It’s Been 84 Years…

…Or so it feels. I can’t believe it’s only been a year since the terror, pain and agony that was A Level results day. Actually, let me rephrase that: I can’t believe it’s been a year since the terror, pain and agony that was the build up to A Level results day. The day itself was quite enjoyable really, once it got past 7:30. If I remember correctly, UCAS updated about half an hour early last year, so I knew without a doubt that I’d guaranteed a place at my first choice uni, which, of course, was the fabulous University of Leicester. Knowing I was in was enough for me; I wasn’t the least bit nervous to see what was actually in the envelope once I went to pick up my results, because I’d done all I needed to do. I’d got in.

Of course, once the day passes, the initial panic begins to set it. It happens to the best of us. The ‘you’re actually going to university’ thoughts won’t leave your head. You’re scared the jump is going to be too big, you’re scared to leave your friends, you’re scared that you won’t make new friends. And while I can’t personally speak about what it’s like to move away from home (I’ve lived in Leicester my whole life), I can reassure you that everything else will be fine. Everyone has the same fears. Yes, the jump is big, but not so big that you find yourself drowning in a puddle of your own tears because of over-due work. It’s manageable. And once you’ve got the hang of it, things become ever so slightly easier. I can also categorically state that you will make new friends. There’s freshers, there’s your new flatmates, there’s people on your course. People will want to get to know you; there’s not been a moment since I started university that I’ve felt alone. But, of course, stay in contact with your ‘hometown’ friends. You can never have too many friends.

So there we have it – my first blog post. An A Level results day throwback and reassurance about starting university. What more could you ask for?

P.s… Here’s a bonus photo of me on my A Level results day, pulling a terrible face. This photo was printed in my local newspaper. It still haunts me to this day.