These days the kids are probably all getting their A-Level results on Snapchat, but back in our day you actually had to go into school to pick them up (or log on to the UCAS website, but then you weren't going to get to see all your mates now were you?). Here's a few of the memorable moments that almost definitely happened to you on that day.
The tense 'getting there' bit
Whether you drove yourself to school or your parents insisted on taking you, (GOD MUM YOU'RE SO EMBARRASSING, DON'T TALK TO ANY OF MY FRIENDS WHEN WE GET THERE), but that commute, whether it was five minutes or 45, was akin to what you imagine it must have felt like for Marie Antoinette walking up the steps to the guillotine. See Mr Potter, told you we listened in history. This sense of trepidation is obviously made a million times worse by whatever Radio 1 breakfast DJ is honking on about 'choices' for the whole drive. Also not helpful? The girl that agreed to open up her results live on air. Oh look at that she got 3 As. WHAT A SURPRISE.
READ MORE: The Types Of Teacher You Absolutely Had At School
The friend that's really bringing everyone down bit
You know that bit in The Beach where that Swedish guy gets bitten by the shark and he takes like, a million days to die so they drag him out into the woods so he doesn't ruin anyone else's day? Yeah, that's kind of what it's like with your mate that's just found out she's not getting into Nottingham on account of getting a C in English while the rest of you did just fine.
While you do feel sorry for her and all, you can't help being slightly miffed that she's the reason you're having to press the mute button on your celebrations. It's only when she goes to the loo that you finally get to do the fist punch in the air thing. Cue her walking back out to see you all celebrating only to run back inside crying. Awkward (hopefully she'll stay inside) what?
The awkward hanging around bit
Once you’ve opened the envelope, done a bit of a happy dance or a bit of a cry, received condoling or congratulatory hugs from teachers both hated and loved, it feels like you've been awake for all of a thousand days. Except, it's 10AM. Hmm. What to do now? Obviously you hang around school for a bit, making awkward chit chat with your headmistress and friends’ parents but from now until it’s acceptable to start drinking there’s a good three hour gap to fill. Back home to watch T4 it is. Which is a bit underwhelming.
The freak out bit
Totally understandable if you haven't got in anywhere, in which case, enjoy your slow death sitting on hold to clearing under the watchful eyes of your parents while your mates head off down the pub (hello my experience), but even if you've got into your first choice uni, the results still serve as a healthy dose of reality punching you smack bang in the face. In a mere few weeks you're off to a totally new city, leaving behind all your friends you've ever known to be a fully grown adult that's a real functioning member of society. Luckily, once you actually start university a few weeks later, you'll realise this was all rubbish and you've got plenty more years as a waste of space yet to come.
The hiding from your friend who's not 18 bit
It’s late summer after your final year of school and you're finally legal to drink, so off to the local club you all head, pink driving licences in hand (double points to you if the club was named any of the following: Envy, Liquid, Warehouse or The Loft).
Only problem is though that one of the gang still has some turning 18 to do. Which is really inconvenient. Pretending not to notice they got turned away at the door and slipping inside while their head was turned isn’t really something you feel all that proud of but at least you got to snog that lad who left school two years ago who used to be really fit but now works in McDonalds. That was worth jeapordising a friendship over wasn't it?
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.