What they don't tell you about University...

So... I'm half way through my third year of university and I thought I would share with you all a few realisations I've come to. 

Be prepared to pack your life into suitcases about 38 million times (possibly a little exaggeration here... just a lil' bit.) But seriously, I should be getting a degree in packing.  

No one cares who you were in high school. This is a totally new ball game people. 

Groceries are expensive, and also now you finally get why your mum got so annoyed when you either didn't turn up for dinner, or turned up with 4 hungry pals. 

Immunity to drunk people vomit. Its EVERYWHERE. I moved out of my flat at the weekend, there was a pile of sick in the bin room from a party the night before. A bloody room designated to bins and this person chose the floor to boke on?! NOT A BIN?? Seriously. 

Pimpin' yourself out to bulk up your CV.  Emailing every company related to your study and offering yourself... usually for free (yeah, at least prostitutes get paid) Because now you need at least 45 years experience to even pull pints it seems. 

The nights out catch up. Give your liver a rest, eat some vegetables and go to the gym. (At least every once in a while) Do you wanna look 45 when your only 30?? Didn't think so. 

Group work is a university's way of turning you into a crazed maniac. Unless you're the person who does nothing... then you think its all cool - but FYI your group all secretly hate you and plot ways of killing you regularly, just a wee heads up there.

Lastly, you're expected to just know what you're going to do with your life when you graduate. 

Most university degrees are only 3/4 years.. for that length of time I used to want to be Marine Biologist. Because I thought it was the closest thing to being a mermaid. My dream was shattered when I realised I'd probably have to study biology and geography... 

But anyway... what I've mainly learnt. Most people don't know what they want to do with the their lives in their early 20's. And thats fine. You gotta lifetime to work it out. Those years at university are just a tiny bit of that lifetime... so chill. 

Love, 

Nikki

x

20 Things I Learnt Being 20

1. Never underestimate the value of a squat. Not much more to be said than that. You do them right, you'll hurt like hell but have a hell'a a bootaaay
2. Work hard for what you want. No matter what is it, a car, a job, or even a nice bum (note point one) it will not just fall into your hands magically, you're going to have to work.
3. Manners Matter. SERIOUSLY. A 'Please' or "Thank you" can go a long way.
4. Crocs are never okay.
5. Work with what you've got, I have finally had to accept that I'm not going to have a last minute growth spurt and wake up 5'8. Basically, by the time you hit your 20's, you just have to accept this is what you have to work with, so weeeeerrk it. I may be the height of a 12 year old with a bum the size of Brazil (practically) but I really don't care anymore, healthy and happy is what matters ladies. 
6. If you don't know exactly what you're going to do with your life right now - Thats okay. Most people don't, so no freaking out.
7. You might start to say things that sound like your mum... then realise it and panic you've become middle-aged. I have no solution to this... In fact i'm terrible for it. I've found myself offering sandwiches for bus journeys, having a continual supply of plasters and tissues, I even used the word "trendy" once. 
8. Holding grudges is not necessary. Just move on. Being angry at that girl who took your seat in the canteen at school or your boyfriends ex's friend's brother for saying you were chubby, just is not needed now. You're an adult, keep those vibes positive. 
9. You'll have regular "I'm going to sort my life out" days. Usually after messy nights out or a few AWOL days in bed. 
10. Cooking is fabulous. Honestly, everyone and anyone can cook. Trial and error is what its all about, but once you get a few dishes you are confident with, soon you'll feel like Nigella in the kitchen. 
11. Thinking back to when you were 13-16 will make you cringe. Every time. Personally.. I wore way too many peace signs and heavily avoided the hairdressers. I am so glad I rekindled my love for a hairbrush. 
12. Putting on sweats or pyjamas every time you return home is always best.
13. You do not need to tweet/instagram/facebook boast. Social Media is huge I get it, I do and you want to show all your friends your new bag or car because you're excited. THATS FINE. Its the posts like receipts from nightclubs for ridiculous amounts of money that get me. Do you wanna see my food shop receipt? No, didn't think so. I don't wanna see how much money you're spending on overpriced booze then.
14. Coffee is the fuel of life 
    
15. If you're sad cuddle a puppy. Sometimes even looking at pictures of puppies helps - I suggest THIS website. (See me to the right having a cuddle with one of my dogs, Poppy.)
16. Travelling is always a good idea. See and do all you can round this world, its all we got. 
17. Listen to Drake, as he so frequently told us, he started at the bottom and now look where is! So here's what I've learnt.. You gotta do it, you gotta start at the bottom and be the number one coffee bitch at some stage.
18. Be open-minded. 
19. Chipped Nail Polish looks horrific. Always. (But I end up with chipped nails far more often than I'd like to admit)
20. Some of your friends will be starting to get engaged or have babies and some will be too drunk to know what day it is. Wherever you fall, make sure its for you and only ever move at your own pace. Do not judge other people's choices - Just think about what is right for you - in work, life and love. 

Hope you enjoyed and feel free to share any lessons you've learnt with me too! Comments are always welcome here.

Love
Nikki
x