It feels like a cliché to say that my university experience has flown by, but it truly has. I can hardly believe that it has been nearly three whole years.
Almost two years ago I wrote an article for Gair Rhydd called ‘A respective account of the fresher’s experience’. I wanted to share the mistakes I made and the lessons that I learnt with the next lot of freshers. Looking back on this article a lot has changed. Most of the clubs I mentioned have since closed, we no longer have to wear masks to go to lectures and I am no longer checking Google Maps every five minutes to work out were I am. However, the biggest change is my overall priorities. I have swapped late nights out for early morning seminars, cook myself healthy meals and have even started running again. I have joined new societies and find myself going to the trainings more than the socials.
I have gone from writing the very occasional article to a News Editor for Gair Rhydd, with plans to do a News Journalism Masters next year. This isn’t to say I have completely changed; I still love a pub trip and can’t wait to drunkenly celebrate the end of exams.
Although I had a mostly wonderful time in first year, I would not want to go back. I did make some of my closest friends, learnt valuable lessons about moving out for the first time and experienced massive personal growth. However, I have come to value not living in first-year accommodation, being constantly hungover and confused about how everything works.
I probably wouldn’t change anything that I wrote in that article, maybe just update some details. My advice to freshers is still to push yourself and meet a variety of people, go to a variety of events and societies, and spend most of the year hungover.
Not every aspect of my three years at university has been perfect, but I am incredibly grateful for the experiences, opportunities, and personal growth it has allowed me.