Monday, 21 October 2013

My First Impressions - William Davis



In planning to move to university, I found myself growing ever more nervous. Questioning my move, worrying about surviving on my own. My biggest fear being if I would be happy at Essex University. I was glad to find on my arrival that my fears were unfounded. While it has certainly been the challenge I expected to provide for myself, overall I have found that getting used to it has been a quick and painless process.

I was always expecting university life to be different to college life, but still found myself slightly surprised at just how different it is. I was a little shocked at how much was now dependent on me rather than on the educators. From this I have learnt just how important the lectures are for my understanding of the topics and that good notes and listening skills will ensure I get the most out of university.

Beyond this, adapting to a new area has been a strange experience for me, having lived with family in the north all my life, I found myself oddly amused at the amount of sunshine in Colchester. It being a rare sight in my hometown.  I was however glad to see the familiarity of open spaces filled with nature that have helped me feel more at home, away from the built up areas.

The educational environment is both similar and different to the environment of my college. They both share the open space that allows students to freely move around while providing space between areas. However, college had a more heavily monitored mindset where to enter any section ID would be checked. At university this is not present and the entire environment feels more friendly from its absence.

I was also glad to find that everyone has been very friendly and helpful so far and has made the first 4 weeks of university a great experience.

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