Things you only discover once you’ve joined university

Many, many group chats

It always starts with one. Before you know it, you have a group chat for every part of your university life: course cohort, group projects, different friend groups, societies, and accommodation. Some will be active pretty much 24/7, while others have been silent for months, and yet, you can't bring yourself to leave them!

"Student loan day"

A student's favourite day. Every 3 months students feel rich, immediately treat themselves to takeaways, and "I need to treat myself" purchases that have been in their online baskets for weeks. Fast forward to only a few days later, it comes to the point where we have to start budgeting again – a never-ending cycle.

You learn where all the plug sockets are

Knowing where all the plug sockets are becomes a student's sixth sense. It won't be long before you know where all of the *working* plug sockets are in every lecture, in each library floor, and even in cafes. An emphasis on working as there is nothing more disappointing than finding the most perfect study spot, sitting down, setting up your devices, just for you to realise that the socket doesn't actually work!

Meal deals become a part of you

Budgeting means settling for a supermarket meal deal almost every day instead of that cheeky trip to your favourite restaurant or cafe with your friends. You will find that you will become two kinds of people: someone who has a strict go-to meal deal combination or someone who likes to mix it up, trying every combination possible.

Freebies are a student's favourite thing

No one told me university would make me love a free cookie so much. Whether it's free food at societies, a university tote bag from fresher's week, or multiple pens from the careers fair – getting as many freebies as possible is always the objective.

Invisible seating charts exist

Assigned seats is not a thing in university, but somehow everybody has their own "spot" in each lecture theatre. Everyone will just naturally sit in the same place every time. However, if someone happens to be in your seat, it might irk you, but then you move on.

Finding space in the library

Trying to find a seat in the library during exam season becomes a whole mission. You would easily be doing the most steps you have ever done in your life just by walking around looking for an empty desk. And if you happen to find one with a working plug socket? Well, you've just won the lottery.

So, how you have all the inside information - join and see for yourself!