University Series #7 – My First Weeks At University

I have been a little absent from my blog recently, sorry! It’s because at the end of last month I started my first year of university, studying Public Relations and Digital Communications at Manchester Metropolitan University. So far I’m really enjoying it and definitely feel like I picked the right course. I thought writing about my experience so far would be lovely addition to my University Series.

On the first day, bad luck struck as it usually does for me. The strap on the new bag I bought broke literally one minute after leaving my house. Luckily there were two shorter handles so I could carry the bag in the crook of my arm but I was so disappointed, it was the first time I’d ever used it! Just so you know, it was the Thilmore Triple Tote Bag from Oasis. Despite the fact it broke, I have decided to keep it as it still carries quite a bit.

Luckily, I managed to find a new people who were also doing my course through Twitter and groups on Facebook before we all actually started, so that meant we could all meet up before our first lectures and tutorials. As I’m living at home and commuting to uni, I was really worried that I’d feel really out of the loop or not make many friends, but so far everyone is lovely and I don’t feel like I’m missing out too much! Obviously a part of me wishes I had moved out so I could experience the full student lifestyle, but I have next year for that. Though, if there’s one thing I regret about the first week, it’s not making the most of freshers week.

I find university similar to college in some ways, like the fact I’m still just getting the bus in (sigh), but the workload and the way you are taught are completely different. In college you are given the opportunity to participate in every lesson and get to know your tutors as you are around them quite often. However in university, especially in lectures, you turn up, listen and take notes for the whole lecture. I think I’m definitely going to have to improve the speed I write at or learn shorthand just to be able to keep up! It also feels like you are given more of a free reign, as you aren’t chased by your tutors to do your work or treated like children which I think is refreshing.

Aspiring to work in PR means that I need to work extremely hard as it one of the most sought after career paths. Work experience is crucial for this type of job, so to add to my portfolio, I have started offering free PR services to local music artists/small businesses. So far I am helping out Caves, an indie band you’re sure to love if you like The Libertines and Bombay Bicycle Club, check them out! If you want to know more about the services just drop me an email, it’s in the sidebar.

As I’ve only been in university properly for two weeks, I don’t have too much to write about but I do know I’m loving the course even though there’s a lot of hard work involved, and I can’t wait to see where it’s going to take me!

Thank you for reading,

Amy x