To Our Failing Government:

I am writing this on behalf of myself and the millions of other students that find themselves in the same boat.

First and foremost, we are appalled by the lack of guidance and support that you have failed to provide us with. Our education has been put on the backbench since March 2020 and yet we are still expected to pay £9,250 for a ”full-time” education that has been replaced with Zoom videocalls and PowerPoint presentations.

In September 2020, we were actively encouraged to return to University and further from this, we were also encouraged to support the ’Eat Out To Help Out’ scheme, to which yourself and your fellow MP’s were shocked at the inevitable rise in COVID-19 cases. We are not to blame. We are the easiest excuse for you to give when addressing the nation at your incompetence to handle the global pandemic. We are constantly reminded to all “work together“ but how can you expect us to support you when we have received nothing but ignorance and confusion? I’m sure when the our crippled nation is completely on its knees because of your wrongdoings, you won’t hesitate to take our money in order to bring the nation back to its feet. Our tuition fees and maintenance loans will suffer a huge interest increase because of your failure to get us all through.

You also don’t hesitate at continuing to greedily replenish your pockets with the money we scrape together in order to afford the costs of our overpriced, rented accommodation with student finance that barely covers the costs for a place of residence that we are not living in.

I would like to make the point that my argument is not a reflection of our University lecturers and staff. I (and all of the other students) have the utmost respect for our lecturers and their attempts to still provide us with an education that has been robbed from us due to the disorganised structure, proposed by our failing government.

So, I plead to you, on behalf of myself and the millions of other students; LISTEN TO US.

Petition Link: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/324762

2020 - We Move.

When someone treats you like you're just one of many options, help them narrow it down by removing yourself from the equation. I don't know why we all hang onto something that we know full well we're better off without. It's almost like we are scared to lose what we don't even really have. Some of us might say that we would rather have something than nothing, but the truth is, to only have it halfway is much harder than not having it at all. As much as we won't like to admit it, we aren't going to find happiness in the same place that we lost it. One of the hardest pills I've had to swallow was learning how to essentially 'bounce back'. I'm slowly, (but surely) learning that even if I react, it won't change anything - although, I must admit, it's a working progress. I've learnt that I need to do things for myself because the only person that will put you back on your own two feet, is yourself. Your biggest commitment needs to be to yourself. Yes, that is somewhat down to the pride in which you hold, but most importantly, the self-respect you must continue to maintain. If you don't see your own worth, you'll always choose people who don't see it either. One day it just clicks. One day, you will be able to realise what is important and what isn't. One day you will learn to care less about what other people think about you and more what you think of yourself. There's no telling when that time may be, but … when you know, you know!

Although the situation you were put in may have been fake, the lesson it created was real. At the time, it might hurt but that's okay. After all, we're only human! It's what that lesson teaches us that we need to value the most. That's what enables us to move forward. 2020 - we move.

Things I Wish I'd Known Before Coming To University ...

As I am coming to the end of my second year, I have most certainly learnt some (or most) things the hard way. Below, is a list of some of the things that I wish I had known before I headed off into the world alone, with nothing other than ten GCSE’s, three A-Levels and a whole load of excited curiosity.

1. Freshers Flu is NOT a myth ­– I think most of us will learn this the hard way. I honestly thought that 'Freshers Flu' was just a University myth and that it wasn’t actually a thing... Let me tell you now, IT IS! Thinking back, I suffered worse in my second year than I did when I was actually a fresher! As much as it pains me to admit, that’s how you know you’re getting older.

2. Sleep? – Again, something we all learn the hard way. Your sleeping pattern will become non-existent. I can’t actually remember the last time I fell asleep at a reasonable time… I mean, it’s most probably self-inflicted from all of the nights where I stumble home at 4am, but we will tell the parents it’s due to the number of "studious hours we’re putting in at the 24-hour, student library"… Also, whilst we are still on the topic of sleep… Naps are necessary – period. You'll find yourself having a four hour day of lectures and then going home to reward yourself with a nap, trust me.

3. Daylight Robbery: Student Estate Agents – Anything to get those few extra pennies (that you really don’t have) out of your pocket. Student Estate Agents honestly know all the tricks in the book to take advantage of your vulnerability. I highly recommend going with a private landlord, that way there are no agency fees included and you’re able to get in direct contact with them as and when you need to.

4. “80% of people meet their partner whilst at Uni” – Well I’m over half way through my degree and I haven’t even met with my personal tutor … let alone my partner.

There is no point putting a time on anything, especially when it comes to finding love. As my mum always says: “it will come when you least expect it”. What is the rush? Do what you feel is best for you. Live your best life.

5. It’s okay to be overwhelmed – As much as we would all like it to be, Uni is not meant to be easy nor a walk in the park. It’s there to throw you in completely at the deep end, push you extensively beyond your comfort zone and create opportunities ready for the future ahead of us. There will be times when you feel like you have hit rock bottom and that you “aren’t meant for this” we all feel that sometimes – it’s almost inevitable. Don’t feel as though you have to go through this alone. Everyone is in the same boat as you. Talk to others, that’s what they are there for – make the most of it.

6. It is what it is – At the end of the day, it is what it is. Your university experience will be completely what you make of it. Whether you are the type that enjoys going out or you’re the complete polar opposite and would rather have your head in a book … that is okay! At university, there really is something for everyone. The diversity is incredible.

Without a doubt, choosing to come to Uni has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only have I learnt a lot in terms of the academic side but it has also given me a chance to learn more about myself as a person. I would highly recommend it to anybody. Just make sure you visit the open days to ensure that it really is the right one for you. Making the decision of coming to Uni is the easy part, choosing which University is much more difficult.

But, most importantly, all that’s left to say is … ENJOY IT!