View Full Version : Starting University
Hey, Is anyone else starting University tomorrow? I am off to Kent tomorrow and everything is packed expect computing stuff. Its scary :Yikes: One of the hard things though is the stuff like deciding what to bring and what you need and of course the good dam paperwork and fees. Which is extremely difficult to sort.
Good luck Damien. I went to Uni late and used a local so I never had to go to the halls. My sister lived in though and she loved it. She too had too much stuff to get into one car.
Sister also went to uni in the glorious times of full grants and she had more money than sense! Be careful with the finances and DO NOT be swayed into getting thousands of credit cards. You will reap the rewards of debt if you do and believe me once you leave uni they are very nasty and insistent on demanding their money.
Have fun and enjoy freshers week.
Sian
Dave Stones
18-09-2005, 17:39
having just served behind the bar at the first freshers night here in birmingham, i can say you will have a lot of fun :) everyone lets their hair down and has a great time in freshers week. check out www.thestudentroom.co.uk for lots of useful advice :)
scrotnig
18-09-2005, 22:42
I'm starting tomorrow as well, part time, as a mature student doing law.
I've somehow got to hold down my normal full time job as well.
I have got no idea how I'm going to manage. It could turn into one of those 'good idea at the time' things. Especially as I have an exam in the third week...if I fail, I'm off the course anyway!
Good luck Damien.
I remember being in the same shoes as you 4 years ago when I started Uni.
Its a big change and at first it can seem daunting but you will see it is a great load of fun. Many people are in the same situation as you and come down not knowing anyone, and wondering how it is going to be for them.
Normally in the first freshers week there are nights where yuo can get to know people down the students union.
When you are living in student accomodation you will make a lot of friends as you will have many neighbours sharing kitchens, inviting you round, etc.
I know what you mean about the form filling. Its a nightmare.
Just make sure that once you get your money, you begin to notice how much you spend a week so that you can budget and allocate a bunch of money for food, transport, etc..... So that you dont end up blowing it all straight away.
Im sure youl enjoy it. Let us know how your first week goes, and have fun :)
atlantis
18-09-2005, 23:50
Very good luck and best wishes to both of you Damien & scrotnig:clap:
I'm sure you'll both do well, don't forget to drop us all a line via forum to see how you're both doing:tu:
sir_drinks_alot
18-09-2005, 23:58
I have only ever been to one University that's the University of life it's teacher The world.! :tu:
atlantis
19-09-2005, 00:03
I have only ever been to one University that's the University of life it's teacher The world.! :tu:
Funny, I'm on that course as well:D
Good luck - make the most of it, enjoy it and be safe!
Everyone will be in the same boat, they will all be feeling nervous. Make sure you take advantage of all the freebies at the Freshers Fayre!
Just enjoy yourself, and look after your new psp.
You will be fine mate :tu:
Jeynesey
19-09-2005, 02:02
make the most of it mate :)
whatever you do, DONT hook up with a girl in your first year. that was literally the only advice i got before i went, i did it anyway and it ended up ruining my first year... id give anything to have that year back!
p.s. congrats on doing a useful course - i did management which was totally pointless! :)
make the most of it mate :)
whatever you do, DONT hook up with a girl in your first year. that was literally the only advice i got before i went, i did it anyway and it ended up ruining my first year... id give anything to have that year back!
p.s. congrats on doing a useful course - i did management which was totally pointless! :)
Ummm? Is there any reason why? :confused:
Jeynesey
19-09-2005, 03:15
mine was kinda an extreme circumstance in that i fell madly in love with a girl who went around the world for 6 months about a month after we met and then cheated on me about 3 weeks after i went all the way to ozz to see her....
but generally, you make all your mates in your first year, who will stay with you for the rest of your time at uni. if youre with a bird, you dont socialise enough and end up with less mates. also, i dont know if youre a looker or not, but you wont get as good a chance to notch up some... well.... notches (on the bedpost) as you will in your first year at uni. even if you arent that successful, its where you do the ground work for your exploits in years 2 and 3. :) make friends with them in year one, let them have their fun with randoms in the first year, then pick them off in years 2 and 3 as you choose... easy peasy, sounds very sleasy! :D
N.B. Im not sleasy at all cos i am (and was) always going out with someone, but i would certainly have liked to take advantage of the opportunities that were there...
Good luck guys, wish i was 40+ years younger i would be joining you, missed out family needed my income, make sure you keep in touch. :tu:
Good luck guys, wish i was 40+ years younger i would be joining you, missed out family needed my income, make sure you keep in touch. :tu:
Same as .. only in my case 38 years younger. ;) I chose Aero Engineering as my career but at 18 decided being an indentured apprentice was too dirty so swapped to Civil Engineering (worst decision of my life).
Although I got a HND in Civils it was VERY technical, failed their Professional exams and have struggled ever since (I don't really click with construction).
I know I could walk a degree in Geography now .. but of course it is way too late. :(
I know I could walk a degree in Geography now .. but of course it is way too late. :(
Nothing is too late. If you really want to do it, you can.
There are plenty of mature students at Uni too these days.
Good luck to all new university students young and old. :tu:
One is NEVER too old to go to university-just too poor possibly.If you really want to do it then please consider it.Mature students usually do better than the younger ones because they have acquired self discipline and their life experiences have given them rather more insight which allows them to come at problems from a different viewpoint. :)
The people I have respect for are those who manage to get a degree whilst working.It takes sooo much discipline. :tu:
How I wish I had been given the chance to go to Uni, sadily family things stopped me.
Have a great time have fun and do well :D
greencreeper
19-09-2005, 18:47
ASDA does large bags of pasta at a reasonable price - my top tip :D Would never stay in Halls though - the noise and mess. Shared kitchens were everyone waits for someone else to clean up :no: I'd crack up.
Good luck!
Nothing is too late. If you really want to do it, you can.
There are plenty of mature students at Uni too these days.
That is certainly true .. and I'm sure I could hack a degree nowadays .. but what I really meant was it's too late at 57 years old to start a new career .. who would employ a career newbie with only max. 10 years work left in them. I mean some are regarded as 'over the hill' at 40 !! :(
Oh and who pays my bills whilst I'm at Uni ?? :erm:
That is certainly true .. and I'm sure I could hack a degree nowadays .. but what I really meant was it's too late at 57 years old to start a new career .. who would employ a career newbie with only max. 10 years work left in them. I mean some are regarded as 'over the hill' at 40 !! :(
Oh and who pays my bills whilst I'm at Uni ?? :erm:
My friend you do it for the pleasure of learning new things.I've heard of OAPs who have gone to university to gain a degree.It gives them something to keep their minds sharp and in good working order.
Don't let the current trend of agism stop you from doing summat you would really like to do.As for the bill paying I believe Senior Citizens can get subsidies for education though don't quote me on it.
My father in law got a phd at 60 yrs old he is now 79 and still works full time My mother in law got a dtmha at the same time and she also still works full time,
Its never to late ;)
My friend you do it for the pleasure of learning new things.I've heard of OAPs who have gone to university to gain a degree.It gives them something to keep their minds sharp and in good working order.
Don't let the current trend of agism stop you from doing summat you would really like to do.As for the bill paying I believe Senior Citizens can get subsidies for education though don't quote me on it.
Oi !!!! I'm not an OAP yet (and even after a 3yr degree wouldn't be) !!! :p:
Oi !!!! I'm not an OAP yet (and even after a 3yr degree wouldn't be) !!! :p:
Depends when you started it surely ;)
Oi !!!! I'm not an OAP yet (and even after a 3yr degree wouldn't be) !!! :p:
Maybe not but something to consider when you reach that time. ;)
scrotnig
20-09-2005, 19:44
I have got to be honest...I already don't think I can do this. :(
I have got to be honest...I already don't think I can do this. :(Your sig says different :D
Chimaera
20-09-2005, 19:52
I have got to be honest...I already don't think I can do this. :(
Course you can!
It's just fear of the unknown that's making you feel like this - just give it a go, at least? You can always change your mind if you decide it really isn't for you, but if you give up now then you will always wonder if you could have done it.
And remember you have everyone on here to help you along - encourage you, assist you - and nag you if you dare to post on here that you haven't done your work! :D
Do it for us! ;)
And remember if you were a complete no-hoper, the uni would never have given you a place anyway!
__________________
Your sig says different :D
:tu: Yeah - take your own advice! ;)
scrotnig
20-09-2005, 20:02
Thing is, this is based on the first two lectures and the reading given so far which apparently we're meant to already have some sort of grasp of.
I might as well be reading Chinese. I have read over and over again, I have spent hours and hours and hours on it, and I just don't get it.
If I don't get it I'm going to have to read stuff that already takes four hours to read, several times. Looking at this week's workload that's going to be about 20-30 hours a week, plus 6 hours in uni, plus essays when they kick in later on...PLUS my full time job as well. That's getting on for 90 hours a week.
I'm not lazy, I'm just not superhuman.
I am not giving up yet, but I have a terrible feeling I'm going to let a lot of people down. :(
Chimaera
20-09-2005, 20:08
Thing is, this is based on the first two lectures and the reading given so far which apparently we're meant to already have some sort of grasp of.
I might as well be reading Chinese. I have read over and over again, I have spent hours and hours and hours on it, and I just don't get it.
If I don't get it I'm going to have to read stuff that already takes four hours to read, several times. Looking at this week's workload that's going to be about 20-30 hours a week, plus 6 hours in uni, plus essays when they kick in later on...PLUS my full time job as well. That's getting on for 90 hours a week.
I'm not lazy, I'm just not superhuman.
I am not giving up yet, but I have a terrible feeling I'm going to let a lot of people down. :(
I'm sure if you ask around your fellow students you will find that you are not the only one who feels this way - they might well be worse. Who knows, you might even find that they offer to study with you (which is what my eldest daugher did when she was at Uni - I still remember the panic stricken state she got herself into). She made some good friends and they supported each other - they all agreed they couldn't have done it without each other.
Just stick with it - easy for me to say I know - but at least then you will know that you have given it your best shot.
Good luck! :hugs:
scrotnig
20-09-2005, 20:28
Thanks you Chimaera.
I certainly won't be giving up at the moment, I need to give it longer, but those sort of studying hours will simply be impossible for me to maintain. Absolutely impossible, and if it needs that much time then it won't even be a debateable point.
The telling time will be the initial exam, which oddly is on the third week of the course in the first week of October. If I fail that I am thrown off anyway. :( And it isn't looking promising because I don't understand anything.
greencreeper
20-09-2005, 22:59
I echo Chimera in the support from your fellow students, scrotnig, but also talk to your tutors and let them know you feel overwhelmed. There may also be tutors trained in helping students through tough times. Bums on seats is good - the Uni will want you there and should make every effort to help you.
scrotnig
21-09-2005, 01:09
I echo Chimera in the support from your fellow students, scrotnig, but also talk to your tutors and let them know you feel overwhelmed. There may also be tutors trained in helping students through tough times. Bums on seats is good - the Uni will want you there and should make every effort to help you.
I may end up doing as you suggest...though at the moment, it's a bit hard to admit you feel overwhelmed after just two lectures!
It seems I thought I was cleverer than I am. I rather got ideas above my station. There's a reason I did not go to university at the 'normal' age....I was not good enough! Nothing's really changed.
__________________
PS I wonder how Damien is getting on? I hope he manages to pop in and let us know!
__________________
Your sig says different :D
Sig duly removed, due to it clearly being absolute rollocks.
Hey scrotty try not to panic.I felt exactly like you my first month.In fact I ended up having the migraine from hell for my first freshers dance.It didn't help that I'd gone as far away from home as I could get..South coast to Durham. :) Homesickness is the pits... :(
Everyone has already given you very good advice so give what they all suggest a go.Be honest with everyone.Voice your doubts out loud to to those in your tutor group and see what happens.I bet there will be HUUUUUGGEE sighs of relief and you will find one or two who will suggest supporting each other.I know it takes courage but by being honest and saying you are floundering will be a great ice breaker with your fellow sufferers in pain.Could be that the tutor(s) is/are aiming matters a little too high from the start and they need to know that they have done so.
Also what is the worst that can happen?Do you think you will be drummed out of uni?I think what will happen is that you may well end up with extra help and someone to talk to when things do get tough plus they will keep an eye on you to see that you are coping.Universities DO have a policy of offering support because it makes for a better learning environment.You are expected to be an adult BUT you are still regarded as being someone who may need help and support.Universities do have to make sure that no one ends up feeling suicidal as it is not good for their reputation if they lose students in this way.Your tutors will care about you as a person and some will become your friends. :)
Just listening to The Wright Stuff and this is just the subject they are talking about..Don't let lack of confidence get you down. :tu:
Hello! Thought I better pop in and say hi.
Its been ok so far, still an adjustment. First night was very noisy and didnt sleep and second night I was woken up by a fire alarm at 8:55am (they test em wednesdays). Still the uni seems ok, although there is a massive lack of things to do other than drinking. The town doesnt seem to have a snooker hall or bowling alley and the cinema is 1) Crap 2) Expensive. We have a on campus one but they only have 1 film a night.
scrotnig I hope you overcome the problems but they expect some people to get overwhelmed early as its the first taster of the course. Its natural for it to be difficult when its all new, I havent started lessons yet but expect to find it difficult at first. I usually dislike the first few weeks of a course (My GNVQ Science which i did on the first year was very difficult up until christmas but then I adjusted and became used to the work. Also my work did better than i expected :).
Stick with it and dont be afraid or ashamed to admit you are finding the start difficult. Eventually you will adjust and it will all be worth it
greencreeper
21-09-2005, 18:32
Fire alarms are a feature of life in Halls - always someone wanting to cook toast at 03:00 am when they're ****ed :D
Started uni myself last sunday, the 18th.
Been out on the pop for the past 7 nights with mates from the halls and had a brilliant time. I'm only about 30 miles away from home which is good to grab food and stuff ;)
Mostly been over the union as stafford doesn't have a brilliant nightlife - it has a few bars and 2 biggish clubs but we havn't properley been out in them yet.
Just having a generally good time :D For some reason im really looking forword to starting lectures as well - think it's because I can now once and for all study the subject I susposadly like ;)
Need to get a job, still OK for money as I can live in my overdraft for a bit until some people pay me back but I will be getting a job asap.
Had a good sleep last night.. managed to get in bed for 3, and slept till 3 today :D
Tezcatlipoca
25-09-2005, 19:26
Hello! Thought I better pop in and say hi.
Its been ok so far, still an adjustment. First night was very noisy and didnt sleep and second night I was woken up by a fire alarm at 8:55am (they test em wednesdays). Still the uni seems ok, although there is a massive lack of things to do other than drinking. The town doesnt seem to have a snooker hall or bowling alley and the cinema is 1) Crap 2) Expensive. We have a on campus one but they only have 1 film a night.
Which college are you in? Did you manage to get an ensuite room in the end?
Ah... fire alarms, lol. I remember them. 8:55am? That's late! Just you wait 'till some drunken muppet decides to set one off at 3am.
You're a student, & you're complaining there's nothing to do other than drinking?! ;)
Yep, the cinema is crap. I'd have thought they'd have improved it in the 6 years since I graduated. Guess not.
I loved the on-campus cinema. They used to some some great films, good current ones plus loads of proper classics.
I think there's a snooker club near one of the stations (East, I think). Don't know if it's any good or not.
Hello!
Thought I would come and do an update since I am in my last week of first term! Unis been great, Doing well in Internet Tech, Programming, and Visual Communcation modules (included is my design if you wanna give me feedback :) ). Doing well enough in maths, but that was never my strongpoint.
Normal Uni fare as well. Made friends, drunk a lot (well not that much since i can take no more than 3 pints). Get woken up by drunken louts at 2am. etc etc
How is everyone who started this year doing?
Which college are you in? Did you manage to get an ensuite room in the end?
Ah... fire alarms, lol. I remember them. 8:55am? That's late! Just you wait 'till some drunken muppet decides to set one off at 3am.
You're a student, & you're complaining there's nothing to do other than drinking?! ;)
Yep, the cinema is crap. I'd have thought they'd have improved it in the 6 years since I graduated. Guess not.
I loved the on-campus cinema. They used to some some great films, good current ones plus loads of proper classics.
I think there's a snooker club near one of the stations (East, I think). Don't know if it's any good or not.
SORRY!!!!!! Did not see this! Please forgive me, was busy first few months.
Which college are you in? Did you manage to get an ensuite room in the end?
Rutherford College. Which one where you in? No, did not get a ensuite but it isnt so bad in the end anyway. Plus I save money this way! :D
Ah... fire alarms, lol. I remember them. 8:55am? That's late! Just you wait 'till some drunken muppet decides to set one off at 3am.
The firealarms go off at 8.55 every wednesday thankfully I have a lecture then so if i hear that I am in trouble! :dunce: Some ppl did set them off early at 2am and at 4am on the same night but i was at home that weekend :disturbd: Excellent! :D
Yep, the cinema is crap. I'd have thought they'd have improved it in the 6 years since I graduated. Guess not.
We go to Ashford Cinema! Much nicer, take the train from Canterbury West :tu:
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