Rural Student Voice
16
Moving to University was hard. There’s no point in sugar-coating it. On my first day, I was a bundle of nervous excitement coupled with an unhealthy amount of self-doubt. I listened to the advice to join clubs, but still didn’t really know if I’d found my place. Sitting in my first few classes, it felt as though everyone else had known each other for years and somehow, I’d missed the boat. I wondered if it was because I wasn’t from the city, or I hadn’t tried hard enough during O’Week, or maybe it was just my resting bitch face. In addition to the mounting social anxiety, I was learning how to live on my own, which came with its own struggles. I was learning how to budget, keep on top of bills, and run a household. I was totally in the deep end. Of all the people I met, not one was in a similar position – they were all still able to live with their parents – and this was completely alienating. The
cherry on the top of all of this was that I was a complete fish out of water, and honestly felt lost every time I walked out of my front door. Orienting myself in an entire city, and not just a small town like back home, seemed like an impossible task. I’m sure if you’ve made it this far, you’re probably thinking, “Wow – what a negative sack of shit.” Relax, things did get better. I’m so glad I made the move and here’s why. First, the relationship with my parents has completely changed. I’m now able to lean on them and seriously appreciate their advice. Calling them my friends would definitely still be a stretch; they love to come and visit and lecture me on the state of my room! Secondly, I’m so proud of myself. I’ve come a long way and the feeling of independence is really gratifying. Sure – there have been heaps of mis-
