My First Week at University

Moving to university has got to be one of the most nerve wracking things, no matter what age you are. From leaving school and getting qualifications in Beauty and Hairdressing, working full time in a busy salon to leaving all that and all your family, to live in a building with loads of other young people is very scary. No one knows any one, no one knows the area and everyone wants to meet new people and have fun. Drinking and partying are on the cards nearly every day and missing home is one of the hardest things.

Living with my mum was easy, I had most things done for me, there was always food in the fridge and clean clothes to be ready to wear. I never had to think 'hmm.. what shall I cook for tea?' Now I have to think about everything! Running out of clean underwear and socks has already happened and I have only been living away for a week!

I really enjoy the social side, always having someone around to speak to and have different conversations with loads of different people. I have made close relationships with a handful of people in my halls and I spend most of my time with them.

This first week at university has opened my eyes as to what and who matters in my life, living 5 hours away from home makes you realise who really cares about you. My family are very important to me and I miss them all so much, but as an older student at 21, I really enjoy having my own freedom. Learning how to live cheaply, saving money where I can but still being able to live is a real struggle when you are so used to having a regular wage. Drinking out of plastic cups or emptied water bottles is a necessity and purchasing cheap alcohol rather than the usual £20 bottle of vodka is also becoming a regular thing.

Currently sitting in our common room in halls listening to everyone chatter away, hearing planes fly past above and the washing machines through the other room makes me think 'my life has changed so much in a week' Usually on a Sunday I would be at home with my cat watching Netflix or looking after my niece watching Barbie Charm School and dressing up in Princess dresses.

I am so excited to actually get stuck in and start my course, as I have been in the hair and beauty industry for a few years, learning new things and using loads of different products is something I am already adjusted to. But, learning about something I have grown to be so passionate about makes me so excited for the next 3 years I have ahead of me.

Our first week at university was inductions to the course, we had two amazing talks from Illamasqua and Kryolan. Meeting make up artists who started from the bottom and worked up to where they are now, working on TV and film sets really inspires me. I honestly can not wait to get stuck in and learn new skills and techniques.

Hopefully I will keep on top of all my work, party and have the time of my life these next few years.

Wish me luck!