Life @ UCLan - school leaver
A realistic Guide to life at UCLan - written by students!
Alison Whitfield Sports Journalism , 2nd year, age 19
As a school leaver at university you’ll probably be in the majority. [ Note from TAG - it may seem like it depending on your course but only round 20% of all UCLan students actually fulltime, first degree, school leavers!]
You’ll more than likely be surrounded by thousands of people who have also taken the High school-College-University route just like you! This gives everyone a fantastic opportunity to meet lots of new people who are your age and have a lot in common with you.
However, you’ll also realise that there are hundreds of students at UCLan who perhaps didn’t take that ‘usual’ route. Many people on your course or in your flat may have taken gap years or gone through different routes of education, which will mean they may be older than you but don’t panic or assume that you’ll have nothing in common with these people. I currently live in a house with five other girls, 3 of whom are school leavers and are my age. One of the other girls is a couple of years older and one is a fresher and moved in with us this year, into a house of second year girls! So, I know firsthand that you become great friends with people who aren’t necessarily you own age; but that is what coming to university is all about, meeting different people from different backgrounds with different experiences.
A lot of school leavers may go on to a college or sixth form with a lot of the same people as they were in school with. Therefore, when you come to uni you may possibly have been in the same friendship group for up to seven years! Stepping away from that can be very daunting but you should remember that there are thousands of people in the exact same boat as you. University will give you a fantastic opportunity to step out and meet brand new people from all corners of not only the country, but the world!
UCLan is fantastic for organising activities, clubs and societies for you to get involved with. Don’t be afraid to go try something new or chat to your new friends about their interests. This doesn’t mean you should forget all your old school friends for your new university pals, it’s important to maintain relationships at home but just don’t be scared to meet new people. Remember, when you get to university you are still probably figuring out a lot about yourself so you have a fantastic opportunity to branch out and do and be whatever you like!
The best thing about coming to university straight from school is that you will still be in your learning mind set. University will definitely surprise you though! I went to quite a strict, traditional high school where punishments were given very lightly so when I got to university it was definitely a huge change. University lecturers will not chase you round and come and knock on your classroom door to give you a telling off, they will treat you like and adult because that is what you are now and they will expect you to do the best for yourself and work hard. This will probably be your biggest shock when you come to Uni after school because you probably won’t be used to being left to your own devices but this will develop your study skills and help you use your initiative (hopefully!) This doesn’t mean however that tutors will never bother with you. Your teachers and lecturers at university will be your best contacts and in my experience always make a real effort to help you out whenever you need it, so don’t hesitate to call or email them if needed!!
Note from TAG Team: If you are struggling to met people what not pop down to the SU and see if there is a club or society you might be interested in joining?
