University Days.

More and more I find myself thinking back to my student days. It seems so very long ago now – mainly because it is. But luckily I have mostly fond memories of my time at University. I am not afraid to admit that I worked my backside off. The number of Asian students was nowhere near as big as now but even back then the competition – domestic and foreign - was fierce if you wanted to do well. I managed to have a lot of fun though and met some life long (so far) friends. I attended two universities. The first time around was the complete student experience with all the highs and lows. Four years of wonder and discovery. The second was two years part time while I worked full time. Very little fun or socialising. All work.
For those of you who went to Uni, what was it like?..Did you manage to have fun as well as work? Did you make lasting friendships?..Or even meet your partner? And I define “university” loosely. College, Trade school, the services training, police academy..Nursing school, seminary!. Doesn’t matter. Share your “:beyond school” educational experiences.

Re: University Days.

I could be a student forever, but I can't say I particularly enjoyed my first few years. Academically, it was a real struggle. Up to that point, I had breezed my way through school without ever having to acquire a good skill set for studying, and it nearly did me in. I stayed with it though, finally got in the academic grove and everything seemed to click.

My university was beautiful - high on a hill, a rambling campus of limestone buildings surrounded by towering maples and ancient oaks. It was the first time I met really interesting, interested people, so I had my fair share of socializing and boyfriends. I worked some, and in my last couple of years bought one of the most popular college bars with my brother. From that experience we learned about entrepreneurship, being part of a community, and the joys and headaches of hard, exhausting work. We also had a tremendously good time running the place.

Literally on my way out the door, having sworn of relationships so I could chase my own dreams, I met my husband. The end.

Re: University Days.

I did my very best to avoid going to any Uni. When I see students going on strike or marching about some issue or other doesn't create a good impression. Suppose I am a bit anti UNI as a lot of the subjects have no real meaning except to say there is a degree at the end of the course. What is this "gap" year all about? i will tell you, it is all about students going on the rampage across the world instead of usoing the time to study.

This country needs trades and apprentices not layabouts who generally have no common sense and have not got a clue in the business world.
Unfortunately companies look to employ them who have no experience yet try and manage those who have been in a trade for years.

for just one example

BT took on a person with qualifications to manage telephone engineers, What do you think she had a degre in? zoology, I kid you not.

came into our yard with gas fitters tools she "stole" from an unattended gas fitters workers tent in Epson high street

Re: University Days.

Realspeed, I hear you. We pressed our son to learn a trade, he chose refrigeration, when he started goofing off at school. It's hard skilled work and he's learned a lot. He's back studying chemical engineering, but that foundation of practical knowledge and skill has helped him tremendously - and it's earned him enough money to pay a good portion of his way (which was expected after his first go at it).

Re: University Days.

Oh dear mate. Surfmom let you off lightly. Her manners are better than mine. Your post is a really fine example of classic inverse snobbery. You have a very narrow view of university and uni students. Especially since you have never been to one. Or so you imply. Layabouts with no common sense??..How have you formulated that unbelievable sweeping view of university students. HOnest question. Is that what you think they are all like? Or is that just what ones you have met..In England..are like.?..
bThe subject might have no real meaning to you because you don't know anything about them. For example, I studied social work and applied psych for 6 years. I have two degrees. I had a 35 year career in mental health - including ten years in my own practice..a business!.. and I am certain that my efforts, skills, knowledge..and common sense.. made a positive difference to more than a few. I also taught in university and ran my own course as part of the faculty of social welfare. I'm not going to throw my whole resume at you. I'm sure you would not be interested. I've never been to university in England but I can tell you students in my country have to work their backsides off to do well. The competition is maniacal. And the standards are
extremely high both academically and in research. Where do you think the advances in research, medicine, science and other important areas come from?..And gap years ..here..are usually used by students to work; earn money to help support themselves. If they travel it's usually to rural areas to find work fruit picking or labouring. Women and men. I never had a gap year myself. The only othert kind is when kids leave school before Uni. They have a holiday on the Gold Coast and party..for a week!!..

I started this thread so people could remember the good times they had in their university days. Share the experiences they had. You are entitled to your opinion but why post it here?? Why are you bothering to post if you haven't been part of that life. I asked for memories. Not ill informed judgement. Why don't you start your own.Maybe you could call it "UNiversity students..Do we need them or are they just layabouts." Please just don;t talk about "taxpayers money" University is not free any more and hasn't been for a long time.

My dad was a tradesman. Metal assaying in the goldfields first. .Then the army - World War Two.El Alamein. Bren Gun Carrier mechanic then machine gunner. Wounded twice. Recovered. Another trade..Printing. He was a damned fine one too. I have nothing against tradesmen and I fully recognise their value. I grew up surrounded by them. Oh bugger this..Am I trying to analyse your character?..Not really. Occupational habit. Learned it at Uni JUst don't "misery up" my thread. Its just meant to be about fond memories. About interesting and fun stories from people who were at Uni. Not an evaluation of students motivations or behaviour for that matter. There's more than enough other threads here where you can whinge and complain until the cows come home.

Re: University Days.

I opted out of education at 14 years old so, have an excuse for stupidity, I knew it would come in useful further down the line.


Edit

That's no your fault Spitty, you just didn't know Beta.

Re: University Days.

Hi

University was not an option for me, the eldest in a large family, I needed to earn money.

Polytechnic, Block Release, started working cleaning sewers in a city, Leeds.

Also cleaning a slaughterhouse at nights, and then progressed to boning out, which was good money.

I am something of a geek, so passed some exams early and transferred to Leeds University Medical School, not as a Doctor I may add.

A research Biochemist.

Life progressed from there.

I still get my hands dirty.

Re: University Days.

The Graduation Exam was just too difficult.

Re: University Days.

So you guys are proof that not all those who study at tertiary institutions are "layabouts". And that not going to university has nothing to do with intelligence either. Spit I guess you are joking but you are far from stupid. You're one of the institutions here. And Swim being a research bio chemist is a very high achievement IMO.

Re: University Days.

Some things I don't joke about Keezoy, round pegs in square holes being one of them.