Bit of background before I get into this post. I recently graduated from Keele University with a degree in Physics after an amazing three years there. I originally wrote this at the beginning of my second year, and thought as I have just started a new course in journalism, it is still applicable now.
First published on the Keele University blog, October 2016.
If someone asked me how I found my first year at Keele, I
would immediately say variations on the word 'amazing', because honestly how
could it not be?
I made some great friends, got put with a great bunch of
people to live with and achieved some great things in both my course and in
societies. My only regret is that I didn’t start sooner. I joined seven
societies at the Fresher's Fair, but attended next to none of their events in
my first semester.
My first semester at University was a rather sombre affair.
Instead of the usual partying until the sun comes up that you would typically
expect from a student, my nights were spent having TV show marathons. Whilst
that was great on one hand, I finished the first semester having only made
maybe 3 or 4 great friends.
To my disappointment, I hadn’t met a million new people from
all over the country like I’d hoped, and I hadn’t really properly participated
in any of the societies I had joined. This was, of course, my own fault as I
let my less than social tendencies get the better of me.
However, when I started my second semester, I was determined
to do this one differently. So I auditioned for the Drama
Society’s first play of the year; in which I got a pretty big role.
The two months of madness that followed me being cast were
wonderful. My time was filled with mad rehearsals, socials and meeting and getting
to know some awesome people - who are now some of my best friends at Keele.
After discovering how much I enjoyed being in this society,
I realised something that I should have known from the beginning - I should
have joined earlier. My biggest regret (no honestly) from my first year at
University is that I didn't get involved in Drama from the jump.
Honestly, you may think this was an obvious one, but even
just to audition took a lot of convincing from one of my (3) friends. I was
super nervous to meet new people and be sociable, as I'm not what you'd call a
"social butterfly". If it hadn't have been for her encouragement, I
would not have auditioned and probably wouldn't be on committee now.
Most Freshers are very willing to jump in and get involved,
and that is brilliant. However, if you are like me and are nervous about
jumping right in - don't be. I know that's the most hypocritical thing ever to
be saying, but if you get past the nerves and join in, I implore you, listen to
Shia LaBeouf...
DO IT!
