Reflecting On My First Year At Uni

Well let’s just say that this year has been one for the record books and has been challenging for us all.

In October 2019 I decided to under take a masters degree it was huge decision as I was (and still am) working full time but it was one of the best decisions that I have made.

So a year on and one global pandemic later I am about to start my second year of my course so I thought I would share with you what I have learnt.

Though distance learning is now something that is familiar to us all after recent months for me back in October it was a first. The idea of being able to study at home seemed great but I will I will tell you one thing it’s hard. I found myself distracted at every moment and I would prioritise anything else over my uni work. I found that limiting my distractions really helped and found myself so much more productive if I went out to study rather than be stuck at home. I would reside in my local Starbucks and drink my weight in coffee but I managed to get more work done there than anywhere else.

It’s safe to say that trying to study for a masters, move house, learn to drive, keep up a social life and work full time was a bit too much. I would find myself struggling to juggle everything and I never let anything slip. Going into my second year I vowed to not try and keep everything up and that in the end some things have to give trying to keep myself involved with everything was too much and caused no end of stress.

I feel that ending my year the way I did was difficult, my course stopped dead and we was told that we would be given predicted grades. It caused no end of stress as all I could think about was what if? What if I failed? How would I pay for everything? What if I have to spend another year studying? In the end I passed and I breathed a sigh of relief but one thing I realised was that I was more stressed because I knew I didn’t do my best. I knew that there was a chance that I wouldn’t pass because I hadn’t given my all. So this year I have vowed to do everything in my power to do the best I can do then I will always know that I couldn’t have done any more.

I think honestly my attitude towards my course has changed, my priorities have shifted and I know that I need to really work hard to get through this. I am nervous for what’s to come but more excited as this year is my most interesting. It was certainly an unusual first year but it helped me grow and realise my true potential.

Bring on second year!!!!

S