1. You're actually doing a degree

I think sometimes as a student we forget how hard we had to try to get accepted onto our course. So congrats! You've taken the first step to getting a degree - being a student gives your parents automatic bragging rights about how clever you are.

Nods head in approval

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2. You've made new friends

Even if you haven't moved away from home you have most likely had no choice but to work alongside people you never would otherwise. Plus pretended to absolutely love a TV show everyone is loving to fit in. In this process, you've probably realised that although you don't have a lot in common it can be refreshing to have friends that are different to what you're used to.

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3. You've tried something new

With making new friends comes trying something new. As we all know university is a time for experimentation and self-discovery. Well done for embracing the nervousness you feel when you've said yes to a society that none of your friends are in. You could discover a talent you didn't know you had and might surprise yourself.

Listens to Jack Garrett - Surprise Yourself and feels extra inspired

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4. You've surprised yourself

That being said and little inspiration goes a long way, by now you've probably found out the best way you get the most work done productively. As much as we hate to admit it we are at uni to work.

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5. You know what you want (Sort of... kinda... maybe...)

I say that in the loosest way possible. Even though a lot of us students thought we knew what we wanted to do at the start of our degree it may have turned out otherwise. We're determined to finish our degree the best we can. Remember, knowing what you don't want to do is one step closer to know what to do want.

6. You've asked for help

Knowing what you want is daunting enough on its own, but actually getting it may mean asking for help. Even if it seemed trivial to you if you asked for help whether it for an assignment, money worries or just needing to someone to talk to. You're winning at life.

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7. You've found the motivation to study

A lot of the time asking for help can give us a clearer idea of what we want to do and motivate us to actually study. We all know that the most comforting words to hear from a fellow student are "I haven't started it either"; but if you've ever found yourself in that situation well done for digging yourself out that cruel cycle of procrastination and getting your work done.

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8. You didn't blow your student loan

Very few will do it so if you're one of them, go you! As you go through each year you'll realise student loans don't last forever and you should probably save some of it. Remember to treat yourself, after all your social life is going to thrive at uni so make use of the UNiDAYS discounts.

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9. You've stuck to your guns

Much like knowing what you want, whether it's choosing a dissertation topic or finally wearing that top you've had for ages but still has the label in. A lot of people will tell you otherwise but, knowing when to stand up and say "no, I'm sticking to my plan" is probably one of the hardest things you'll do. It's part of being confident in your own skin and becoming an adult with valid opinions. If you can do this, you probably feel like the student experience has changed you for the better.

10. Not new, but a better you

If you've gone through the list and you discovered you're doing at least a couple of these then, #yougoglencoco. You're on your way to becoming a legitimate adult, who can handle responsibilities and work while still managing to have fun. When you eventually graduate (which you will!) you'll be able to look back on far you've come and say you did pretty well.

Imagines the walk up the steps to graduation with Destiny's Child 'I'm A Survivor' in head, and sheds a little tear.

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Words: Imani Hamilton