Anxiety, excitement and pride were emotions that I felt during the weeks leading up to my big move to university. I was excited at the idea of leaving an area of familiarity and starting my next academic journey in a completely new town. Yet even in the face of my excitement I was anxious, I had questions that made me nervous running through my mind, questions such as: What if I don’t make friends? What if I have flatmates from hell? What if I can’t effectively balance my social life and my academic life? But even with these questions, the satisfaction I felt when I arrived at the University of Warwick to undertake an undergraduate degree in Law and Sociology calmed my nerves reducing any form of anxiety I had.
On my arrival, I felt a rush of pride at myself for being able to achieve the goals I had set myself, because of this I have to say going to university is one of the most rewarding things one can ever experience. I was also very glad that I brought my younger sister along with me, to inspire her and show her that hard-work truly does pay off in the long run.
Once my parents and siblings had left me at what I will call home for the next four years, I immediately headed out to the Fresher’s Fair that was being held. Not only did I get a free slice of pizza but also met many students from the year above me. On my second day of being at the University I was able to meet my fellow colleagues, for some it was merely putting a name to a face as I had joined a few group chats over summer. Through the week we organised socials and also attended fresher’s events together.
Apart from university adding to my social life, it also tested and developed skills I was equipped with by The Access Project. My week one timetable was full with morning lectures that weren’t necessarily relevant to the course and were easily avoided. Having developed the skill of commitment through attending weekly tutorials with more than one tutor, however, attending the lectures was not so difficult. The communication skills developed from being on The Access Project also did not go to waste as after my first lecture I made sure to introduce myself to my lecturer. This was something I was advised to do and I would also advise other to do, even if it is just a, “Hello, my name is”, this way you have introduced yourself much earlier on in your course. Knowing your lecturer makes assistance much more accessible and so it was reassuring to make this connection.
I would like to advise anyone coming after me or in the same position as me to make the most of every experience and opportunity that you’re given, you never know it could be the final push to achieving what you’ve been working so hard for.
Abibat, The Access Project Alumna
Source: tap orig