I Play Stuff

Your high school life is finally at an end and now you get to go out there and… Wait, what? More education? You crazy? Well, at least you can get drunk this time around.

In all seriousness, it’s a good thing you’ve decided to continue with education; I applaud you.

Before I continue, let me clarify something. I am not exactly a university success story, by which I mean I’m in the same place now I could have been if I didn’t go to University in the first instance. Let me tell you something though, the experience of going through uni was invaluable to me. I grew, I changed, the audience wept at the dramatic conclusion as a really old guy tapped me on the head with an old bunnet. After it all, I felt wise. Take a look at this picture and describe the guy in one word.

Wise, right? I mean, look at that jawline.

The lessons I learned and remember from my university course can actually be counted on one hand. However, I came away from the experience richer (mentally richer, not wealthier) and I learned a lot about my self. It’s a cliché, yes, but it’s true… Also, I learned a bunch of crap I wish someone told me before I went. I impart this knowlege to you now, school leaver. For FREE! … And in list form, no less.

Lesson The First - Don’t sweat it.

What they don’t tell you is the first year of university is often really easy. Show up, pay attention and you’ll be fine. Also, if you get the gut feeling you’ve made the wrong choice; that’s okay. Speak to your campus student services. The sooner the better.

Lesson The Second - Join a society.

Heck, join a bunch. It’s a great way to broaden your social circle. I would suggest you join one a bit more productive than the Alcohol Appreciation Society. I don’t know what uni you’re going to but they’ll have one.

Lesson The Third - Move away from home…

Even if you’re staying in your home town - move out. It’s the only way things are going to get epic.

Lesson The Fourth - … into halls of residence.

Your uni’s halls of residence are probably going to be squalid and over priced. It’s where I had my most fun. I would tell you all about it but it would take too long. It’s sufficient to say there was pranks and scandal.

Lesson The Fifth - Shop smart.

Buy the books you need, because your library will be understocked. Furthermore, keep an eye on notice boards, people from last year will be selling their books, so buy second hand asap. When you move on, sell them to someone in the year below. It’s like the circle of life, or something.

Ask everywhere if they do student discount - shop in those places. That said, don’t blow your grant/loan on cool stuff as soon as you get it in. Try not to get into a situation where you’re living on 10p noodles. It might not be cool to suggest you keep a budget but, trust me, you don’t want to live off 10p noodles.

There are some things you don’t want to skimp on. Two of which are bin bags and loo roll. Never, ever buy cheap bin bags or loo roll. Ever.

Well, that’s all I can think of at the moment. Anything you want to ask I have that ask me button over there. Click it.