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Student Life

Going to uni: expectations vs. reality

Going to uni might be totally different to what you expect, but what's the reality? Your expectations of uni life might not always be entirely accurate.

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
16 Feb 2024

So, you made it through your A-levels, celebrated through the summer, and now, finally it’s here. It’s September, and that can only mean one thing – it’s nearly time for uni! Are you excited? 

You’ve definitely got some great times ahead, but university isn’t all fun and games; sometimes you have to write essays, too. So just in case you were getting too carried away, let us present you with some of the popular expectations of university life vs. the reality.

1. Expectation: luxurious student digs


Luxurious student accommodation
Image via acronindia.com

Ok, so maybe not all of you were expecting this. But it’s got to be better than the tiny box room you grew up in, right? Right?

Reality:


While there are some snazzy private halls of residence cropping up across the country, it's highly likely you'll be in university campus accommodation. Your room most likely won’t be fancy, but it’ll be functional, and you can definitely improve it with some posters, fairy lights or house plants.

2. Expectation: student loan! I’m rich!


With maintenance loans of up to £9,250 available each year, you can now splash out at Waitrose every week. Drinks on you!

Reality:


There’s a good chance your first student loan instalment will be the biggest amount of money you’ve ever seen in your bank account, but don’t spend it all at once. Remember, it’s got to cover your rent, bills, books, travel and entertainment. Luckily, we’ve got lots of finance advice to help you get through the year.

3. Expectation: finally! A chance to show off my superior culinary skills.


You won’t be one of those stereotypical students who lives off junk food and beans on toast. You’re going to eat healthily, maybe even show off your prowess in the kitchen by cooking for your flatmates. They’ll love it!

Reality:


There’s a reason why the average student gains a stone in their first year. Cooking can be hard, especially when you’ve got to fit it around lectures and those all-important nights out. Take a look at our advice for cooking at uni, and try not to order takeaway every night.

4. Expectation: free at last. I’m never going home again.


Except for Christmas, obviously and maybe for a few days in the summer if you’re not too busy holidaying with your new friends.

Reality:


This sentiment will last exactly as long as it takes for you to run out of clean underwear and/or money. Whichever comes first.

5. Expectation: campus life is one long catwalk


You’ve probably bought loads of new clothes for uni already, and why not? Obviously you want to impress your new classmates.

Reality:


We give it a week before you succumb to the lure of the Oodie. So cosy.

6. Expectation: woo! Party every night!


You’re finally living away from home, and enjoying all the freedom that brings. You can’t wait to be the life and soul of every night out, and get invited to all the coolest parties.

Reality:


‘No more alcohol. I beg you.’ – You, by Thursday. Lucky for you, there are plenty of alcohol-free activities you can do at uni.

7. Expectation: I’m going to every single lecture. Even the early ones.


You’ll be this year’s Hermione Granger. ‘I know the answer! Pick me!’

Reality:


It’s been a hard week of partying, and the snooze button is looking very tempting this morning. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz.

8. Expectation: my hallmates will all be awesome and we’ll be best friends forever.


Why wouldn’t you love every one of the eight other people you’ve been randomly selected to live with?

Reality:


Halls are great for making friends, but don’t expect to instantly hit it off with everyone. There’s always one guy…

9. Expectation: becoming irresistible 


You're a mystery, and who can resist a mystery? 

Reality:


You’re going to meet loads of people at uni and there’ll be plenty of opportunities for romance, but you weren’t Tom Hiddleston before Freshers’ Week, and you probably aren’t now.

10. Expectation: finding ‘the one’


Ever since Wills and Kate met and fell in love when studying together at St Andrews, more and more students are expecting to leave university with a degree and a future spouse.

Reality:


If you do happen to meet ‘the one’ during Freshers’ Week (statistically it’s unlikely), great. If not, don’t sweat it – you’re too young to be tied down!


For more tips and expectations, read our student blogger Iga’s 40 things she wishes she'd known before starting uni.

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