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Seven Types Of Student You’ll Meet This September
’21 Types Of Student’ -Illustration by Jasmine Thompson
Jazz illustrates a silly comic series based on the type of students you’re likely to meet when you go back to class.
It’s that time of year again.
It’s September, and it’s time to head back to class. Whether you’re at school, college, or even getting ready to head off to uni this September, we’ve all got those September blues.
You’re probably going to be meeting a whole lot of new folks this year, you’re going to have different classes, different sets and different teachers so there’s always a pinch of nerves that come with going back. Like, everyone’s on the lookout for whose got the best trainers this year. I wonder who got a dodgy haircut over the last six weeks and are going to be fronting it this week? Who went on holiday over summer, and most importantly: was it better than mine? It’s a big thing. The pencil case has been revamped. Out with the old and in with the sharpie. There will be show offs. There will be new kids. There will probably be a whole lot of new crushes lined up but it’s cool because you’ve got your sweet new bag and haircut; you’re looking fresh.
I remember these days really clearly, it’s been six years (um.. wow) since i started college, but the first day jitter and nerves are still in my mind and fresh as a daisy. So, to ease you all back in, i’ve compiled a comic series of the types of people you are likely to encounter in that first week. This lot can usually be found at every school, college or university, and it’s all fun, so enjoy.
The Hipster
Illustration by Jasmine Thompson
First and foremost, if you’re based in Bristol, this one will be familiar to you (probably skip ahead). Generally lurking around alternative locations within the city, these guys are oozing cool. Well, it depends what you define as cool. If a spot is too mainstream, it’s not cool enough. There clothes are generally found on the body, and being worn incorrectly. The hipster generally is a big fan of big sunnies, teamed with hats worn backwards and bright printed wooly jumpers. It’s an uncool clash but that’s what makes it cool. You get me?
Insta Celebs
Illustration by Jasmine Thompson
Regardless of your age or where you’re studying, there are always this group that seem to achieve worldwide stardom and a global fanbase from their phones, through the likes of Instagram. Mirror outfit selfies are a staple aspect, as are snapchat filter selfies like the puppy one that airbrushes your face and photos of gel nails that get 54k likes. Comment sections are swimming with “GOALS <3 <3” and fire emojis. Sometimes an equally peng friend will be introduced into the mix, and seventy three photos will be taken before the perfect one is selected for instagram. I don’t know how so many manage to juggle snapping with studying, but I’m super impressed it is done with such ease.
The Gamer
Illustration by Jasmine Thompson
People like games, and sometimes, people like games so much they bring those games with them when you leave for uni. Which of course means a lot of fun having the mandem over for action-packed evenings in battling ’til the death on ‘Call of Duty’. But sometimes, this can overrun… far far into the night. Often on their own, and often through a head set. The amount of times I was awoken by a series of shrill screams echoing through my flat which had me thinking something terrible had happened, someone had fallen out the window maybe? It was usually the gamer. Lost too many lives, or something like that. It’ll happen.
Everyone’s Mate
Illustration by Jasmine Thompson
There’s always one guy or girl. But for some reason they have this immense social magnetic field which just seems to pull people to them. This person is usually at every party, cruising around, making friends, gaining fans. It’s just an every day part of life. You may think it’s the clothes, or the hair, but I think it’s an aura. They were born a social butterfly, and spend the year floating round being exactly that.
The Heartbreaker
Illustration by Jasmine Thompson
There’s always one. And everyone fancies them. Studies are juggled perfectly with the full time profession that is heart-breaking, and like the pied piper they draw people in with their undeniable charm. Flocks of people scurry after them, erratically shouting out their phone numbers and trying to take fan photos. OK I’m joking, but it’s no lie there is always one heartbreaker.
The Gun Show
Illustration by Jasmine Thompson
You’ll notice the guns before you notice the man. Probably because there’s more guns than there is man. The Gun Show can usually be spotted peacocking* around campus, displaying their show stopping guns in a tiny white shirt that makes them ever so more prominent. Being in their presence is tense, it’s like an elephant in the room, everyone’s waiting for the subtle but very distinct sound of cotton ripping. It’s the secret aim. That’s when The Gun Show has reached it’s full potential. But there will be runner up Gun Shows, beginner Gun Shows, and retired Gun Shows, all of which you’ll probably spot socialising in the same friendship group, drinking protein drinks together and watching guns grow before their eyes.
*Peacocking means dressing for attention. Just like Peacock’s use their feathers to get a mate.
The One Who’s Got It Together
Illustration by Jasmine Thompson
This person is killing it. Generally can be found in various locations around campus, usually killing it while doing so. From day one this person knew the game, came in prepared, guns blazing (a different kind of guns) and is here to do business. Student life can be distracting, and whether you have approached the age of eighteen or not, there are always lots of temptations to go out, have fun, and generally neglect studies sometimes. We’ve all done it. This person is usually a reminder of why we’re all here, and while being a student is possibly the funnest time of your lives, sometimes, we just gotta get our heads down.
Whether you guys are all off to college, uni, or going back to school, September marks the beginning of a new year full of a heap of new opportunities. You’re going to meet people of all walks of life (not literally like the cartoons in this piece- stereotypes guys), and that’s part of all the fun. Have a great year, focus, have fun, and just do your thing.
What are your best and worst parts of going back to school? Let us know on Twitter at Rifemag and on Facebook too at Rife Magazine.
There is an unbelievable amount of jobs, opportunities, and general activities going on right now for young people in Bristol, and you’d be mad not to get involved. Head over to Rife Guide to find out more.
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About the author
Jasmine Thompson
Hey my name’s Jazz, and I’m a Bristol based artist who recently graduated in Illustration. I began as a portrait artist but have expanded into areas such as reportage illustration, zine making, and creating caricatures. I’m inspired by living in an urban environment and the people around me, and thrive off meeting others with brilliant ideas. My most recent work has focussed on 'Race & integration: A study of culture'. I am passionate about exploring segregation within UK cities (and factors such as religion and language) cultural appropriation and identity issues. Look forward to seeing some content on this in Rife. I love making comics, and am always looking for new ways to create funny spins on day to day life. I hope to make videos, films, memes, and most importantly push my writing skills. Some seem to think I have an addicted to buying trainers, but in my opinion it’s definitely more of a ‘healthy interest’. Throw some curly hair care tips my way and you’ll be my best friend forever.
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