For some of the more shy people at university, first year can be all too overwhelming. This was me too!
As an 18 year old that was used to being in the security of my tight knit friendship group, I found it very difficult to get involved with all the activities that uni life had to offer, which is something I at first regretted, but I’ve realised it doesn’t mean I need to still miss out.
In first year I tried a few activities, and none of them really stuck, not for lack of trying but just finding it extremely difficult to make friends without feeling silly.
After trying these things, I gave up, I focussed on my studies, but could not help but think something was missing from me getting the full university experience. An important note to make here is that your university experience should be completely individual to you, never feel guilty about not doing the same things that you see everyone else doing. On that note,, do not let any kind of embarrassment stop you from getting involved with all of the things that you enjoy either.
University is a place where you should be able to find yourself, without having to conform to the norms of where you are from or the friendship group that you grew up with, here you can find what really makes you tick and what you really care about whilst gaining your higher education.
Getting a part-time job for me was vital to my university experience. In first year when I was unemployed I really struggled with money, and the amount of free time I had was becoming a concern. No matter how good your University experience is, the loneliness of being away from home will kick in at some point.
It is extremely important to feel these emotions, however, you cannot let these emotions take over, you need to push through, stay busy and enjoy all the different aspects of university that are available for you.
My part-time job led to me having a lot more spare income so I was not worrying constantly about money, I made friends at my job and managed to keep busy and get some experience all in one.
If you feel getting a job is not for you, then the clubs and societies really are worth the hype they’re given.
As someone who used to play Rugby when they were younger but fell out of love with it, it wasn’t until the start of third year I decided to pick it up again and join Women’s Rugby Union, where I started to fall in love with it all over again.
As long as your university experience is not over, there is still time for you to make it special. I genuinely believe that no matter who you are or what you enjoy, there will be a society for you, especially considering how many are available at the University of Sheffield!
It is never too late for you to start living the University life that you want. Keep persevering, as University has so much more to offer than studying, and whether it’s your first or final year, enjoy every moment of it.
