This time last year, I was a nervous wreck of a 17 year old, gearing up to finally hit the \u2018submit\u2019 button on my UCAS application. I only had a rough idea of where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do. I applied to universities all over the country but as I write this, I\u2019m a first year English Language and Media student at De Montfort University. Having been living in Leicester for a little while now, I\u2019d say that there are a few things every DMU student should know!<\/p>\n
The FreshFest wristband \u2013 something I pounced on as soon as they were released over the summer \u2013 is a must have. This got me free entry into a lot of freshers\u2019 events (much better than fumbling for cash when drunk at the door, if you ask me.) During this time, events such as the Freshers\u2019 Ball, \u201cF*ck me it\u2019s Freshers\u201d and of course the infamous Bonkerz Bar Tour are held all over Leicester. Don\u2019t forget the events held during the day! The majority of these are free. Frozen Friday and the Welcome Weekend are much-loved favourites, alongside the Freshers\u2019 Fair. Set an alarm for this. You won\u2019t be able to believe the amount of discounted pizza you\u2019ll eat over the course of university.<\/p>\n
Normally, students start university at the age of eighteen or perhaps older. And, granted, the last time you set foot on a bouncy castle may have been at ten years old. Fear not. I guarantee you\u2019ll discover at least one student-friendly bouncy castle during your time at uni, possibly even during Freshers\u2019. NB: They\u2019re even more fun when drunk. So what if you\u2019re nineteen?<\/p>\n
Ever heard of Mosh nightclubs? Well, you have now. When I moved to Leicester, my coursemate and best friend who also goes to DMU dragged me and all of my flatmates out to a student night at Mosh, a club situated on St Nicholas. It\u2019s situated over three floors, playing different types of music. It really does cater to all tastes \u2013 pop punk, chart music, remixes and the list goes on. That\u2019s not the best part. On a student night it\u2019s \u00a32 to get in before 11.30pm and I\u2019ve never seen a drink priced over \u00a33.50 there. But the absolute kicker is that it\u2019s open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays \u2013 be sure to check it out.<\/p>\n
Whatever course you\u2019re on, advisors and tutors will be able to help you find a work experience placement that suits you and your personal interests. Leicester has plenty of opportunities for anything ranging from work at Demon Media to volunteering abroad.<\/p>\n
Everyone knows societies are an enjoyable aspect of uni and an easy way to meet like minded people, and DMU is no different. From creative writing to forensic science, cultural and religious based societies, as well as sport, cocktail making and the infamous Demon Media, there\u2019s something to suit just about everyone.<\/p>\n
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We don\u2019t wear pink on Wednesdays (not all the time anyway) but we do play sport on Wednesdays. With over forty sport societies to choose from as well as a range of gym memberships at the QEII Leisure Centre, possibilities range from playing competitively or just a way to chill out on your own or with friends.<\/p>\n
Have you ever considered travelling and the opportunity to learn more about other cultures and countries? For those curious, this is definitely one of the things every DMU student should know. With DMU Global you can get even more out of your experience as a student. Part of the cost will also be covered for you. There\u2019s also a wide range of countries you can travel to, so if there\u2019s a destination your heart is set on, get looking into it.<\/p>\n
Leicester is known very well for being a culturally diverse society. The Diwali celebrations over autumn are just one example of this, topped off with a beautiful firework display. DMU really is an international university, welcoming students and cultures from all over the world.<\/p>\n
The well-esteemed Leicester Market stands in the city centre, a short walk from Highcross. I was so shocked the first time I went. Two punnets of strawberries for two quid? Six peppers for a pound? Yes. Of course. Count me in.<\/p>\n
Between Soar Point (I\u2019ll get onto that in a minute) and New Wharf Hall of Residence lie some of the most iconic views in Leicester city centre \u2013 of Castle Gardens and not too far away, River Soar. There\u2019s a lovely view of River Soar from the outdoor area in Soar Point as well, especially when it\u2019s all lit up at night.<\/p>\n
I mentioned Soar Point earlier \u2013 on a Sunday night you can find students and locals gathering for a cocktail or pint or three and the weekly quiz. Remember to get inventive with your names! Some of the ones I\u2019ve been hearing have been really funny but\u2026well, less than appropriate to post on here, but check it out one night.<\/p>\n
Apparently this is a popular meeting spot so I\u2019m always hearing or being told \u201cI\u2019ll meet you at the clock tower?!\u201d However, I\u2019m not really a local yet so when friends ask me this, being the southerner with no sense of direction I WILL get lost. I still haven\u2019t quite worked out how to get there. Hopefully you guys do better with this than me. But seriously, the view is lovely.<\/p>\n
Being a media student myself, I can truly see that DMU fully embraces creativity, offering courses such as fine art, creative writing, film studies, fashion and music related courses. These are a few of many! The opportunities to get stuck in and create something new are increasing every day and I believe that\u2019s one of the best things about this university.<\/p>\n
Leicester is a really multicultural city which goes hand in hand with cuisine. Even for students, still there are still cheaper restaurants, fast food places and discounts. Such as the SU\u2019s fry up (makes for the best hangover breakfast, along with a Maccies breakfast.) I could go on, but the only thing I have to add to this is that there are four Nando\u2019s restaurants in Leicester.<\/p>\n
Speaking of Maccies, there seems to be a big golden M on every corner in Leicester, so when you\u2019re stumbling home after a night out at 2.30am make sure to take advantage of your student discount and get a cheeseburger. You know you want to\u2026 Failing that though, if you\u2019re mooching down Narborough Road in the middle of the night, TJs and Big Johns are both great places for a snack when sloshed.<\/p>\n
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You will probably leave DMU with at least a hint of a Leicester accent. Every time I speak to my mum on the phone she demands to know why I \u2018sound northern\u2019.<\/p>\n
Have a wander round Highcross shopping centre and munch on an obligated Krispy Kreme doughnut. It can be quite depressing seeing so many lovely things that none of us students can afford to buy, but there\u2019s always a cheaper alternative, usually found in one of the cheaper shops in Highcross. Failing that Haymarket, five minutes from Highcross, will most likely have whatever you\u2019re looking for if not.<\/p>\n