Hospital visits, floods…It’s been an interesting year
Here’s what I learnt during my second year
As the academic year comes to an end, results are in and summer is here! The fear of failing has been replaced by celebrations of success (for most of you I hope) and I’m sure your summer plans are well underway.
It’s been a year full of memories, laughter and lessons. Here are a few things I’ve learnt this year and how you can learn from my mistakes!
Trips to A+E
No time at University is complete without a late night (or early morning) trip to A+E. I’ve had enough trips this year to tell you they definitely create some memories… but trust me when I say that ‘great idea’ at 2am might not be all you dreamed when you’re sitting in a cast wondering where it all went wrong!
Flooding
Torrential rain isn’t normally a problem, in the comfort of your student house. However, when things go wrong, you’ll be hoping you don’t live on the bottom floor… Unlike me!
If you’ve been living in Selly Oak, I’m sure you’ll remember the great flood of May 2018. Bins floating away, water up to registration plates and in my case a new indoor swimming pool for a bedroom.
Now, you might be wondering what the lesson is here as
- You can’t control the weather and
- Someone has to be on the bottom (it might be you).
What I’ve learnt is thank god for Purple Frog and my landlord – absolute saviours! When you’re looking for a house, make sure you go with a good agency who will give you a helping hand when you need it most.
Exams aren’t everything
This is probably one of the most important lessons I’ve learnt this year, and one of the more serious ones. I’ve seen my friends, course mates and even myself stress to the point of illness over exams.
It’s not worth it! Good grades are important, no one is going to deny that. But your mental health, happy memories and the friends you’ve made are what you’ll remember in the years to come.
I will forever and always encourage BALANCE. You know what they say, variety is the spice of life!
Budgeting
Unlike the average student, I love a good spreadsheet to budget all my finances, courtesy of my personal accountant (my dad). I know when money is coming in, from that lovely student loan, and when it’s coming out, from those looming bills.
It’s not something I’ve learnt this year but it is definitely something I would suggest thinking about. If it’s not a spreadsheet, find a way that’s good for you! Budgeting may sound boring but it helps you enjoy so much more in the long-run. I dread to think of the debt I’d be in without dad’s trusty spreadsheet!
Try new things
I’ve always been open-minded and loved to try new things and this year has been no exception. University is an array of different cultures, experiences and opportunities. The best advice I think I could give anyone (not that I’m qualified to give such advice) is to embrace every situation and say yes more!
Windsurfing society? Give it a go! Year in Amsterdam? Definitely a yes from me!! You’re guaranteed to meet lots of new people and have lots of fun.
And so, in sum, this year has been a rollercoaster.
I have learnt a lot from my second year at university. I’m sure you have too, whether it’s your first or last year.
The best thing to do now is learn from the mistakes and strive for success, take every opportunity and live for the now (so philosophical)! Happy holidays!