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Note: This was originally published in 2021 on my former website.
It’s raining outside my window as I write this and something about rain has always made me reflective about my life. Today, I’m reflecting on my university experience and reflecting on what I miss and don’t miss about it.
Things I miss about university
1) Studying in my university’s library with its big windows and spiral staircases
On the second floor of my university’s library, there are huge windows that oversee the downtown area. My university is located in the downtown area of my city. Many times that I would be deep into studying, I would suddenly look up at the window and see snow lightly falling down and making my city into a winter wonderland. The sunsets were also amazing to watch.
The spiral cases of the library were also one of my favourite things about the library as it stood out and led to smaller study areas.
2) Always learning something new
I was the kid growing up that enjoyed school and challenging myself mentally. University was a really fulfilling time as I was always learning something new both inside and outside of it.
3) Student events
Every year, my university had two big events to welcome students to start the fall and winter semester. This event would include free food, free entertainment, and free giveaways from the student association. Throughout the year, the many student groups would host many events from coffee nights, concerts, and so much more. There was always something happening.
4) Regularly seeing my professors and university friends
I went to university for 5 years (with a short time at a local college during that time too), but at university, I got to know most of my department’s professors. While I do still stay in contact with some of the friends I made in university, it hasn’t been the same as seeing them as much as I did in university, but I’m grateful every day that I met them when I did.
Things I don’t miss about university
1) The all-nighters
There were many times in university that I had to do an all-nighter, and the reasons depended on whether I was assigned an assignment the day before, procrastinated, or working late at my part-time job. While all-nighters are part of the university experience, I don’t miss them since they would mess up my sleep schedule.
2) Printing out LOTS of paper
I’m not sure how many papers I printed out in university, but it was a LOT. In my major, I have likely read over 50+ journal articles and printed a majority of them because I didn’t like reading pages and pages of text on my laptop. I only printed the journal articles I knew I would need, but it still was a lot of paper wasted. I’m sure I still have some journal articles lying around somewhere in my room.
3) My caffeine addiction
I never was a heavy coffee drinker until I went to university. Coffee was what helped me wake up for class, get me through a study session, and stay awake during an all-nighter.
4) Always feeling like I didn’t have time
While university was an overall great experience, I honestly don’t miss feeling like I didn’t have enough time for other things aside from studying or working. Now that I’ve graduated, it’s so nice to have time to do other things like reading books I want to read or spending more time with my friends and family.
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University was a phase in my life that I don’t regret, not even a little bit. While there are times I miss it, these days I’m learning to enjoy life after university more and make time to do all the things I’ve been wanting to do for so long like creating this blog.
Trish types away 