University is a big decision that’s often associated with moving away from home whether it’s an hour down the road or over the water, but many like myself choose the University closest to home and like anything there’s a lot of good that comes with it but also a few downsides.
I love being able to save my money and after a lecture come back to the familiarity of my house and have my dinner waiting for me. It’s also still let me build close friendships with people that I wouldn’t have found if I had left. Magee campus is also surrounded by my favourite spots to eat or get coffee, as well as Sandinos which is often a needed place to get a drink at after a lecture.
With all that being said, I do often wonder what it’d be like if I had moved. The thought doesn’t come from a place of not enjoying Ulster, but more from wishing that I was able to see the people in my life who have moved. One in Scotland and three in England scattered around, it’s odd to think of them not being a drive away after years of seeing them day in and day out, but I know personally that I wouldn’t enjoy being so far from the life I have here and eventually when first semester ends, they’re the ones who have to buy a plane ticket home. I do often find myself jealous of the nightlife, and the opportunities that present itself outside of Derry but these are things I can simply enjoy after University.
I don’t think that University is something you need to move for, some people desperately wish to leave and other’s are content not to, you’ll still be able to get the uni experience anywhere you go.
