Confessions of a University Student - Itunu Para-Mallam (05/06/2015)

You probably had preconceptions of this blog post before you even clicked the link. You had your own idea of what it was going to be about, and the title pretty much gives it away. But believe me, I wasn’t playing; there WILL be embarrassing, friendship, weed, sexual, academic, and spiritual confessions listed at the bottom of this post. These confessions are from university students across the UK, and don’t worry, they’re all anonymous. But in the same way you had preconceptions of this post, I had my presumptions of university before I started. In many ways it was exactly what I thought it would be, but in more ways than not, it was the complete opposite.

For those of you who haven’t been to university yet, I’m about to tell you the truth about university and fill you in on some of the things that you were never told to prepare for; that’s right… I’ve got you. For those of you who are in university, you know this post is probably even going to sugar coat the truth; I mean I don’t need to air ALL our dirty laundry. And for those of you who have graduated, university was just the beginning, a walk in the park, a bubble; nothing like the real world.

So this is the part where I tell you the truth about university. Now, realistically, I don’t actually know the whole truth about it, because I’ve only just finished my first year and my experience is probably completely different to the millions of other students that go to university. 

Before I started, my presumption of university alongside the several words of advice from my older friends led me to believe that having a guy in university was essential. Puberty had finally hit, and my ugly secondary school days were long gone. So it was no surprise that I came to university thinking I was going to find my husband. I had it all planned out! I was going to have a ‘uni bae’ in first year and we were going to make it official in second year. By third year we would be going steady and by the time I turned 25 I’d be ready to walk down the aisle. Talk about being naïve! THEY SOLD ME DREAMS! In university, don’t come expecting to find Mr or Mrs right because you won’t find them, they don’t exist. In my opinion.

University affects your habits, mannerisms, the way you perceive others and even yourself. I came to university as a 19 year old female who didn’t even know how to wear foundation. I’m now finishing my first year with the vast knowledge of God’s new gift to women, CONTOUR! Best believe my face now has curves and edges in all the right areas enhancing every feature.  I’ve also noticed that people who never picked up a shisha pen a day in their lives have become regular weed smokers, and at times, even your local dealer. It’s like people get dropped off by their parents at their various student accommodations, step out their invisible wrappers and become brand new.

Now, let’s talk about embarrassing moments, and believe me, I’ve had my fair share. If you thought you were going to read this post and find out all my dirty little secrets you’ve got another thing coming! Today, I’m anonymous along with the 30+ other students who gave their juicy confessions.

In university, embarrassing moments spread like wildfire. One person witnesses your unfortunate situation and the next thing you know you’re trending on twitter. Ok, that was a bit dramatic but things really do spread quickly in uni. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that PEOPLE LOVE TO TALK, and it’s even better when the subject is you!

University is a degree as well as an experience. Join societies, network, do things you would never have had the chance to do if it weren’t for university. But be sure to balance it all, because the moment you put one before the other, is the moment you give yourself the chance to jeopardise your future. Remember to remain consistent. I know it's easier said than done, but if you want to finish with a first class, CONSISTENCY IS KEY!

For me, coming from a Christian home, I found that my spirituality was the hardest thing to keep up with while in university. I found myself slipping in and out of bad habits and if I’m honest, it became a chore to pray, and my visits to church became fewer and fewer. University really tests your faith! You’re away from home, your parents (your trusty Sunday service alarm clocks), and your usual church. But if there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that if you want to succeed spiritually, you need to, in fact YOU MUST surround yourself with likeminded people who are also striving to succeed.

Finally, one of the main things we all need to consider when coming to university, whether it’s for the first time, or you’re coming back from the summer holidays is, you need to come with an open mind and the right mind-set. A lot of things you expected to happen, may not happen, and a lot of things you never expected could come crashing down on you like a ton of bricks when you least expect it. You need to be ready and prepared for anything and everything! Also, don’t even dream of coming to university without having some sort of morals. Without these morals you may find yourself not knowing which directions to take and you may find that the person who you once were when you came to university is no more.

HOLD UP! SCROLL UP! BECAUSE I KNOW YOU DIDN’T JUST TRY TO SKIP TO THE CONFESSIONS! I’m only joking, I’m sure you all sat down with your cup of coffee, read that post, ditched the mug, and now have your popcorn in hand, ready for the confessions!

To find out what all the juicy confessions are, click here: www.rosesandredbottoms.blogspot.co.uk

-Stay Tuned-

Twitter - @Miss_Tunes|| Email - itunupm@hotmail.co.uk