My First Year University Experience: Social Life

So, here is part II of My First Year Experience Series. If you've not read PART I, make sure to give that a read too. I shared my experience with my course and gave lots of information for those thinking about studying English Language at University. This part will be all about the social side of University. The part I'm sure most people care about. I remember watching so many YouTube videos and reading blog posts about uni life. This is going to be a really honest experience post about how I found the social side of being in First Year. So lets get straight into it.


F R E S H E R' S   W E E K

It seems most appropriate to go back to the beginning. FRESHER'S WEEK. Not going to lie, I was super nervous for Fresher's because I'm definitely not built for the party lifestyle. For those of you who don't know, Fresher's Week is basically a week where local clubs and pubs hold events for students starting university. Your Student Union also set up fun events to allow everyone to meet other students and ease into the year. It is typically known as a week full of drinking, but you definitely don't have to drink alcohol to enjoy it.

I drink, but I have to be in the mood for it. I'm not someone who just gets drunk, so I was pretty anxious about the whole thing. In my head I imagined it being like those American movies where the college parties are WILD. If you're also worried about that, don't be. Fresher's week isn't anything like that. Of course people can wild out and do very questionable things, but you're not expected to be one of them. You'll meet other people just like you and you don't have to go out at all. Before uni I had never gone clubbing before, so I didn't know what to make of it. I went clubbing twice out of the whole week and still enjoyed myself. Don't feel like you have to go out every single night, because you really don't have to do that.

There are also events in the day time that don't include alcohol. I went to a Trampoline Park, which was fun and Fresher's Fair is really good to go to. You'll get loads of free stuff and you'll get information about different clubs and companies in the area/university. They usually have stalls with people talking about sexual health, GPs, Takeaways etc.

If you're introverted like I am, and you're a little bit worried about the week, my advice would be to fake it til you make it. Fake the confidence and put yourself out there. The only way you're going to make friends is if you try and talk to people. It's super helpful if you get involved in group-chats beforehand, because you'll be a familiar face. It makes it easier to approach people and be approached. You don't have to change your personality by binge drinking if you never drink, or go out if you know you hate it. Just try to get to know people you wouldn't usually and have conversations.

Unfortunately I'll be missing second year Fresher's because of my holiday but I'm sure I'll hear all about it when I get back.

F R I E N D S H I P S

Making friends is a huge part of University, especially first year. You meet so many people from all corners of the world. University is one big melting pot of people, and you can make some of the best friendships. One thing you learn at University is that there are no restrictions. Being in school, you usually stick to friends around your age and lifestyle, but when you go to University, you'll make friends with different cultures, backgrounds, age etc. I met people doing their masters, which isn't something I expected.

Not going to lie, I really struggled to make solid friendships this year. Of course I met great people but it took me a long time to meet people I really gelled with. Being a Christian, I really wanted to meet other Christians. I went to school and sixth form being one of, if not THE only Christian in my friendship groups and I really wanted that to change at uni. I feel like you need people who have the same belief system as you, to help lift you up and keep you sane. I did meet a few, but nobody I would call when I'm in trouble or ask for advice. I'm definitely going to put myself more out there next year. I didn't join any Christian societies or clubs, so it's my own fault really.

The people I started the year with weren't the people I ended it with and that's OK. I still get on with them, but we didn't stay close. That tends to happen a lot and it's normal. You meet people you get on better with, people form different groups over the year and hang out with new people. Don't expect to be best friends with the girls/boys you spent fresher's with, because you may be disappointed.

I honestly have met some amazing people and I'm so excited to go into second year with them and make new friends too.

C L U B S / S O C I E T I E S

Every University has a range of societies and clubs you can join. If there is one thing you take from this post, it's that you should join at least one. I joined my University Dance Club and loved every minute of it. I met some of the best people and had so much fun. I'm so excited to be a part of the committee from September. I would say it is one of the best ways to build friendships because you get to mix with people from other years as well as your own. Not only wad dance great exercise, but I made some of the funniest memories. My year definitely wouldn't have been as fun without being a part of the club. I loved meeting people from other clubs and societies too. Going to your club events and socials gives you endless opportunities to meet new people.
We had dance classes twice a week, competitions, went on great nights out, movie nights etc. I really hope the 2019/20 freshers enjoy being a part of the Aston Dance Club as much as I did. I loved how inclusive it was. It didn't feel cliquey at all and you don't need to have any dance experience to be a part of it, so if you're thinking about joining in September, DO IT.

N I G H T S   O U T

If clubbing is your thing then Birmingham is definitely going to be a hit for you. I swear every corner of the city centre has clubs and bars full of students. I'm definitely not someone who went out a ton during the year but I did have some fun nights out. I have some really funny memories that I'll never forget.

S T R U G G L E S

I had a few struggles this year. Loneliness at university is REAL and can hit you really hard. Luckily I'm in my own city so I was able to see my friends and go home anytime I felt my mental health being affected. I cannot express enough how important it is to look after your mental health and to speak up if you're struggling. I kept things quiet for months and it wasn't until I told people I wasn't OK that things got slightly easier to handle. People will look out for you if you let them. I remember people saying how lonely you can get at university and I didn't fully understand it until I experienced it myself. It's a weird feeling that is very difficult to explain. You can be around so many people and have loads of friends but still feel alone.

Another struggle I had was anxiety being triggered at some of the most random times. I would get ready for a dance class and have a panic attack, or feel super anxious in the club for no reason at all. It's something I've been dealing with this year that unfortunately has carried on even after first year. I'm learning to nip it in the bud and hopefully things are a lot better in second year.

S E C O N D   Y E A R ?

Next year I want to push myself out of my comfort zone a little more and attend events I didn't this year. There was a church service I wanted to go to but didn't because I didn't know anyone who was going and it made me feel really anxious. I regret not going because I could have made some great friends. It was at the beginning of the year so it would have been the perfect opportunity to meet new people.

I'm excited to teach dance classes next semester. I haven't taught in years and even when I did, they were little kids, so it will be interesting. I've been choreographing here and there this summer to have some routines ready. Hopefully people enjoy learning them.

I'm just excited to make new memories! Now that I know what to expect, I feel like I'll be a lot more confident going into things. Fear of the unknown stopped me doing a lot of things, so hopefully now that I'm aware of some dos and don'ts of uni life, I'll be more open.

Overall I had a really fun year with some fab people. I can't wait to see what's in store for me next.

Thanks for reading,
Have a great day x