So... a major change since my last education update. I MADE IT! Here I am typing this post from Royal Holloway University.
Last time I spoke about higher education I mentioned about my indecision between wanting to study fashion or politics and I can now confirm I am doing neither... Instead, I'm a BA Liberal Arts Student. Whilst doing a degree that has so much scope, I am looking to stay fairly centred towards the creative industries although still with the same desire to end up in broadcast journalism.
I've had a few comments asking me to do a first-term university Q&A so I've taken questions from comments and the wonderful Alice Thorpe's video. As always, if you have any further questions please do let me know in the comments and I'll be more than happy to answer them.
1) Where do you study?
As I mentioned in the intro, I study at Royal Holloway, University of London. Despite the name, we are actually based in Surrey, which is perfect. Egham is a quiet town with great transport links to surrounding areas such as Central London, Staines and Windsor.
2) What are you studying?
Likewise mentioned in the intro, I am studying BA Liberal Arts with Italian. A language is compulsory for the first year but after that it becomes optional. I'm hoping to stick with Italian so I can focus on a year abroad in Milan, preferably working within the Fashion Industry. For those that don't know Liberal Arts means the freedom of humanities, I have core modules but aside those I can choose more specific modules from a range of other departments and degree programmes. When it comes to selecting a degree programme you do have to put a lot of thought into it, ask yourself the following questions; What are your career aspirations? Do you have any specific areas of interest?
For me when I started attending university open-days I looked at; Politics and International Relations, Fashion Journalism, Multimedia Journalism, Fashion and Beauty Marketing. These were all my areas of interest and had strong links to a potential career path.
3) Do you live at home or at uni?
I am based within halls accommodation for my first year, Holloway has a great variety of accommodations depending on what you're looking for. With my experience of going to open days, Holloway had by far the best accommodation in terms of, appearance, facilities and general maintenance. Whilst the price may be slightly off-putting, it is campus-based the UK's safest university, never once have I felt unsafe here. I must also say that I've met so many blog readers since moving here, it's so funny seeing people around campus that say they've read my blog.
4) How old are you?
I am 18 so I came into university straight from a-levels. Although there are plenty of people who take a gap year and say it's the best decision they made, I felt like I was ready to start uni. When you first move in you will meet a range of people, for example, some of my friends in my year are almost two years older than me, you really don't realise the age gap. I did feel young starting here because I'd only turned 18 two weeks previous to me moving, but once again I felt I was ready to make the step.
5) What are your three university essentials?
I found this such an interesting question and if I'm honest I found it tricky to pin down three. However, given the number of clothes I have and the little storage in my room, I decided to bring a rail with me. This has now become more than just a storage device, I use it as a feature in my room, placing some of my favourite seasonal pieces on it. Secondly, as small and insignificant it may sound... I adore my dishmatic sponge with handle. Sharing a kitchen with strangers can be a little (or a lot) grim at times so having to touch items in the sink is just not ideal so this sponge gives me so much pleasure. Lastly, for Christmas, I asked for a goodie jar to keep on my desk with motivating snacks for when I'm working. Mumma pulled through and got me the cutest retro-looking jar filled with my favourite chocolates.
6) Have you ever done an all-nighter to finish work?
As some of you may know, I'm a bit of a workaholic nerd so whenever I get set an assignment I get started on it straight away so I've never pulled an all-nighter to meet a deadline. However, I have worked till about 2:30am when I've been full of good ideas. You have to find a method that works for you and for a lot of people the pressure of an impending deadline is great motivation however I don't function like that. I like to be in control of my deadlines and are often seen with weekly and daily schedules on my desk.
7) What is your favourite memory so far?
It's so difficult to pin down one moment because in most cases the expectation is for you to say freshers week, and whilst it was enjoyable you're only really finding your feet and your friends. I was lucky enough to meet the majority of my friends in freshers week, but the best memories have been made since then. It's not always the big nights out where you make the most memories either, its the little things. For example, bake-off finale night when we made ice cream cookie sandwiches, or when me and Delilah blast Sam Fender and dance around the kitchen with tongs.
8) What is one piece of advice you have for someone starting university?
Take advantage of every social opportunity. Be open to meeting new people. University is a perfect excuse for a fresh start, whether you've had issues with friendship groups at sixth form or are nervous about meeting new people, remember that everyone is in the same position and with so many people starting or already at your institution you will find someone you click with. I hear of so many people letting past friendships or homesickness stop them from going out and meeting new people. It's okay if you're not a fan of the nightlife, most universities will offer daytime activities. For us, our campus had a mobile petting farm come to our student union. But whatever you take from this blog post, make sure it's me encouraging you to make the most of all your experiences at uni, whether it's making friends or throwing yourself into your course - it'll be worth it in the end.
9) Is there anything you worried about for no reason?
Like I've previously mentioned, the thought of 'fitting in' is always daunting especially when you're going from living in a family home to a completely new area. Although I must say I wasn't overly nervous about moving in or meeting new people because I would consider myself to be quite chatty and outgoing. The biggest thing that had me worried was how my Mum was going to cope, for those of you that have been around a while or have met me at events you know exactly what I mean. All you Carrie lovers out there, we still facetime twice a day but life at home just isn't as funny without me, you all say she's the funny one but deep down we all know it's me.
10) Is it true when people say university is easier than a-levels?
For me yes. As you know I studied; Business, Politics, Psychology and English literature so fairly intense subjects but I do find my degree a lot easier. When it comes to assignments you have so much more freedom to write about things you're passionate about so in most cases they are more enjoyable to write. It really does vary between degrees though.
That's it for the questions, the answers may change slightly as I go through my degree but from the perspective of first term, this is exactly how I feel. I'm looking forward to starting my second term and really get stuck into my new modules and assignments. If you have any other questions please do let me know and I'll get back to you.
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