An open letter to first year me

Dear First-Year Molly,

Hello from the future. Believe it or not, before you know it, you’ll be me.

The past three years have flown by unbelievably fast. So much can happen in three years. The world can go bonkers, you can grow out a fringe, they can announce a Frozen 2 (which we really don’t need!), and most importantly you can become a completely different person.

I think if you see me now you’d be impressed. I’m what you’ve been aiming for. More confident, braver and less spotty. You’ve seen La La Land, own a record player AND have read a book with swear words. You’re now a cultured grown up.

There’s a couple things I think you need to know. Some stuff that I wish you’d known before. Stuff most first years need to know so here goes…

Calm down

In writing this I’m imagining you on our first night: wide awake in bed, crying about how you won’t make it through the next three years and wanting to ring your mum every 10 minutes. Well for a start, you did make it. Brava!

It was a tough time and yes, it’s a big step but the big thing you need to do is chill. It’s like nana use to say “it’ll happen if you worry and it’ll happen if you don’t”, but there really isn’t anything to worry about. It’s exciting and wonderful so enjoy it!

I’ve written about this experience in depth before. Check it out here.

Talk to people

You came to uni with friends. That’s very lucky. But that doesn’t mean you’re excused from making new ones. Your friendship circle is going to shift a lot. Of course, the closest stick with you. This happens to everyone.

So talk to people! Everyone has a unifying love of theatre. Everyone is welcoming and friendly. So don’t be so shy and go charm the socks off some folk.

Stop buying single train tickets

No, “open return” doesn’t mean you have to come back the next day. You have a month to use a return, you melon.

Take more opportunities

See the world. Learn new skills. Go out with people. Try everything. You’ll wish you did.

Carry on with Yoga

You’ll do a bit of yoga as part of your first practical module. You’ll love it. Keep it up or you’ll lose that bendiness. You’ll need it for acty things. In fact, keep up your fitness in general. It’s good for you.

Learn from your mistakes

You’re gonna do things you’ll regret. Everyone does. You make the wrong friends, go through with the wrong plans, and write the wrong things. You’ll get mad at yourself like always. You still do. But don’t get mad, get better. Learn from those mistakes.

Ask for help

Don’t be proud. If you need help, whether that be academically, practically or mentally then ask for it. Tutors are there to help you. They’re not scary. They want to help, and they do (also some have excellent taste in 80s punk music).

Pick who you work with carefully

I’m afraid you’ll be that girl again in first year- the one who gets left with all the work in group projects. Find the people you work well and who you get along with and stick with them.

Get ready for good stuff

Acting wise, you’ve always played old daft women or stupid teenagers. Good news, you’re gonna play some characters that are way out there. From a badass yet lovesick Shakespeare heroine to a randy washed out singer to a clown with a fish. Relish it.

You’re gonna get some good grades and make amazing friends. Oh and also you’re gonna have your first kiss. Well, within the context of a play with a guy you’re not attracted to. Spoiler alert: it’ll be weird.

Finally, I just want to say this…

I wish I was you now knowing what I know now. You’re filled with so much fear right now but you don’t need to be. It’s going to be great, so much so that you won’t want to leave.

See you soon,

Nearly Graduate Molly

P.S. Don’t buy a toaster. Trust me.