I have been back at uni a grand total of a day and I'm already behind on sleep, work, and socials – I may be an arts student, but I think I know enough maths to say that this isn't how time is meant to work. The time vortex that is the bubble has drawn me back into it's gravitational field (seriously, can someone remind me to spend some time other than walking up and down Market like a zombie?) and the stressful, relaxing, tiring, rejuvenating chaos of Raisin already feels like a distant memory.
Back to work, I guess?
Before I could fully get into the swing of the reading week relaxation, I had to first navigate the imposition of Raisin festivities by my academic parents. I was lucky enough to find a family that met my expectations for Raisin perfectly, but this didn't stop me from feeling incredibly apprehensive.
We began on Saturday with a sleepover vibe, but my sister and I were both too tired to get up at 5.30 so we went back to our halls and slept until 7. Sunday was so wholesome and we had the full experience, including the usual challenges and shenanigans, but boundaries were set and my parents were able to keep the whole thing fun. They even rescheduled the scavenger hunt to allow for naps/work shifts. On Monday, I got to watch the foam fight before going for brunch with my sister, parents, and aunts.
Credit: Louise Millar.
Looking after my mental health and boundaries was important for me over such an intense week. In a week where so many other first years are sharing photos of themselves doing outrageous activities and seemingly enjoying it, it's easy to feel left out when you're held back by other factors. However, having a small family you know well – and who worked around my needs – meant that my raisin was unforgettable for all the best reasons… and I'm still able to remember it.
As of Tuesday, halls were practically deserted as everyone else jetted off to amazing and far off lands. I however, took the arduous and imposing journey of two and a half hours by bus to Glasgow to visit my family. I don't regret it at all – I had a blast and it was a well-deserved week of catching up on work rest – but seeing people visit places I've dreamt of visiting was rough. I know one day I'll be able to visit them but, this time, I needed to save my hard-earned wages and sleep in my childhood bed for once.
I say that I rested but really I also did a good amount of work. It went far too quickly. In weeks like this, you always imagine getting weeks ahead on reading, doing extra work for societies (*ahem ahem* including not being behind on my column… sorry Eve!), meeting up with all of your friends from home, and somehow still having time to lounge in the last remaining sun.
Credit: Holly Lumsden.
But, boy, how I was wrong! I still feel just as behind as I was at the start of the week. Except, this time, I have the guilt of knowing that I actually had the time to do all of the work. I'm still technically on top of essays though, so it doesn't matter too much… does it?
Being back now, it's so exciting to hear what everyone got up to. Yet, I also needed to find the blend between home and uni life as I switch between Glasgow and St Andrews literally overnight. And, of course, the next set of deadlines are somehow already creeping up so it's back to work immediately. I'm glad I got a bit of work done over ILW, but it's time to lock back into my Rory Gilmore era. I'll study, then study, then (after a little study break) I'll study some more!
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