Freshers

‘There are some things one can only achieve by a deliberate leap in the opposite direction.’

Franz Kafka

Being a ‘Fresher’ can be a strange experience – some are excited at the prospect of starting university and moving away from home for the first time, whilst others are terrified at leaving their families behind to start a new life in a different place with people they’ve never met before. There’s no black or white way to feel, sometimes it’s natural to have mixed emotions about this change. Personally, despite researching universities since I was 12-years-old (yes, I was that child), I panicked the day before moving and said I didn’t want to go and that I wasn’t ready. I was leaving my safety blanket behind and was being forced into moving away for the sake of my education. Okay, I could have made less dramatic word choices, but would what a drama blog be without some drama?

Of course, on the day of moving I felt fine and didn’t even cry (result!) when I waved my parents goodbye, but I still felt nervous about meeting my course mates. The power of social media meant that I had already messaged a lot of them online, but having not met any of them in ‘real life’ I worried that my online persona may differ to how I was in person, that is, someone who finds large groups of new people very daunting and, as a result, stays quiet and doesn’t include themselves for fear of getting judged. Freshers doesn’t have to be this deep! Everyone is in the same boat, and although people may not seem nervous, they probably are – this is university after all. Although I received some words of wisdom from my family before I left, I would have liked some messages from current students at the time, as although my course description on the website had me sold, it still would have added some extra reassurance.

Below is a collection of quotes from students of the Drama department, past and present, collected from The Grapevine social media accounts and the department Facebook page. Even if you’re not a Fresher – give them a read! Each academic year allows you the chance to rectify mistakes you made in the previous year, allowing you to grow into the person you seek to become.

‘Go and see as much theatre as you can!! Open up, people can help.’

Jemima Corbett – Second Year

‘See everything as an opportunity and it will make your time so fulfilled.’

Luke Dankoff – Third Year

‘Try new things! First year is the best year to throw yourself in, make mistakes and have fun!’

Danielle Harris – Graduate

‘Have the most fun, but always keep yourself guarded – mentally, physically, and socially.’

Sophie Clarkson – Second Year

‘Get involved, try everything!’

Chloe Herrick – Second Year

‘Don’t force yourself into anything! Uni is very overwhelming, take your time.’

Rachel Johnson, Second Year

‘Enjoy yourself and try not to stress too much!’

Danielle Cawley – Second Year

‘Don’t get involved in just one area e.g. just acting, explore all that the course has to offer even if it’s not part of your timetable! You may get to the end of the year and decide you wanted to try stage management or lighting but by then you may not have the chance. Take the opportunity whilst you can especially whilst you have the freedom to explore all areas of production – grab it from the start!’

Cassidi White – Graduate

‘Socialise! Get to know everyone and you’ll have a fab time with the whole department!’

Amber Samuels – Second Year

‘Jump on every opportunity you can, learn as much as you can – just dive in head first!’

Bethan Sheavills – Graduate

‘The drama department is a big family, it’s a brilliant community of some of the kindest, coolest people you’ll ever meet! So explore and create and don’t be scared of judgement or failure, we’re all here to have fun and make cool theatre!’

Alex Parker – Third Year

So to all our Freshers…good luck! The drama department are beyond excited to meet you! And to our Second and Third Years – welcome back! Let’s make this year even better than the last!

Cerys

12th September 2019