Moving out for university: Six clichés I was told when leaving home for the first time

Leaving for university can be a daunting experience as it may be your first time moving out of home. You could be moving to an area you've never been before, with people you don't know and doing things you haven't done. The first few weeks at university can be unsettling, as you're expected to throw yourself into activities, socialising and making new friends as well as studying, whilst being away from the comforts of home.

I would have never thought that I'd be the first out of my siblings to move out. My decision came from a lot of imagining what it'd be like: the experiences, the challenges, the independence and freedom. I then also thought what it'd be like if I didn't. As a young, naive individual still developing, I thought throwing myself in the deep end and experiencing new things would be a good way to grow.

Last September, I moved out of home to begin my first year at Bournemouth University, studying Multimedia Journalism. I was told many things by people who had either been to university or had an idea of what it would be like. When I had actually experienced it myself, it wasn't all that it seemed to be.

*Disclaimer: These are my personal experiences, not to say everyone is the same and that others may or may have experienced it differently.*

1. "You will be homesick within a week"

Now for me, this definitely wasn't the case. I didn't feel as though I wanted to come home, I felt quite happy and content and didn't have any worries at that moment. I had been going out, studying, making friends, doing activites and learning how to cook that home didn't even pass my mind. However, there were moments where I missed my siblings and the comfort of home which is something you'll naturally feel. My advice would be to keep yourself busy and make new friends. Just take in the new environment and enjoy your first few weeks as, for me, they were the best moments of first year.

2. "You will get the Freshers' flu"

Well, I didn't. I'm not sure what I did but I certaintly didn't do anything to avoid it. I definitely partied and went out a few times but I guess as I'm not the absolute party type, I didn't go out enough times to get it. Things to do to avoid the Freshers' flu: Stay hydrated and eat your fruit and veg.. but still have fun.

3. "You're going to get takeaways all the time since you can't cook"

THE BIGGEST LIE OF THEM ALL. I cooked every single day, through knowing some already, learning and teaching myself. There was only one exception where I had McDonalds for dinner, but other than that, I made sure I didn't form a habit of ordering takeaway's aimlessly or over-spending on food.

Tip: Learn how to cook BEFORE you move out as it's much easier for when you're there. However, learning as you go still works just as well.

4. "You will struggle with your finances"

Before moving to university, I decided to take a gap year to work and save money. Until this day, I'm glad that I did. This money secured me for the whole year where I didn't have to worry about being broke or not having enough money. This made me happy as I was financially independent and didn't need to ask for anything.

Looking back, the only things I would spend my money on were food shopping, clubbing and going out. I had a budget of spending £25-28 a week on food and most times I stuck to that. However, for going out and clubbing, I had no budget as that wasn't a problem for me. Tip: Earn your own money from working and save it - whether it be a gap year or a summer job before uni.

5. "You'll be tested to your limits"

Now, this is a true statement. University is a big self-development journey as you're completely out of your comfort zone. It usually starts with the pressure or anxiety to fit in and socialize, but as you find your feet and settle down, you’ll notice yourself coming into your own. The independence and freedom from moving to university is great and can be a really fun experience, just be sure not to feel peer-pressured or comply to what others are doing around you and try to stay as true to yourself as you can.