I have now finished my first semester at the University of Bath. So far, I’m loving it!

It’s amazing to be able to study something I’m passionate about (psychology) all week long. I was also lucky enough to have an autism researcher as one of my lecturers, and have therefore become known as the person who asks lots of questions in class. But it’s awesome to be able to engage in one of my special interests (autism) during a lecture.

However, some parts of University have been difficult. I’ve found some aspects of group work to be exceptionally stressful. I’ve always had problems with group tasks, but this is much more difficult than at secondary school and sixth form. It is particularly difficult for me personally as I really need routines and predictability. Without both of these things, the world feels even more chaotic and overwhelming. I need to know when people are available, when they have their part of the work done, and where we should expect to be in the work at certain times.

By the time the deadline was approaching, I was nearly in tears from the stress. I also found group work difficult when I had to work with passive aggressive people. I am completely unable to handle passive aggression, partly due to the fact that I often struggle to understand what the person means (and often simply assume they are being sincere, which actually helps with passive aggressive people as they realise I’m not going to change if I don’t know what I did wrong, and generally stop being as passive aggressive). But even when I do understand what they mean, I am stressed out as I have no idea how to respond. I can never be certain that I understood them correctly, so often ask friends and family to check that my interpretation is correct. Even then, I usually don’t know what I have done wrong for them to act this way. This leaves me feeling guilty (for upsetting someone else), angry (at the person for not telling me what was wrong, or for expecting me to apologise when I have no clue what I did wrong or do not understand why/think that it was wrong), and overwhelmed.

If I have done something wrong, I would much rather someone tell me what I did wrong, why it was wrong, what I should do next time, and then give me time to calm down (in case I get upset) and assess whether or not I agree with them (because sometimes the thing I have done ‘wrong’ in their opinion is not ‘wrong’ in mine, for example wearing headphones when I am overwhelmed or not talking when I’m tired).

But anyway, other than group work University has gone great so far. I was really burnt out a couple of weeks into the semester, as I pushed myself to socialise more than I should have during Fresher’s week and the weeks following. But the burnout has passed now, which is good.

I was also very happy when Pokemon Sword and Shield came out. I got Sword whilst home for the weekend, and though I’ve only got to the second gym I’m loving it so far. There are a ton of little British mannerisms! I also love how you can make curry in the game, as it’s so British (even though I can’t eat almost every curry).

There’s a little work to do over the holidays, but I’m not particularly worried about it. One essay actually looks fun to write (mainly because I can link it to autism), and even revision for an exam when I return looks interesting as, again, many questions can probably be linked to autism. The only uninteresting homework is a selection of multiple choice questions. They are the easiest thing, but not very engaging. I prefer essay questions instead of multiple choice, as essays allow me to express what I mean better and are more focused on your understanding of a subject rather than simple recall.

So that was my first semester at University! :)

I came home last Monday, and am now on holiday to see my aunts, uncles, and cousins over the break. So Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it, and Happy Holidays to those who don’t! :)