stephpoole 
Starting university in a blur and almost a year ahead of what my presumed future would look like, meant that I was literally thrown into the deep end. I didn’t have the full summer to brush up on latest information or find books to give myself a better standing. Before moving to harper, I had no idea what extra-curricular activities were offered, what my accommodation would look like, or even what my lectures would involve.
My accommodation consisted of catered, shared halls, with a shared bathroom, and a small kitchen which consisted of a fridge, microwave cupboards and sink. Although much to my delight. I had a room to myself. Moving in day was exciting and incredibly nerve wracking. My dormmates consisted of Agriculture and Rural Enterprise and Land Management Students – this made me feel very outside of the group, as I was not in any of their lectures, and so they made friends with each other quickly while I had to make up for during the social hours.
Going into university, I don’t drink or smoke, and have no aspiration to. So moving into an agricultural university where the social scene much like many universities in the UK although perhaps more so with many a student coming from a Young Farmers background was heavily influenced by alcohol. This again made me feel nervous and a bit like an outsider – however I put my big girl pants on and kept my chin up and tried my best to fit in.
My first year at university was one of my greatest experiences however it was touched with anxiety, loneliness and depression, what helped was moving into my second flat. This time I felt more involved. Although I was still an outsider missing out on the Freshers Friendship building time, but I made my way. And was invited to join them for Second year in a house in the nearby town.
Enter Year 1 of my Bachelor’s degree in wildlife Conservation with Natural Resource Management. Feeling much more confident, as my new cohort were newbies, yet I already had the lay of the land and the groundwork with my lecturers. My course consisted of 8 people however it shrunk down to 4 people including myself by December. This was a blessing. It allowed our lectures, seminars and study groups to be very tailored to our interests and most of the lectures turned into tutorials.
Year 2 saw me stay in my Year 1 house, however 5 new housemates of my choosing joined me. This turned out to be a bad decision which marred my second year. Friendships were split between upstairs and downstairs. Living with 2 out of your 3 course mates, can lead to stress and tension, and it did just that.
Year 3, I moved back home to complete my placement year. A year in industry to help student solidify their goal career, gain new experiences, and to network. Originally a plan to head to Greece and complete research in Microplastics, however due to the unsafe waters surrounding Greece and the research base it was decided I should find a different placement. The Areas Outstanding Natural Beauty of Dedham Vale and Suffolk Coast & Heaths gave me invaluable opportunities to find my voice, path and passion in conservation. Learning new techniques such as coppicing, managing historic hay meadows, having the opportunity to speak on behalf of AONB volunteers to contribute towards Designated Landscape reform with the Government. I then travelled to the Seychelles where I completed a 3 month internship (More about my two Internships in coming Posts)
Year 4, My final Year – Both Full of ups and downs like previous years but also my toughest yet. This year deserves a page all to itself. Check back for more soon.
