When I started university after taking a year out loads of my friends had been telling me about university life and what it would be like when I went. A mistake that people make is to believe everything they hear and this is how many myths start. Here are five common myths of university that just aren’t true.
- So students can’t cook right? And if you go to university you’ll resort to pot noodles, and beans on toast routinely?
False. Students can cook and the only thing stopping you is your own ability. Before coming to University why not practice at home and learn some recipes. I found that being independent and away from home made me learn to cook more and expand my horizons.
- When talking to other people at university you’ll hear about how great their student house is for next year, like they have a pool table etc. Your first response will naturally be… “Oh god all the good houses have gone!”
False. Don’t panic and stress about it, the University of Worcester has a housing fair to help guide students in signing contracts with landlords and finding accommodation. The advice is to be patient and not sign for a property straight away.
- Working part time is a bad idea as it’ll impact study time right?
True & False. Working part time can impact you if you take on too many commitments such as Volunteering, Assignments, Training for sports, or maybe practice for theatre production etc. However, if you can find a balance and commit to everything you want to do at university then it’s a great way to earn money and support yourself allowing you to do more. Also if the work is in a field you want to work in it can help further your career.
- Most students believe that they need to be confident and outgoing to make friends at university and that being shy means you will struggle.
False. I considered myself to be shy at first and would only say a quick hello. Meeting the rest of my flat we all shared some personal stories and details like where we are from etc. In lectures the idea of group work and talking in seminars also means you can make friends on your course.
- University is all work and no play. Students with desks full of work, cramming in revision at midnight, or doing assignments in the library the night before.
True & False. University is what you make of it, sure if you leave things to the last minute it will pile up. The workload is manageable and there’s plenty of time for sports, recreational activities and other outside interests for enjoyment or for employability. Societies go out every week and also put on other social events and get together throughout the year.
Worcester Student Life 