University is this weird, relatively brief part of our lives that often feels like a bit of a blur (alcohol-induced or otherwise). It’s become part of our routine to wake up on certain mornings, reach desperately for the nearest sign of caffeine and trudge on to campus practically half asleep. But just like when you graduated from high school, once you walk out of that campus for good, you’ll realise why you want to go back so desperately.

Ridiculous Student Discounts

Once your student status is over and you become a certified member of the real world, the first thing you’ll realise is that everything’s a whole lot more expensive. Public transport, clothes from your favourite store and even booze will have their prices hiked because you’re no longer student. Get ready: your favourite ’25 per cent off’ is going to become a lot less common.

Free Wi-Fi Wherever You Go

A campus without ample wi-fi access in every last nook and cranny is a campus not worth going to. You should also prepare for your phone bill to jump a sizeable amount as well – you’d be surprised how much Snapchat chews up your data.

The Bizarre Weekly Routine

No other member of society can get away with having a five-day weekend, or only having to be somewhere on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The nine-to-five grind may be what we’re all working towards securing for ourselves, but it’s definitely gonna take a bit of adjusting.

Freebies

Beyond the realm of student discounts lies every student’s two favourite words: “free” and “shit”. For some reason, campuses all across the nation bloody love giving out free stuff to their devout students. How I’ll miss that glorious feeling of strolling through campus and walking out with some free curry, a free Frisbee and a coveted lollipop.

Always Having Someone There To Help

Despite the learning system at uni being pretty independent, there are plenty of people and facilities that exist to help you through the uni experience. You’ve got career advisers, counsellors and, of course, tutors, just to name a few. Once you’re out into the big, bad world, you’re sort of just expected to know how things operate. It’s alright – crying yourself to sleep is something all adults do, probably.

No Judgement When You’re Hungover AF

You’ll never be immersed in such a community so free of judgement. In fact, not only do lecturers not judge you and your bucket sitting in the lecture theatre, but they actually expect it.

Wearing Whatever You Damn Well Please

Feel like rocking up to uni donning your ugg boots and PJs? Go for it. Want to wear an obnoxious novelty hat a la Homer Simpson? You can do that! And if you feel so inclined to rock your double denim, no one’s going to make you feel bad about it.

Your Mates

Throughout your university years, you’ll meet a huge array of people who come from all walks of life. You’re going to meet people you could go the rest of your life without seeing, and you’re going to meet people who will enrich your life in ways you never thought possible. Don’t fret, though – if they’re your true mates you’ll be seeing a lot more of each other outside of life on campus. They’re your mates for a reason.

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Jackson Langford is studying a Bachelor of Communication degree at the University of Newcastle and is the rightful heir to the throne.

(Lead image: Nazareth College, Flickr Creative Commons license)