I’m in my third year here at Leeds and I can’t believe how fast it has gone! It is particularly significant for me because three years ago I was at another university having the worst time. Now I am 22 and can honestly say Leeds University has been the most amazing three years of my life!
So why is that? I have never met so many people who are on the same wave length as me, who I can just be myself with. Girls who literally take you for who you are and their friendship is effortless. Together we are fun, crazy and really weird, but I wouldn’t change them for the world.
FRIENDS: There are so many things that spring to mind. It’s not just the laugh out loud sitcom that I (and most people!) have the box set of! No, I am talking about the people that make university for me.
The phrase ‘you don’t know what you have got till it’s gone’ is so true! The housemates I live with this year have been there for me through all my years of university as well. From our crazy nights out, to watching Supermarket Sweep on the TV, it is such a fun house to live in! The girls are all so easy-going and everyone looks out for each other, and – like all girls – we love to share the gossip.
I LOVE BJ! No, this is NOT what you are thinking; this is simply my course Broadcast Journalism. At my last university, I would sit in lectures, feeling like the odd one out and only spending time with a few people on my course. I was not involved and I felt like something was missing. I know this because I appreciate my course so much now. As the years have gone by, everyone has become closer and our socials are hard competition for rival degrees!
It makes me feel really sad that this is my last year, and that next September everything will be different. Don’t get me wrong, it is so exciting to think about getting a job, growing up and finally leaving education! BUT, I am certainly going to miss uni life and not getting to see these absolute gems every day! To understand better why I feel this, I am going to sum my amazing friends up for you:
DORA – Simply beautiful inside and out.
GABBY – The sweetest girl with the most amazing laugh and my ‘emotional fluffer’ (New Girl Reference)
FRAN – A crazy girl who is essential for night outs and banter
LISA – Someone who makes me laugh out loud and also our moaning myrtle
ROSE – Always there for cuddles and listens to all my boy dramas
RACHEL B – Bubbly and an absolute babe who has a heart of gold
RACHEL K – A really funny girl who loves a good old bump and grind
This is definitely a recipe for the best friendship group, and I bet your own friends sprung to mind when you read each description!
Now here are my top ten tips for you and your friends for making the most of your third year:
1. Make a list of all the exciting things you want to do before leaving! The other day, we wrote down all the places we wanted to visit before we go. Last year we went to York Dungeons and Eureka and had so much fun!
2. Try out all the classes in the Edge. At the moment I am a spin and yoga addict, it’s great exercise, but great fun with your friends at the same time.
3. Have a girly sleepover. Seriously, go all out and get the sleeping bags, the girly films and a takeaway! You could even get a manicurist to come to the house and then everyone can get their nails done.
4. Experience all the night outs available in Leeds and party hard!
5. Have the most amazing pre-drinks ever! I went on a night out once and the pre-drinks rated better than the night – my friends have the best drinking games.
6. Treat yourself every now and again to a lovely meal out. I recommend Oranaise (Moroccan heaven) and Pickards (tea time treats).
7. Do a ‘Come Dine with Me’. The other week, we got one of our boy mates to cook us a meal and it was a lovely change being cooked for. Just make sure they help with the washing up too!
8. Clothes-swap! Before a night out, mix it up and borrow each others’ outfits. Just make sure you have plenty of time, last time we swapped we really didn’t leave ourselves enough time, which stressed us out and meant predrinks was rushed!
9. Actually do some work! I know you have to make the most of student life, but work hard as well as partying hard so that you will get the degree you deserve.
10. Spend as much time as possible with your friends!!!
So, there is my advice. And a final note to all the people that I have mentioned: I love you all so much and just keep being your crazy selves because uni would not be the same without you! And to all you first years: just enjoy the rest of university and don’t ever take the student life for granted. It will be the best years of your life!
(All images property of the writer)