8 reasons why second year is the worst and the best - Debut

8 reasons why second year is the worst and the best - Debut This post is written by a member of the Debut Student Publisher Network. Read on for  Christines  thoughts on the most divisive year of uni: Ah, second year. Its the period of flux between being a keen Fresher and a cynical finalist.  For those of you who think its the worst, its the absolute pits. But then there are some of you rare birds who actually think its the best year of them all. We thought to take a closer look. 1. The worst: living off-campus For students who spent their first years in halls, this is going to be a  shock. Now you have to deal with bills, no heating and crazy landlords like GASP a grown adult. With halls, you had a preordained group of people you could could to befriend or ignore at your own pace. It didnt really matter either way. Now, youre thrust  into a world where you have to collaborate on paying money for your own Internet connection. 2. The best: living off-campus On the other hand, this is one of the biggest steps into adulthood youll take in your life. Its super exciting and provides a lot of freedom. Not to mention, living off-campus youll generally find yourself in a uni town. Its pretty cool getting to know a whole new area. If youre lucky, youll find some hidden gems around town. Theres only so much you can do on campus after all. 3. The worst: the real work begins For many, many students, you live first year by the 40% rule. As long as you pass the year, thats totally fine! But suddenly second year hits and now all your assignments actually matter. Your grades will affect your actual degree, and you can no longer afford to avoid your 9 AM lectures. Now you have to think about your actual future. 4. The best: the real work begins However, this is also when youll have more control over what you get out of your degree. A lot of first years involve taking compulsory modules you dont want or need. Moving into second year probably gives you a chance to explore the niche, cool modules youre  really interested in. Getting a little more of a choice in filtering what you want to learn is awesome. Its the kind of work you expected, the kind that fuels you as an intellectual. 5. The worst: youre not a Fresher anymore The shine of being a Fresher has long since worn off. You watch them in the library with their starry eyes enviously. You wish you could go back to feeling that way. Its a pure naiveté you long for desperately. As they hit up that years Fresher events, you feel strangely old and outdated. Its truly bizarre, the emotional and mental shift into second year. 6. The best: youre not a Fresher anymore Well, now you know your academic buildings back to front. Youve got a good idea of who you are at uni. Heck, you can even show people around now. Youve even got a favourite seat in the library (and god forbid anyone try to take that seat, its yours). Settling into a rhythm and routine is really healthy and its nice to feel like you know whats going on. 7. The worst: youre almost a real adult Youre that much closer to graduation. Youve followed along a specific path throughout life so far a little mindlessly. But here you are in what is probably the final part of your education. You have to start thinking about careers now, about being employable, about what the future holds. You cant live like an ostrich with your head in the sand of Freshers excitement anymore. 8. The best: youre almost a real adult In the end, going into second year means youll be growing as a person.  Youll spend first year in a playful daze and final year in a stressful daze. But in second year, youre not quite done yet. Second year is your chance to build your foundation for final year. Its also your last opportunity to focus on extra-curricular, non-adult things before your busy academic-focused final year. Its okay. You still have time, so enjoy it while you can. Download the Debut app and you could totally grab yourself a summer internship  way before anyone else. Follow Christine  on Twitter  @slytherchris Connect with Debut on  Facebook  and  Twitter