Student Life: Expectations Vs. Reality

When you start university, it's hard to know what to expect. A Queen's University Belfast student shares her expectations and how they matched up with reality.

This article was written by Claire Ford, a Queen's University Belfast student.

It's a new beginning and all too often you only have the experiences of friends or even just television shows to go off. Things in university can often be very different to what you expect and it's great to prepare for this. Here are eight of my expectations versus reality relating to university life.

EXPECTATION: You attend classes all day every day

REALITY: After spending years in education, many automatically assume that university is going to be a similar structure to high school. This really isn't the case. Most degrees don't have classes all day every day and, in many cases, you don't have classes every day of the week.

University is more about independent learning with most courses having a few classes and lectures with the expectation that you'll continue your studies in your spare time at home or at a university study space.

EXPECTATION: All everyone does is party

REALITY: Growing up, I was always told about how students would party hard throughout university. I'm not saying that they don't — of course they do — however, it's not really what older generations, and the movies, let on.

Students drink and party occasionally, but the vast majority are extremely respectful, don't always party, and always put their university work first, graduating with great degrees. There are also many students who don't drink or party at all. There's plenty to do at university that doesn't involve alcohol, such as sports and society events.

EXPECTATION: University is just about getting a degree

REALITY: Yes, we're all here to earn a credential and further our education, but university has so much more to offer. You can make friends for life, join clubs and societies to find new hobbies and interests, develop social skills, and increase your employability through work experience provided by the university. Explore everything that Queen's University Belfast has to offer!

You can gain so much more than just a degree if you make an effort to get involved.

EXPECTATION: University is one big friend group

REALITY: I won't be the only one who's always been told that you'll make lots of friends at university and that it's one massive social circle. Although this is true to an extent, it really does take some effort. I don't think it's as effortless as many let on.

Three years into my degree, a lot of people in my program don't speak to each other outside of classes. I've made almost all my friendships through societies, groups, accommodation, and other friends. You can certainly make lots of friends at university, but I really think you need to get involved and put effort in, especially if your course is very large, like mine.

EXPECTATION: You need a whole new wardrobe for uni

REALITY: As many start university, it's likely that you're planning a bit of a clothing haul. However, I'm telling you now that the high fashion on campus rarely lasts past orientation week. When I started university, I must've spent a few hundred pounds on clothing — but when you're getting up for a 9 AM lecture, students barely wash their faces, never mind put together a cute outfit.

You really don't need a whole new wardrobe for university — an oversized hoodie will be your best friend.

EXPECTATION: University societies are just to socialize and have fun

REALITY: This expectation isn't wrong, societies are a great place to socialize and have fun, however this isn't their sole purpose or even the main reason that some join. Societies make a great addition to your learning, personal development, and resumé. Many even have great connections with local businesses which help those involved get graduate roles.

Being on the committee of a society also shows great responsibility and is something I was always asked about when I was interviewing for placements.

EXPECTATION: Student loans and grants are free money

REALITY: Having only worked part-time jobs prior to university, my student loan was a very large amount of money to me when I first received it. I remember that many of my friends spent it all in one go! Textbooks and food are expensive and believe me, you'll need every penny of your student loan.

EXPECTATION: You're going to cook great meals

REALITY: I see so many university students arrive on their first day armed with a recipe book and great willpower; however, believe me, it doesn't often last long. Vegetables are expensive, doing the dishes is time consuming, and Tesco pot noodles taste too good. Still, learning to cook simple meals, like rice, beans, and frozen veggies, can save you a ton of cash in the long run.

Those are just some university myths debunked. Hopefully this helps you feel more prepared and have a better idea of what to expect when you start your first year!