The End of an Era

On the seventh of June, I had my last ever exam at the University of Leicester. As I put down my pen and raised my hand to leave, I reflected on how quickly the past three years had gone. It feels like only yesterday that I was sat in one of the university’s biggest lecture theatres having an introductory course. How fast time flies when you’re having fun! Not that it’s been all fun; there’s been a lot of hard work, especially as I revised for finals, but overall it’s been a great three years. I thought I’d do a reflective post for my penultimate blog post. So here goes, counting down from the worst to the best…

My Top Five University Memories

5. The Summer Festiball.

On June 23^rd we had the Summer Festiball, the end of year ball where everybody dons their finest suits and dresses and gets together to celebrate the end of the year. I hadn’t been to an end-of-year ball before so I thought I’d better go as it’s my last chance. It was a great night with lots of entertainment to keep us going till 6am, including a set by DJ fresh and a cinema set up in the Square in the Union. It was a nice way to finish my time at Leicester and to say goodbye to a lot of people who I sadly won’t be seeing again. I was exhausted by the time 6am rolled around, but I’m proud to say I made the survivor’s photo!

4. Relaxing in Victoria Park.

I’ve written before about how I feel about Victoria Park. It’s one of the nicest things about Leicester Uni, and that is especially true in good weather. When it (very rarely) got hot and sunny, it was great to head to Victoria Park and chill in the park with good friends and tasty ice creams. I also enjoyed many a tiring run around the perimeter to keep fit; I can’t think of a nicer place to run in Leicester!

John Foster Hall

3. My first year in John Foster.

I had a fantastic time in John Foster Hall in my first year; I have so many wonderful memories, from pre-drinking sessions before heading out to the clubs, to more relaxed evenings watching films with a bunch of friends. Gaining an independence whilst living away from home was a great experience and one I’m so glad I’ve had.

2. My degree.

My course has been many things over the past three years; sometimes interesting, sometimes dull. Sometimes it has made me want to pull out my hair due to stress and the workload. But all in all I’ve really enjoyed my studies and I’m so happy with the course I picked. All of the staff, especially my personal tutor, my dissertation tutor and the office staff have been very kind and helped me get through the three years.

1. My friends.

The thing I’m happiest to come away from Leicester with is not my degree but all of my friends. We’ve had loads of laughs, fun nights out and late nights in the library together. From the people I’ve met in halls to those I’ve met on my course or around University, I’m leaving Uni with a much larger facebook friend list than what I went in with. I’m so thankful for all of them.

I graduate on Friday, so expect my final blog post after that! Until then, hope you have a great week!

~ Joshua