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My journey to higher education was a pretty standard one (in my opinion anyway). I did my GCSEs and then went onto college to do my A levels.
Doing my A levels
In my first year at college I was really interested in saving the planet, so I studied Environmental Science, Geography, Media, English and General Studies; with the hope of saving a rainforest or something. But I found environmental science really boring, and more to do with what makes up soil than anything else, so in my second year I swapped Environmental Science for Psychology. I wasn't really interested in psychology but I wanted to do as many courses as possible so I could get more points for my UCAS application for university.
Choosing my uni
I decided that I wanted to carry on with Media and English because I had always enjoyed writing stories and had even contemplated becoming a journalist at one point. I applied to six universities in total, and went to visit them all. The university visits were really important for getting the 'feel' of the place. In the end I cut down my choices to two; Marjons and Lincoln. I finally picked Marjons because I was worried about the distance Lincoln was from my home, my sister had dropped out of uni because she had got homesick- I didn't want that to happen to me!
Getting the right support for my dyslexia
So I applied to Marjon. I had always known that I was dyslexic but never realised I could get any support or help with it until I put that I was dyslexic on my UCAS form. After that I was contacted and had a meeting where we went through which areas of learning I found difficult. I was amazed when I received a computer, printer/scanner/photocopier, lots of software, extra support while studying and money to buy subject books. I can't believe how much it all helps, especially with things like writing essays and researching.
My first year at university
My first year at university was scary at first, you know, being in knew surroundings and living away from home but I soon got my bearings and loved it. Fresher's weeks were amazing, so many fun activities and nights to get involved in, the booze cruise was definitely my favourite.
My second year at university
Then the second year hit me. There has definitely been an increase in the workload, but my lecturers are amazing in offering support and advice. It's also great fun living off campus this year, all I can say is house parties! It has finally hit me that I'll be finishing university next year, and I haven't got a clue what I want to do with the rest of my life. I'm very lucky that there's a careers office and advisor at Marjons, so I can get some options for my future.
My advice to you!
Through my experiences I've learnt that you need to make sure you do something that you have a genuine interest in, whether that's surfing or science, because you won't have any enthusiasm for your course if you don't.
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