First year is officially over. No more 9am lectures. No more 5pm seminars. As far back as I can remember, the beginning of summer has always been the best time of the year. Being shoulder to shoulder with my friends in the back of the gym hall singing “Summer Holiday” by Cliff Richard and saying weepy goodbyes at the school gates meant the start of endless sunny freedom, and the end of early morning maths.
Now that I’m (technically) an adult, my summer plans, and my future plans, look different.
Firstly, summer starts in April, which gives me 4 months living back at home and away from all my wonderful friends that I’ve met this year. Going from Wednesday night socials in Fubar to Wednesday nights at home with my family feels like a failure, or at least like a colossal step down from my exciting new life back into my quiet old one. But really, I know it’s not.
Freshers isn’t supposed to last forever, and after a year I can confidently say that I’m not “fresh” or “new” to the student life at Stirling anymore. Saying goodbye to uni for the summer is saying goodbye to my first year accommodation, which I am, very honestly, more than happy to say goodbye to. My sports club, my society, my friends and my course will all stay the same, and they will be waiting for me when I get back.
So, now, it’s time for the slightly more serious second year. Flat hunting is first on the agenda. Hours of emailing various estate agents and viewing windowless, lifeless flats will pay off by the end of the summer… or so I hope. Next is work experience. Of course, like any self respecting student, I have a part time job already. But unfortunately, working for a student media brand doesn’t translate to summer work, so it’s time for a new adventure.
Second year is just that — all new adventures. This year, if I’ve learned anything at all, it’s that new beginnings aren’t as scary as they seem, and actually, they are so very exciting. University is the only time of your life when you can live a different life every year, and I can’t wait to see what second year has to offer. After recharging in this (very, very) long summer, of course.
Feature Image Credit: Luzmilla Tarazona
1st year Film & Politics student
