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Bittersweet Symphony: A reflection of three years at uni

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Leeds chapter.

University: the best three years of your life. At least according to every parent who ever went to uni. In my experience, there is no doubt that it has been the best three years of my life so far; emphasis on the ‘so far’! I seriously hope that this isn’t as good as it gets because whilst university has produced so many amazing memories and opportunities, it has certainly taken a mental toll on me too. I think the perception of university being as good as it gets, is what causes so many students to go into an existential crisis and slight depression when they leave.

Uni vs university

One thing I love debating is the clear difference between ‘uni’ and ‘university’. Before studying at degree level, I envisioned university to be all about maturing, studying, and securing independence. Sure, this might be the case for some students, but for the majority, we all seem to be a bunch of immature and confused students. In fact, it is the ‘uni’ element that has made my time here so cherished. For me, ‘uni’ has always been about going out, having fun with friends, being in your overdraft and sleeping in till noon. Getting the actual degree is the ‘university’ side of things, but honestly, the degree is just a bonus in my opinion. 

Easy-going lifestyle

One element of uni that really was a blessing during my time here, was the copious amounts of free time I had (one of the perks of carrying out a less demanding course). Don’t get me wrong, in the assignment season it has felt like I have constantly been at the library but sacking off seminars and lectures has honestly just made me more relaxed as a person. I love keeping busy and having something to do, but I also love being able to do what I want, when I want, and uni facilitated this. I can’t imagine having a 9-5 job, especially if it was the same thing every day. 

Growth

I’m terrified of leaving university for many reasons, but one thing that scares me in particular is moving back home. I associate moving back home with returning to the person I used to be before uni: shy, isolated and a stress-head. I never actually feel like I’ve changed that much in three years until I look back on videos and photos from a few years ago. I remind myself that this is my blossomed personality that cannot just disappear, but the idea of returning to my ‘shell’ is always looming in the back of my mind. 

What to do next?

Ever since I started third year, and even since first year, people love to ask what you plan to do after your degree. I can’t blame them as I would be interested too. However, when you’re faced with never-ending assignments and constantly being asked what you’re doing after uni, I can’t say it’s fun. For the first time in my life, I don’t know where I will be in six months or what I’ll be doing, and this terrifies me. But thinking on the flip side (me trying to be optimistic), it is quite an exciting time. I have endless possibilities to choose from and I am now basically free. Yeah, this isn’t great for my indecisive self, but there is nothing better than having the freedom of choice.

Advice to 18-year-old me

This is incredibly clichĂ© but if I could go back and tell my 18-year-old self one thing, it would be to live in the present. I am notorious for dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, and if uni has taught me one thing, it is that the best memories come from those that you were truly present in. This doesn’t mean not taking photos (I am all for taking photos at every opportunity because I love reflecting), but there is a difference between reflecting and dwelling. I would also strongly encourage myself to say ‘yes’ to more things. Again, some of my best nights out have without a doubt been the ones that I didn’t feel like going on.

Written by: Chloe Hill

Edited by: Eloise Barnes

Hi! I'm a Communication and Media student at the University of Leeds. I love to chat about music, fashion and popular culture!