University: On Heading into Final Year

I can’t believe I’m writing this post. It feels like yesterday I was squeezing things into the car, booking train tickets for the two passengers who didn’t fit, and sobbing as my and W went off in separate directions. Now I’m sat in my final student house, just about unpacked and ready for my first lecture of final year tomorrow. HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?!

My parents live very, very close to a university (let’s just say Fresher’s weekend =/= a good night’s sleep at home!), and driving past last week I was shocked at how young they look. Then I realised they are pretty much closer to my baby sister’s age than mine.  Then I realised that I’m getting old…

When I left to go to university I was both under and over prepared. I took a huge amount of stuff, some of which never got used. I still have a lot of stuff (huge panic when my dad’s car got recalled back to the manufacturer this week, potentially leaving us with just a diddy Clio to get to Canterbury…), so I can’t say I’ve improved in that area. I didn’t really have a clue how to operate the washing machines; now I at least now that if I press buttons my clothes will get clean.

I can differentiate, integrate, build accounts, calculate expected pension income given age, develop insurance claims. Or I could, until I took a year out on placement.

And that brings me to my major fear for this year. My placement year was one of the best experiences of my life, but can I remember any maths?! Erm, no. So I’m hoping I don’t majorly embarrass myself over the next few weeks. Especially as the studying I mentioned in my September goals failed miserably…

I’m also terrified of walking into my lecture hall tomorrow and not knowing anyone, not recognising any faces. My closest friends do a slightly different course, so I have some modules where I now know very few people. I’ve lost my comfort blanket, and I’m nervous. Deep down I know I’ll be fine once those first few days are over!

With final year comes stress. Stress about getting the grades, about pulling my average up following the RSI I suffered in second year. Stress about getting my dream graduate job. Stress about where to live after university, leaving my friends, moving out properly. But I’m determined to make the most of final year. I’m living with two of my bestest friends, I’ve got the loveliest boyfriend to visit on weekends, I’m doing a course I feel enthusiastic about. So let’s crack open a bottle of wine snuggle up with a cuppa, and get started with final year!

How did you feel about entering final year? Or are you still at university – and how are you doing?