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To
stay or not to stay
By Nachi Aguboshim, (Nachi,
like most African Children born in the diaspora
is trying to redefine himself.
He writes with passion and an open mind. Nachi
is an intern at the youth desk of African Echo
media group.) |
THE first day of university it’s the beginning of a new era, the first day of the rest of your life, your official introduction into adulthood, the icing on the cake, is that too many clichés? I usually say sorry when I digress so much that I forget the point that I was trying to make, so I am sorry.
Now my university life was eventful to say the least and being the man that I am it will be my pleasure to run you through the contrast between students who commute from home and students who fully indulge in the university experience, you know the independence, the socialising, the drinking, numerous parties and the learning if that’s what you really want to do.
Now there are so many important decisions that you have to make when taking that big step into university. I was going to talk about own experience, but I’d rather not expose myself and risk a possible jail sentence, swiftly moving on, lets begin shall we?
Travelling
Now travelling from home to university can be pretty much the most tedious journey you may ever embark on, you have to consider waking up early, which is always a burden and also there’s the added bonus of wasting yet even more time checking for any train, bus or tram delays, Oh happy joy. (If you didn’t guess I’m being sarcastic) If you’re travelling from university all you need to do is merely cross the road.
Socialising
Living at home can be somewhat hazardous to you socialising, it takes away all the time you have to mingle with your peers, all your dreams of being as cool as Zack for ‘Saved by the Bell’ are nothing more then a distant memory and because you live like 50 miles away from university there clearly isn’t time for you mingle, unless of course another poor soul lives near your house. (But that’s so rare) However when your living up at university, you drink, eat and breathe socialising. The good news is everyone knows you the bad news is everyone knows you, think about it.
Finance
Now here there are some major perks from living at home you can save some serious cash. You don’t pay rent (well that depends on your parents) and here’s the killer one, wait for it.
. . . . . . you don’t have to pay for food, because we all know what a student eats like, I’ll try not to paint you a picture. Living up at university, leaves your pockets empty, it’s even a struggle to get a bottle of milk sometimes, things can get so hard you even compromise yourself and your values, you find yourself on street corners doing the kind of things that . . . . . . . . . . (I told myself I wouldn’t get emotion, focus Nachi!)
My advice is get a job before it’s too late.
Sex Life
I’m Nigerian, when I was at university and living at home my sex life was non-existent unless your parents are gang bangers they sure as hell aren’t going to let you get your freak on, in their home, especially if your not paying rent, if you want to have a sex life you have to work around their working schedule. Just do me one favour always lock the front door, don’t get caught with your pants down trust me it’s not a pretty sight. Sorry mum At university however, sex is so common, it’s the norm if you don’t embrace it you risk becoming a nomad and rumours may fly around about your sexuality, and trust me you don’t want that, my opinion, as they say ‘When in Rome . . . . . . . .’
Parties
Living at home and having a party? You better get that thought out of your head ASAP. When I was living at university I was introduced to foam parties . . . . . . . . . enough said!
Learning
Living at home, I read and wrote more then I ever did before, probably, because my dad was standing behind me with a belt in his hand, his such a great motivator. At university the only thing that you tend to read is a playboy magazine, who am I kidding I was reading it!
Food
You just can’t bet mothers cooking, she takes so much pride in making her food look and taste the best, my mouth waters just thinking about it, and you actually get three meals a day, I know it’s hard to believe isn’t it? As you can tell I clearly love my food. Now up at university the eating pattern is completely different, you may get your three meals but what exactly do you eat? Jam and sardine sandwiches? Ketchup soup? Or worse yet you actually attempt to cook and God help the people and yourself if that food is consumed, just hope that the A& E isn’t full that day.
Now we have come to an end, it’s really up to you what decision you come to about commuting or fully indulging in the university lifestyle, what choice you do make however enjoy it because this experience is one that you won’t forget.
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