So, here it is. The final part in my little series contemplating and ranting about the various things I've learned during my time here at the University of York. I had thought about writing a few other entries in this little series, but 1) I'm too lazy and 2) I think that might be a little OTT. So I'll just put a bit about the stuff I thought about writing into this one (big-ish) entry.
One thing I learned at Uni is that I wish I'd gotten a little more involved. In societies and things. I mean sure, I went to a few society nights out and stuff and took part in Aerobics sometimes. I helped out a little and took part in RAG events. But I still don't think I got involved enough. Before I went to Uni and in my first weeks, I had all these plans to go to loads of different societies - things like zumba, photography, creative writing, join the Orchestra or a wind/ceilidh band - maybe take up a new language (like Japanese which I'm so eager to learn) or do something a bit different and exciting. But in the end, I didn't. Probably because I was too afraid to go on my own. If one of the people on my floor had said they were going to go I probably would've, but no one did and I chickened out. But looking back now, I really wish I had gone.
Another reason I didn't really get involved in societies too much though, is because I had a part-time job. Before I went to University, I was already working part-time in a pub back home in Newcastle, and through that I knew the manager (at the time) in a pub here in York, and so as soon as I learned I was definately going to York I asked her for a job and got one. So I had that from the beginning. During my 6th form I sometimes had issues balancing my job and my school work and responsibilities, and I was aware that I didn't want that to happen at Uni, so I was careful not to take on too much. Uni work took priority, and then my job, and so after that I was wary of getting too involved in societies that would consume too much of my time. Looking part, I could have gotten involved, and I do regret that I thought I couldn't handle it.
At the same time, not having too much societal commitment and having my job instead has been great. I mean, for starters, money at uni has gotten increasingly tight, and so my job has let me do little things like eat food and pay bills which is always a plus. But at the same time, I've made so many amazing friends through work and had so many amazing nights out and done great things and I don't regret a second of that. I love all the people I've worked with, and now that I'm finished there and moving back home I know I'm going to miss them all so much. We went out for my Leaving Do a few nights ago, and it was lovely. The perfect night just having fun with everyone and a great way to say goodbye without it being too sad - I'll admit I did cry at the end when I left but I was quite drunk and I blame everyone else for setting me off... ahem ;) But I am going to come back and visit them all a lot, and we've said they'll invite me to stuff and I can stay at one of theirs and there are plans for them to come visit me in Newcastle too.
I've also had loads of fun with my friends that hasn't been restricted by societal commitments. We've had loads of coffee hangouts and nights out and just chilling watching DVDs at one persons house or another. I've particularly had a good time just hanging out and messing around with my housemates, and one in particular who I've lived with for the last 2 years and we kinda lived together (in the same block but different floors) in first year. We've just had a great time and I'm gonna miss them all loads as well.
What else have I learned? I do not travel light, as my parents and housemates will all attest to. I bring a lot with my to uni and I bring as much as humanly possible back and forth with my during the holidays. Far more than I really need to, I'll admit, but I just can't seem to leave stuff behind anywhere - what if I need or want something in particular!? Yeah, I'm terrible at travelling light. Thank god for my parents and their willingness to drive me to and from uni at the beginning and end of every term.
My time management is generally quite rubbish, but if I put my mind to it I can get it under control.
I'm terrible at saving money. As soon as I have an excess of money I spend it on clothes/books/games/DVDs/useless crap. It's something I really need to improve upon. If I had done earlier then I might have actually been able to go on holiday in the last few years or just not worry so much about money.
The best hangover cures are lots of water and greasy food - preferably chips. Chips are a wonderful hangover food cure. Dunno what it is, but greasy food like that always works to cure a hangover. Water is the best thing (and a paracetamol) for hangovers, as you're often mostly dehydrated. A shower works wonders too, and just getting out and getting on with the day and getting some fresh air. Wotsits are also amazing for making you feel better if you feel sick. Tried and tested student cure that I'll swear by to anyone.
I'm not as bad a cook as I think I am. Yes, I'm not great by any means, but I can actually cook edible things. A shock, I know.
I'm actually more religious than I thought I was. Well, to be fair, Uni hasn't really taught me this, it's more family stuff that has happened whilst I've been at uni that's made me realise this, but whatever. At the end of my first term, my great-grandmother died, and I loved her and was really sad, but at the same time, I didn't actually see her that often. But then, about 15 months or so ago, my Nan died. I loved her so much and saw her fairly frequently and she was always asking about me and everything. I was absolutely devastated and I still miss her so much. But I've realised since she's passed that I'm a bit more religious than I thought I was. I had my Holy Communion when I was about 8, and my family went to church in the lead up to that but haven't been since (not counting Christenings and funerals and such) and I never thought of myself as a religious person. I'm not even really sure what my religious views are. Technically I'm a Roman Catholic, but I don't really believe in everything about Catholicism or follow all it's teachings. But I've realised that I do think there is a God or something up 'there', or at least I hope I do. I saw another family on a street near to mine preparing for a funeral this afternoon which reminded me of this, and I subconsciously crossed myself as we went past. I'm not very religious, but I think I do think there is some kind of God and I find myself comforted by praying when I'm upset or worried. I pray that he looks after my Nan and Grandad and other relatives in heaven. I still miss my Nan terribly and wish she was still here to see me graduate, but I know she would be proud of me.
To appreciate my parents. I've always loved them and got on with them, but strangely being away at University has made us closer. I feel I can talk to my parents about anything now really, and we're a lot closer. We've emailed each other every week I'm away at Uni, but they still frequently text me during the week as well, and we have a good laugh whenever I'm home as well. I still text my mum for advice with cooking, house stuff and just general advice. I dunno what I'd do without her. I love my parents, and I appreciate them all the more now for everything they have done for me in the past and continue to do for me.
I'm pretty sure that I've learned a lot more at University than the stuff listed here. University has taught me so much about myself and the world, and I've loved every second of it. I'm going to cherish all my memories of my time here. I know I've made so many lifelong friends (or good friends at least - I hope they're lifelong ones!). As I graduate tomorrow, I'm reminded of the following Baz Luhrmann song, and I'll end this with that song.
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