Starting university is nerve-wracking on so many levels. The prospect of leaving family and having to provide for yourself can be extremely daunting. Personally, I can say that it definitely changed my life. And yes, sometimes I didn’t know if it was for better or for worse.

If you decide to live in halls of residence you will find yourself in a constant battle between individuality and homesickness. You could have moved 4 hours or 4 minutes away, you will still crave home.

Stress is inevitable I’m afraid. I couldn’t tell you the number of times I broke-down in my first year. Don’t get me wrong though, not everything is a downer. You will meet amazing people and broaden your horizons. You will become interested in something you never thought you’d like. You will learn and grow as a person – frightening right?

At present time, I am halfway through my second year as an English and Creative Writing student at the University of Winchester, UK. I am going to detail my findings thus far, hopefully to aid those who will go through the same confusion as I.

Something that I think I should address is how to deal with housing in second year, or more specifically house-mates. I chose to rent a house in the town of my university instead of commuting this year, mostly because I’m lazy and broke.

Those who can commute or are choosing to will not understand the struggle.

If you seek it, there is advice available on finding your own house and contacting landlords etc. However, trying to find people you’re compatible with can be challenging. Will they steal your milk? Can you trust them with your bread? The important questions. Fortunately for me, I managed to get a house with 3 of my closest friends. 1 of whom has been my best friend for 13 years.

Because we all know each other so well, when there is an issue in our house, there is no unnecessary pettiness or shouting matches. These things are usually discussed over a cuppa and a cigarette. If it’s a big problem, we may have to take it to breakfast.

For some people though, I imagine it's tougher than that.  Having to share space with someone you cannot stand, having to see them almost every day? Sounds like a big no-no to me. I know people don't generally know if they will fall out in the future but, you should take some consideration. By that I mean, if they are annoying you now, it will only get worse. If seeing them a few times a week makes you want to slam your face into a door, then maybe you should do some rethinking. And I appreciate that it’s hard to change plans, especially if they were made a while ago. However, you need to think about yourself. It’ll be your house too.

Granted, I have friends that moved into a house of people they didn’t know and were perfectly fine. I just think that you need to have a good ponder over your housing situation before signing any contracts.

Something I also see happen a lot is couples moving in together in second year. On one hand, I wish them all the best. However, not everything can be sunshine and rainbows – how very morbid. It might sound overwhelmingly hypocritical coming from a girl who does practically live with her boyfriend, but hey at least I can talk from experience. Nonetheless, there is always that possibility of everything going belly-up. But I think I’ll take my chances. Gross, that was almost sweet. Anyway, my point is, please think about consequences and don't be an idiot.

1. Pick your house-mates wisely.

Another matter that is rarely discussed is the issue of a job in second year. Not to mention how difficult it is. I'm sure this hits home for many people out there.

No-one really wants a job whilst they are at university, but for some it is necessary. Grants from student finance are rare and student loans only stretch so far. If you are comfortable and stable without having to work, then I salute you my friend.

The question mark surrounding employment becomes much stronger in second year. As I never saw the payment for my accommodation last year, I wasn’t prepared for the gaping hole left behind when I paid 4 months’ rent upfront. My bank account was stripped of three zeros and left with one. Like taking back a birthday cake and giving them an old sweet instead. You will, without a doubt, get blind sighted by the student loan. Wait, it’s not supposed to be spent on clothes? It’s meant to help you live, genius.

I wanted to feel secure and for me that meant having a job. I made sure to stay employed because I like to know I can support myself. Having a safety blanket, in financial terms obviously, stops me from panicking about money. I’m in no way perfect though, I still bought myself a nerf gun when I probably should have been getting groceries.
Since starting university, I have had three different jobs. In first year I was working 4 days a week and now I work 2. For me, it takes a lot off my mind knowing that I make enough to survive but can still dedicate most of my time to my education. However, some people may want to work less and some people may want to work more. It depends entirely on your own capabilities.

Something I learnt the hard way is that you cannot push yourself forever. You will eventually run out of steam. When it boils down to it, your degree is more important. Above all else, make sure you remember that.

2. Consider your financial options

As I said before, second year can be stressful. The huge glaring reason being that, university work is a lot harder. Factor in the tiny detail that it actually counts towards your degree and boom, you have panic.

While I would like to say that you can still maintain the Fresher lifestyle, you can’t. Not if you want to pass. I’m not really a drink-all-day-every-day type of person anyway but I do miss going out regularly. It feels like I’m 13 and grounded every time I have to decline an offer in favour of an essay. I suppose it’s a small sacrifice in the grand scheme of things. Some people will choose to party over attending lectures, and it’s not my place to question their decisions. It is widely understood that a big part of university is the social life; but you have to decide for yourself how important it is. If you can find the balance, then stick to it. I will always be either too tired from studying or too hungover from drinking. Apparently I don’t know the meaning of ‘excessive’.

Ignorantly, I assumed second year would be no different to first. How wrong I was. You are expected to do a lot more and the work load increases substantially. You can’t sail through with minimal effort, believe me I tried. In all honesty, I seem to forget that the work I’m doing now matters. I got less than average? Ah it will be fine. Not the mark I expected? Ah it will be fine. I’m a disappointment? Ah it will be – hold on a minute. It’s not a habit I would recommend.

When you feel obligated to do something, it’s easy to pretend it doesn’t exist. Most people will shy away, try to shuffle the issue somewhere else like a crying baby. Being aware of and managing your responsibilities will make your time at university much smoother.

3. Know your priorities

The next thing I want to talk about is quite personal. But it’s something that many students will encounter. When you feel trapped, you probably don’t want to talk to people. I’ve had moments where I didn’t want to speak anyone, no matter who they were. Being scared, is normal. It is literally human nature to run away from confrontation.

And contrary to what it may seem, I’m not suggesting that everyone needs a counsellor. I just wish that doing so, or seeking any help, wouldn’t be seen as defeat. Demanding everything of yourself won’t make the situation better.
A year ago we were expected to ask to leave the table and now we’re expected to take university in our stride. The dynamics of being a young adult are weird if you ask me. It takes a lot of courage to speak, even to a friend. I am blessed to be surrounded by loyal, caring people. A text at 3 in the morning means a knock at my door at 3:30. I’ve called people feeling like I would never smile again and then 10 seconds later, I’m breathless from laughing.
I didn’t become this comfortable overnight though, which is what I want to stress. I’ve cried into my fair share of pizza boxes. Last year, there were times when I felt alone but I was always in the company of someone, directly or not. This year, is…strange.

I sometimes don’t see my housemates for days. I’ve gone weeks without speaking to friends outside of university. My boyfriend is the only person I see consistently. And I’m sure most people will agree that there are some things that are hard to discuss with a partner.

It can be freeing to rant to someone you aren’t necessarily that close too. I think everyone is conscious of being judged. It takes practice to bypass that. But I know you can do it.

4. Speak to people

Lastly and arguably most notably, the significance of perseverance. Considering everything I have spoken about here, one may not have filled you with excitement for your second year. (I do have hope that you will see the good in my somewhat haphazard advice.) Undoubtedly, the essential key to surviving your second year and all of university for that matter, is to keep going. So if you take anything from this, make it that.

5. Don't give up