Life in Halls is absolutely hectic, but if you’re looking for the perfect start to your Uni experience, that’s exactly where you’ll get it. Amidst all the chaos, you’ll find yourself vibing with the best of times and even better people. Sure, you’ll start out with awkward first impressions and long chats with your RA (or RL?) about consent, drinking from 6pm to 10pm, and the “don’t screw the crew” rule, but trust, you won’t regret all the memories you make at Halls.
As a former resident of the infamous College Hall, I’m not gonna bullshit you on the reality of Hall’s life, so sit back and take notes. While you might’ve spent the first night wallowing in self pity and crying yourself to sleep, you’re definitely in for a hell of a week. O-Week is notorious for hookup culture and passing out on the field, and you’ll definitely hear an obnoxious bunch yelling out “ON THE BUS!”
…Or perhaps you won’t; suck it up first years, town is cancelled.
In reality, your first weeks at Halls will be quite intense. From Top Town, to spending your course related costs solely on alcohol, you’ll be mentally and physically drained by the following Sunday. And then, you have to prepare for lectures. At this point, you have to get into a routine. I know first-hand how easy it is to miss out on lectures, labs, and tutorials, but you’re only making it harder for yourself if you do that. So find a balance between fucking around and staying focused. Or, ya know, don’t. It’s only your first year, and C’s get degrees.
If you survive the beginning, you’ll be okay. Once you make good close friends, don’t mess it up. At Halls, you’re for sure gonna meet your lifelong friends. If you’re lucky enough like I was, one of these people might just be your platonic soulmate. Just don’t rush into any friendships; it took me nearly three months to find my person. And remember, you live with them, and chances are you will until you finish your degree, so these decisions shouldn’t be taken lightly.
What else requires a thorough thought process, and possibly a pros and cons list, is the type of person you want to be. For example, if you actually go to breakfast, you either have your entire life together or you’re falling apart from too many all-nighters. Uni is a time to find yourself, and Halls is the perfect place to do so. Between the people you meet, the papers you take, and the alcohol you decide to drink, you’ll begin to find your true self. So make mistakes. Skip Friday dinners so you can get on the piss earlier, and spend the rest of your night on the bathroom floor. Kiss that person that you know is mid. Accidentally break a fish tank and flood your room. Change your papers. Enjoy Hall’s life because it goes by in the blink of an eye.
Good luck!
