My First Day at University

So, I am officially a graduand (I have been reliably informed by a veteran that this is what you are if you’re about to receive your degree but have yet to attend your graduation) and I thought what better way to celebrate than regale you with the tale of where it all began, in a student village one fine Saturday.

Our story begins in my front garden (we’ll skip the detail on packing the car, as you can imagine it was a bit of a squeeze because you are essentially packing a sizeable portion of your life into the boot). My Dad wanted to get a photo of me outside our house to commemorate the occasion and so there I was, in a blue shirt and multi-coloured jeans that were intended to look as though they had been splashed with different brightly coloured paints, beaming with excitement.

Roughly two hours later we arrived at Beaumont Hall to pick up my keys. We then unloaded the car and headed straight back out in search of some lunch. Much as I love my parents and brother dearly, when we returned to my room I felt an overwhelming desire to dive into the whole Uni thing head first and for that I needed my nearest and dearest to vacate the premises. Having waved goodbye to my family outside the door to my new home, it hit me. This was for real.

Now if I’m totally honest with you, I headed back up to my room and shut the door for a minute or so to let my new situation sink in a little. After which I headed for the first open door I came across and introduced myself to one of my new housemates. We then made a beeline for the kitchen which was filled to capacity with lots of students who had just arrived. Everyone introduced themselves and soon we were all laughing and making plans for the evening ahead. We decided that the first thing on our to-do list was to head to Asda for some alcohol. Even though we had literally just met we were chatting away as though we’d known each other for years.

That evening, everyone descended upon the corridor where we sat with our drinks and got to know one other. I always remember getting into a discussion about the difference between American and British politics with an American student shortly after we’d exchanged names. This was to be the first of many interesting late night political debates. Later that evening we headed over to the student bar for our first ‘night out’ as a group.

Although the prospect of going to University can be a daunting one, for me the experience was one of being pleasantly surprised by how friendly and kind everyone was and how quickly we all bonded and formed lasting friendships.

I have so many fond memories of my time at the University of Leicester that I will cherish forever. I hope that you enjoy your time here just as much as I have.