First the worst, second the best, third the one where you’re all depressed...
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The best years of your life… That is what many people will call their time at university. Are they right? These years vary greatly from each other, from the newly found freedom that comes with being a fresher, to the stress that comes with the increasing academic pressure in your final year. But in between them you have second year - the blissful middle ground.
Starting university is an exciting time in your life. For many, first year comes with a newfound sense of freedom; moving into university halls away from home in a big new city, meeting your flatmates for the first time and going out for freshers are all key bonding experiences. Freshers is famous for intense partying, and you’ll be spending many nights in Ministry and Scala. What people do not tell you about first year however, is how different it is from Secondary school, and how difficult it can be to adapt. Whilst exciting, starting university can also feel strange. Suddenly you are surrounded by new people, and although the academic pressure is comparatively low in first year, it is still difficult to adapt to new teaching styles and topics. All in all, the expectations you have of first year may be completely different to your actual experience. whilst it won’t be all bad, you may at first struggle to find your footing.
Third year is the complete opposite to first. By then you will have settled into your new home and the imposter syndrome will hopefully have faded. You know enough people, have established solid friendships, and you’re finally on course to graduate. But the pressure of third year is far higher. Third year counts for the largest percentage of your grade, so it is time to take things seriously. This is not to say that you can’t enjoy yourself and have a social life, but you will have to get accustomed to time management - something I am sure every student has come to learn.
Second year is the perfect balance. Finding housemates and moving into a new flat can seem stressful, but after the initial stress, everything will feel like it has fallen into place. Additionally, you quickly adapt to the teaching structure of university and begin to feel more confident in lectures and seminars. Whilst certainly more intense than first year, the pressure of second year does not come close to that of third year, which allows you to enjoy a social life with your newfound friends, experiment with new societies and clubs, whilst staying on track with your studies. It is the perfect mix of everything university has to offer.
However, everyone’s university experience is unique. You may have hated second year, loved your third year, and wish to go back to first year, but it is important to realise that whilst you may struggle to adapt at first, you will find your footing, your people, and before you know it you will be graduating. So make sure to take in every little moment and do your best to make the most out of your experience.