Being A Uni Student: The Expectation Vs. The Reality

First year student? You’ll be coming to the end of your first semester soon, and you’ve probably by now learned that uni life isn’t exactly how you imagined it…

Not cottoned on? Get ready for some serious revelations.

Expectation: Yay for your student loan! You’re going to have so much extra cash! ***Starts writing a shopping list.***

Reality: Unfortunately, after tuition and food, you probably won’t have much money left for a shopping spree. Once you’ve paid for your rent, food, bills, books and travel you’ll find you don’t have that much left at all!

Expectation: Fresher’s week is going to be the best week of your life!

Reality: You’ll be lucky if you make it through the whole week. By day three you’re knackered and ready for a duvet day or four.

Expectation: Freeeeeeeedom! No more curfews, no one to answer to – this is the life!

Reality: You’ll probably end up going home every other weekend. Freedom is great and all but you still need your mummy.

Expectation: You’re going to be a mature, responsible adult totally winning at life.

Reality: You still feel like you’ve just left school, laugh at childish jokes way too much and call your mum when you need help using the washing machine. This mature adult stuff can wait.

Expectation: Prior to starting uni, you probably bought lots of new clothes. That uni campus is going to be your catwalk.

Reality: You’ll succumb to comfort over fashion sooner than you think.

Expectation: Your purpose in life will become clear and you know how to achieve it.

Reality: Figuring out your life’s calling isn’t as clear-cut as you hoped it would be. You’re still finding out new things about yourself and you’re still learning so much – not just in your studies but personally too.

Expectations: You’re going to join all the societies and definitely go to them.

Reality: You had good intentions but, once your uni work piles up and you’re balancing a social life too, going to Hula-Hoop Soc will prove to be difficult.

Expectation: Distance won’t affect you and your friends still at home. You’ll be besties ’til the end of time.

Reality: Your high school pals are all off doing their own thing and even the ones who haven’t moved away are in a world of their own. You’ll realise fast who’re your true friends are and who aren’t.

Expectation: You’re not going to be a typical student and live off beans on toast and takeaways. You’re going to become a proper little chef. Gordon Ramsey, watch out!

Reality: You tried, you failed and you called Domino’s. Cooking up a storm in the kitchen requires time and effort, neither of which you have to spare. You might go for something easy like tuna pasta bake or jacket potato but that’s about it for now.

The uni experience is full of twists and turns. Whatever happens, your time in tertiary education should be one you never forget! Enjoy!

Haleema Khokhar, also known as Kimi (a college nickname that stuck), is a journalism graduate working in the world of marketing and freelance writing. She loves animals, dance and a strong cup of tea. Check out her website and Twitter at @MyImpression_ you can also check out her personal Twitter at @KimiKhokhar 

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