers fun. Though it meant I had to suffer with freshers flu for twice as long, it gave me more time to meet people and come out of my introverted shell, and within the fortnight, I formed my friendships.
I’d developed a routine of seeing friends at dinner and bonding over uncooked pasta (we were in catered halls), and going out regularly, to events from art society, to seeing Mall Grab at Stealth. We explored Beeston and found quieter places around campus to have lunch once the weather got warmer, and even managed to organise a trip to Alton Towers. This was made easier by living on campus as there were always some sales around Portland, activities on the Downs or events hosted by res-x. There was always something to do. Even if it was as simple as watching the Twilight series all squishing onto one person’s bed (I highly recommend this if you live with anyone who’s clueless about the whole series).
I adapted to university life and enjoyed the new freedom that it came with, but it really irked me when I’d have conversations with people who’d finished uni and were now in big adult jobs, and all they’d tell me was that it’s “the best years of your life”. I feel that people gloss over their real experience, it’s become an expectation for it to be the “best” which has become performative in the way people talk about club nights or what they selectively post on social media. Some days, some weeks, are better than others, this is normal. Everyone’s experience is different. For me, it was a bumpy path, but I appreciate how much I grew (though I struggled a lot at the time) and am thankful for the memories I’ve made so far -though I wish I could erase Hawaiian night at Popworld from them.
Throughout the year I debated if University was for me. I felt as though my place here was unworthy because I got in through clearing, and I struggled to decide if it would be better for me to stay or leave. I gave myself time to ensure I was making the right choice, which meant talking it through quite a lot (my mum and boyfriend can vouch for this), but eventually realised that I was in the right place, doing the right course. I just needed time. There’s so much going on during first year, so many variables that are new which makes it difficult to adapt and adjust to everything at once. Take everything at your own pace :)
Some top tips for silly freshers: join societies to meet new people, don’t waste your money on drying your clothes, ask for student discounts everywhere, communication is key and give yourself more than one day to reach your deadlines. Please.