Not-so-new Year

Thanks to my friend (and soul mate, according to a Facebook fad) I’ve decided to reopen my long-neglected, dust-collecting blog. So, Thank You, Nicola! It wasn’t really an easy decision because I figured “after all this time, who on earth would still stick around?” But for those of you who have, your loyalty will be rewarded! *virtual applause for all of you.* As far as apologies go, I’ll keep this one short. I’m sorry. I lost motivation. That’s all there is to it…

On another note… 2015. My year as an “independent” first year student at Pretoria University has begun. (I use the word “independent” very liberally because more often than not I’m looking to others for information and pretending I know exactly what I’m doing, meanwhile the only things I’m 100% sure of on a day-to-day basis are my name and surname.) “Varsity life” was a huge adjustment for me, my friends, my family and most especially, my wardrobe. Going from wearing the same old blue and white checked school uniform day in and day out, to planning outfits in my head the night before was tough, and occasionally from scoping my surroundings I get the feeling that I am one of the few who actually give my outfits head-space. On my campus there will be the rare one or two groups of people who will dress to impress, whilst others literally look like their attire was chosen for them by a die-hard Disney fan at the tender age of 3. There’s that extreme, or the other, which I quite bluntly refer to as “Stripper Attire”. Not the nicest name for my fellow peer’s outfits of choice, but there really has to be a line drawn somewhere and when someone shows up to lectures in 6-inch heels, a more than revealing crop-top, mini skirt and fishnet stockings, I personally feel that that line has then been crossed. However, all the hipsters, jocks, goths, wannabees, cheapskates, skater kids, the “nobody gets me’s” and the rest of the crowd really do contribute in their own way to creating a true “varsity vibe”.

If there was one stereotype about university students that I could dispel for you all, it would have to be the “reckless spender” stereotype which, quite obviously, implies that students blow their allowance at the beginning of every month and spend carelessly. False. Every student I’ve met so far is stingy. Very, very stingy. The word “budget” is thrown around multiple times a day between students, and sometimes I admit, I use it as my go-to excuse when I don’t want to go out. “Sorry I’m on a really tight budget” or “My bad, I blew my budget this month already on petrol” And I have a feeling I’m not the only one… which is perhaps how the stereotype came about. Spending on alcohol may not be the wisest investment for the future… but what’s wrong with cutting loose every once in a while?

Advice for those of you going to university next year, or even taking a gap year or whatever your situation may be, do not expect your life to be the same as it was a year ago or during school. Every single dynamic changes – be it your friends, your taste in music, clothes, your idea for your future, your significant other, even your relationship with your parents will change. I learnt most of this the hard way by hoping nothing would change except my daily driving route, however that was not the case. Some friends will be there for the rest of your life, but you’ll also make new ones and the new ones might not click with the old ones. If you’re studying away from home, you may notice that you become higher in demand among family members over the times you do visit home. Grandparents want a visit, parents want some attention, siblings need to be chauffeured, pretty much any excuse to see you. Which is never a bad thing. But believe me, it can be draining as hell. So really, take it all with an open mind and be prepared to experience a ton and a half new things with new people.

All for now!