York-specific life lessons

Make the most of university

1. Join a society

Now I didn't, and then a horrendous break-up led me to join three at the same time. I joined this old rag, Student Action and my JCRC. Each of these taught me something new. At The Yorker I was the new girl, who knew no-one, and was blissfully unaware about what various acronyms, committees' and Uni officials were and what they did (if only I could say that same thing now...)

At Student Action I went into the YUSU culture, and whilst never fully accepted/immersed (due to my involvement in society number 1) I was however involved in politics, and it made me realise how much people care, and how much work goes on behind the scenes, and is still something I'd recommend (I think).

Thirdly, I sat on a college committee that made me some great friends, but moreover taught me how to deal with a somewhat confused and volatile committee.

2. Enjoy each minute

Now this is a really bleeding annoying piece of advice because you obviously can't. Uni has brought some of my lowest, most stressed moments, but now I look back and even those had a silver lining (sort of).

But, realistically, enjoy each moment you can. One of my ultimate Uni moments was the 6 girls and I sat, watching a film in my halls bedroom (so relatively "cosy") but still. We were happy, we loved it, it was a laugh. Fast forward two years and now we can sit in our front room, in space, with a glass of wine and do the same. I loved each moment, but I value the first more to some extent.

3. Do some work

This is hilarious if you know me, and because of point 1 I didn't always. But looking back it's the thing that I almost regret (although I don't really believe in regrets) and that's not really putting enough into my degree, after all I'll let you off...it's what you're here for!

4. Tell that person that thing

Whatever it is, whether it's that you have a thing for them, whether it's that the way they chew bugs you, whether they should get a bloody grip.

Whatever it is, if you spend any point of your three (or four, or five, or six) years getting annoyed at the above then you'll waste time, and as patronising as this sounds...you haven't got it, before you realise it, it will be Week 8 of your final year and it'll either be too late for a relationship, you won't be able to eat near them or you will no longer talk to them because they're still in love with their ex and you never told them to deal with it.

5. Meet for coffee

One of my closest friends will currently be wetting herself with laughter as I mock her for this on a daily basis. However, if you're milking it rather than doing work, then make yourself work then meet up with someone, get to know them a bit better, have a laugh/cry/whinge (delete as appropriate).

After three years of all-nighters, coming back from home early to sit in the library, this is my best advice, make scheduled breaks, meet for a latte and have a laugh, your degree will thank you.

6. Enjoy York

If you're as lucky (and thus smug) as me you can look back, think "You know what? I had a good time." You always hear people reminiscing about their time at Uni, and whatever you can do in your time here to make you enjoy it, do it.

Whether you've always wanted to be a bell ringer, a lacrosse player or a journalist find a way, you'll get some great CV skills and make some of your best friends. It will be the best thing you'll ever do, it just makes saying goodbye a million times harder...

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