The first year you spend at university is quite unlike any year you have spent at high school or any other kind of educational institution. It can be an intimidating experience, what with all of the new things to learn, the new classes; the fact that all of a sudden you have to do it all on your own. From finding the latest edition of your accounting book in the university bookstore to figuring out your class schedule — it can be tough going it on your own. That’s why we have brought together a little list of some of our top tips and advice for handling your first year of university like a pro. Before you know it, you’ll be in your second year and all those tiny first year students will be asking you for help on how to get to Z block!
Talk to your tutors
This might seem like a little bit of a no-brainer, but you would be shocked to learn how many people just show up to classes, do the bnae minimum and then slink away at the end of the semester with a grade that they just aren’t happy with. Don’t be that person. If you know you are going to be doing a hard subject and you’re going to need some extra help, don’t be afraid to get in your tutor’s face. Ask lecturers questions at the end of the class. Make sure you are attending your lectures and tutorials in the first place, and show your lecturer and tutor that you’re a dedicated and friendly person who is keen to succeed. They’re just people – not scary – and you will find that if your tutors know who you are it actually makes a big difference.
Get your books and stationery early
Don’t be rushing around at the last minute trying to find everything – get your books online and in plenty of time for the start of the semester. That way you’ll have the jump on the rush and won’t have to battle through queues and lines at Officeworks and at the uni bookstore.
Use ALL of the services
Your university is definitely going to have a whole lot of services available to help you, the student with everything from mental health to food if you’re struggling. There are careers counsellors, student bodies who provide treats and distractions during exam block and whole lot of fun stuff too. Make sure you avail yourself of these usually free (or heavily discounted) services.
Go on exchange
Studies have actually shown that going on an exchange can help to net you better grades! So make sure you take advantage of the opportunity to travel and get something great for your university career by going on exchange. No matter what you are studying, you’ll find the right place for you to learn and explore a new part of the world.
Don’t neglect your health
While it’s totally cool to say you stayed up all night studying all that says to us is that you didn’t allocate your time successfully throughout the semester and now you’ve robbed yourself of some precious, precious sleep. Don’t be that person! All nighters are never actually needed, provided that you have allocated sufficient study time throughout the semester. And in fact, studies have shown that your brain loses efficiency with every hour of sleep deprivation. So make sure you are getting plenty of sleep, you are looking after your health and you allocate study time. Simple.
Set time aside for exercise
For many people, they feel like they’re hard pressed to even have enough time to study all that they need to, let alone get out for a walk or a run every day. But those people will not have as much energy and efficiency as you, who gets up every morning at 5am to run 10km. Well. Maybe not. But do set aside walking or running time, or even go through some yoga in the morning. Get moving, and your body and mind will function more efficiently.
Good luck with your first year of university – we hope it is a productive and exciting time in your life.
