Uni life so far

Soooo…. after leaving Norwich School, after a roller-coaster 6 years, I started a new chapter in my life, joining university. The week before leaving home, I was visited by family members, who gave me invaluable advice on how to get the best experience possible at university. Getting the pep talk about relationships and girls, from your uncles and aunts is always the most embarrassing thing I swear….

“Remember you’re a Christian boy….!”

“Don’t give into peer pressure.”

“Work hard, play hard.”

The last statement has much relevance, because in the past, I had done too much playing. Nearly, coming to the end of my first year, I would say that I have turned over a new leaf and have found a good balance between work and social life.

First year:

First year has been a blast. I was more scared than I have ever been in joining a new institution, but I can honestly say, it has been the best place in my lifetime to make new friends. I was told that the people that you hang around during freshers, may not be the people you hang out with during your remainder of university. However, this wasn’t the case for me. Many people that I met during the first week, I still speak to and are quite close.

Rugby  (UERFC):

Awesome describes these boys. I remember taking the initiative, going for pre-season, thinking “impress, impress, impress”, worrying about whether I’d be good enough. I can remember being asked by the boys, when I hadn’t even told them my position, “Are you fast?” Due to it being my first year, I had to be modest but honest, so I said “Yeah.” Smiles beamed from faces. The boys there made me feel at home on my first day and since then I always look forward to fixtures, training and of course FED.  I felt this year “persistence” and “perserverance” summed up my first season.  Both the 1^st and 2^nd XV had insane campaigns and I’m glad I was a part of it. I hope next year will be just as good. Tour should be a good experience too….

Final 2nd XV game of the season 

Christian Union

I don’t mess around with my faith. This is the place where I can have a reflection of how I be a better person overall, as well as fellowship. I particularly like going, cos the students can lead worship. It honestly builds my confidence to play and perform live in front of people, because I can sometimes be a shy character.  I went on SENT 2017 (a Christian conference aimed at uni students) with the CU and I came back to campus feeling like a completely different person. I can’t recommend it enough.

I am loving every minute so far.

Finally, I have some advice to freshers, based on my own experience at university so far.

• At freshers’ fair, sign up to everything, because you can try everything out and pick the clubs or societies you fit into the most.
• When you’re at McD’s, USE YOUR NUS CARD. You get free stuff.
• Don’t spend your money all at once, your parents will test you to see if you can budget.
• Learn how to cook, trust me it’s useful and once you can, make for your mates/flatmates, you’ll increase your rep.
• Don’t go out clubbing the day before a test, the temptation is there, but believe me, you will regret it.
• Your degree will feel easier than A-Levels, especially in first year, but don’t become complacent.
• Get all your books for your modules early, don’t wait, unless they’ll all go by the end of your first month.
• Knowing how to dance is a bonus.

Until next time….