Survived the first week of university and wondering how to get through the rest? Here’s how…
Congratulations on completing your first week at university! Was it fun? Was it tiring? Was it a bit of both? If you had a wonderful first week – lucky you! But many are still finding it quite a struggle to adapt to their second home, as I’d like to call it.
If you would like to know how to keep your head above the water for the rest of the year, sit tight and keep reading…
- Get to Know Your Campus
The transition from high school to university is an overwhelming experience but the faster you learn about your university the better you will feel. Familiarising yourself with your surroundings will make you feel more at home in the days to come. A recommendation would be to start at the buildings where your lectures will be held moving on to the library, computer labs, and lastly to the social spot on campus – the cafeteria!
- Make Friends
Making friends can seem difficult at first as there are thousands of students on campus but I guarantee you that the friends you make on campus will be your support system through the good and the bad. There will be times when you feel like your life is being swallowed by the academic year and who better to run to than people in the same boat as you? In addition, these will be the people that stick around for longer than just the length of your degree.
- Attendance
Skipping class will be tempting considering no one is checking up on you but avoid the temptation! Do not skip introductory lectures as this lecture often sets the tone for the semester, and do not skip lectures after the introductory lectures as you’ll be missing out on important information such as assignment deadlines, changes in test dates and what to expect in the final examinations. In short, do not skip lectures!
- Plan Ahead and Be Prepared
The comfort that you will leave behind from high school is the constant guidance from your teachers. At university, it’s a totally different ball game. It’s important to plan ahead and be prepared for lectures, meetings or deadlines at all times as it teaches you how to manage and value your time. Never leave any task for the last minute!
- Ask Questions
A common mistake many students make is that they never ask questions when they’re confused, a bit lost or feeling overwhelmed. By asking questions, you get to interact with your lecturer, you become more comfortable in class and you also clear a lot of the confusion running through your mind.
- Balance
Good grades are the dream but spending most of your time with your head in the books can become very stressful and nerve-wracking. It’s important to strike a balance between your academic life and social life. From time to time, try to participate in activities that help you relax, like yoga or watching your favourite show on Netflix, journaling or a long uninterrupted nap.
- Seek Professional Help When You Need It
Most campuses have health and counselling facilities that provide help to students feeling stressed, anxious or depressed. If you find yourself in this position or know anyone suffering with the aforementioned, it’s important to seek help from professionals. You do not and should not have to face these issues on your own.
- Stay Healthy
When deadline stress has taken over, the binge eating begins – guilty! Fast food is tempting and delivery apps like Mr Delivery and Uber Eats do not make it any easier. However, these kinds of foods will make you tired and lazy resulting in unproductivity. Cut down on the unhealthy snacks, increase your fruit and vegetable intake with a side helping of some simple cardio to get the blood pumping. Afterall, a healthy body is a health mind.
- Budget
As a student in university, going out with friends on a Friday night is basically a right of passage. However, finances play a huge factor when it comes to painting the town red. Adulting 101 begins right now when you have to start handling your finances. From paying for transport to textbooks to rent, it’s time to get into a habit of managing your finances and making sure you keep to your budget.
- Be Yourself and Have Fun!
At university, you don’t have to pretend to be someone you’re not. It’s the perfect place to be comfortable in your own skin. Just be yourself and enjoy the new chapter in your life by making friends, memories and important decisions towards your future.
All the best for the 2020 academic year!
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