Saturday 14 July 2012

Nostalgia

This time last year I was graduating with a degree in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sunderland! At the time, I couldn't believe how quickly three years went by - in fact I still can't - and I can't believe I graduated a year ago now.

One of my best friends Jo only just graduated this week too as despite going to uni together, she spent a year studying in France. I'm feeling very nostalgic as it's dawned on me how long it's been since I've been a student.

I still remember leaving home for university like it was only yesterday - the long drive, the nervous unpacking, the first night out with my flat mates! University gave me so many amazing memories that I'll treasure forever, as well as giving me some amazing friends. I also learnt so much about myself in those three years.

I also remember the week I graduated so vividly. To this day, I still cannot grasp how much of my life changed in a matter of days. 

When I graduated, I had no idea where I'd be in a years time. But am I happy? I'm ecstatic. I've got a job relating to my degree and I'm still as close as ever to the girls I met at uni. I don't have my own place, but in all honesty I love being at home so much especially after spending three years away! 

Going to university was one of the best decisions of my life and sometimes I really would do anything to just pack up a bag, hop on a coach and spend a week there just for memories. I miss the town, the people, the food, the memories - everything. There's so much I didn't get to do, but so much I still want to do. I've promised myself that I'll hurry up and pass my test, get a car and visit again soon.

Of course, it won't be the same. It wasn't when I visited in February. Things will never be the same. But that doesn't mean me and my friends can't visit again for memories and to create new memories, doing all the things we said we would. We still need to have our big Newcastle night out and visit Amsterdam.

And when I visited in February, there are only two things I regret not doing. The first would be not getting a Chillino's pizza (oh my god my mouth is watering at the thought!). The second would be not visiting South Shields beach again.

South Shields beach, on my first ever visit, taken by me


















To this day, South Shields beach is still one of my favourite places in the whole world. I never grew tired of living near the coast and spent almost every Sunday evening at this beautiful beach. This beach was my favourite place to be in Sunderland and is home to so many memories. It was one of the few things that still gave me good memories during my last year of university when everything else was going to the shit (for lack of a better word!).

Sunderland was my home for three years and I practically became an adult in that little town. It wasn't special - it wasn't home to the top university of the country or even the best nightlife but it was just right for me. I can't wait to go back.

13 comments:

  1. It's so fantastic to have fond memories of university. One of my best friends is a girl who I met at university 12 years ago, it's a place where special friendships and special memories are made.

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    1. It is! I definitely agree. Special friendships are made because university can be so tough - it's a time of feeling homesick and going through a lot of change, as well as growing as a person xx

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  2. I've done University 3 times! But the first time was my only proper time. I was in London but I know what you mean about the place where you studied being special. I think it's because the place is where you learn to grow up and start to make your mark on the world. It's also the place where you have loads of reckless fun!

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    1. Wow really? I'd love to go back and do it all again! And yes I agree, university definitely helped me become an adult, I became much more responsible whilst studying but also had some pretty amazing nights out too ;) xx

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  3. I'm a North Eastern girl and I love South Shields beach too - I have so many memories of my grandma taking me and my sister down there when we were kids :)

    Gems x

    Fashion, Well Done

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    1. Really? Small world! It's so nice when a place represents great memories. You're lucky you get the opportunity to visit again often :) xx

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  4. Hello!
    I love your blog!
    I just found it!

    I made a blog a couple of months ago too!
    I would really appreciate it if you could check it out and follow if you like it!
    Thank you!!!

    http://newfashionorder.blogspot.com/

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    1. Sorry about the late reply! I had a look and it's really cute so I followed :) And thank you for the nice compliments regarding my blog :) xxx

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  5. Lovely post darling! I have just graduated from Northumbria university and already moved home and started a job, and am missing the North East already. Its such a gorgeous place :D

    OutsideBeautyInsideHealth

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    1. Aww it is! I was there for three years and it really was a home away from home for me! xxx

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  6. Great post and looks like a lovely place! :)

    Check out my blog? http://fallingfeatherss.blogspot.co.uk/ xxx

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    1. Thank you :) I checked your blog and followed :) xxx

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  7. Lovely photo!
    Looks beautiful

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