Things Uni Taught Me

An unofficial list of the things I wish I knew before I started university, begun at the commencement of my 3rd year for my own survival.  Uni can suck, but I hope this helps a little

[redscarfedstudent]

Uni taught me...

27. When you’re on summer break even the idea of checking your uni emails will be terrifying

[bennistudies-deactivated2023112]

a quick self care guide

I need…

… rest/relaxation:

take a nap

listen to calming music

sit in the sun

apply a face mask

wrap up in a blanket

look through old photos of happy memories

soft/comfortable clothing

… expression:

draw/paint

write a story/poem/stream of thought/diary

bullet journal

draw a mandala

sing to my favourite songs

dance to my favourite songs

try new hairstyles

put on some fancy makeup

… health:

drink a glass of water

take a walk

do 15 Minutes of yoga 

make a healthy snack (fruit)

go to bed early

… companionship:

text/call a friend

call mum

go to my favourite cafe & grab a coffee

browse through the book store 

disclaimer #1: those are not inherently my ideas. when I created this list for my bullet journal I scrolled through tumblr and wrote down everything that might work for me too. the idea to organize them that way is not mine either.

disclaimer #2: what works for me might not work for you. this is just the typed out version of my list in my bujo. if something on it is not applicable to you, maybe you can come up with something similiar in effect that is?

disclaimer #3: browsing the book store for me means also talking to my coworkers, bc I work at said book store. that’s why it’s under companionship. same goes for the cafe, bc I used to work there. 

[redscarfedstudent]

Uni taught me...

26. Your end of year break will be just long enough for you to forget everything, mess up your sleeping patterns and destroy any sense of routine you have built over the year

[trying-to-survive-university]

Day 1

I don’t have any pretty pictures to post, carefully arranged and angled to catch the sunlight - I wish I did, but I don’t. I’m not starting the 100 Days of Productivity Challenge. I admire those who do and manage to stick to it. For me - at this very moment - it only presents one thing: pressure.

I went through a rough patch the last couple of weeks, the social and academic pressure was getting to me as well as attending classes. I want to be honest and admit that I completely shut down, stayed in bed most days. Not only did I sort of miss out on everyone forming groups, but I also fell behind regarding my academic work load. Far behind.

So far behind, that I’m not sure I can catch up in time for my exams. And I wanna do well, like really well. So I’m scared. I’m terrified out of my mind - because failing or bad grades, they weren’t part of the plan. I had always - maybe arrogantly - assumed that I was made for studying. That university was just waiting for me. That’s not really how it’s gone so far. Instead there’s a presentation in Arabic due on Thursday - that I didn’t even know about. Instead there’s an essay topic being published tomorrow in a subject that I missed more times than I attended. Instead there are all these things that I completely forgot about, which is unlike me.

But I’m not writing this for sympathy or pity. I’m writing this for those who had a bad semester - who have never had a bad semester and don’t know why things aren’t just working the way they’ve always done. I’m writing this because I want to remind you that today can be the day you try again. Even when it seems too late.

Today was my Day 1. It was a good day and I’m proud of myself for all these little things: handing in an essay that I actually think is decent, making conscious eating decisions and making the effort to make myself tea because it makes me feel good, starting to learn the vocabulary I should’ve learned months ago, getting up to attend all my classes even though I was tired and exhausted, making an effort to put my appearance together, simply because it makes me feel more productive and successful, socializing, doing all my laundry and keeping my flat tidy.

All of these things are nothing special and if things were good I wouldn’t think twice about them, but today I am proud. Proud of myself for reinstating hope in myself again.

[redscarfedstudent]

Uni taught me...

25. No matter how hard you try your essay will always be either way too many or way too few words.

An inbetween doesn’t exist.

[obelusandconquer]

january study challenge [3/31]

Study Tip:

If you have anxiety or are anxious/nervous in general about a test or any assignment, keep a stuffed animal nearby. When you’re feeling down, hug the stuffed animal or talk to it about what’s worrying you. It’s good to talk to real people for feedback, but sometimes you just need to talk to yourself or a stuffed animal. Stuffed animals are guaranteed to listen to you, and never interrupt. 

[redscarfedstudent]

Uni taught me...

24. Friends = work

[redscarfedstudent]

Uni taught me...

23. Watch and marvel as the number of students rapidly decreases as the semester goes forward

[studyblr]

mood: just really wanting to escape to paris

[redscarfedstudent]

22. This will be your mood 24/7

[hastily-written-deactivated2020]

Some things to do before you go back to school

Fix your sleep schedule (I’ve totally messed mine up after just a week so I guess I gotta fix it)

Finish all your homework

Reorganise your folders and books

Clean out your school bag

Deep clean your room

Clean out your wardrobe of clothes you don’t wear

Set some academic goals for the next year

Plan out everything you can in your planner

Refill on stationery (and you’ll probably overspend so try just to get the necessities)

These are simple and late but reminder to anyone who needs it 😉

[redscarfedstudent]

Uni taught me...

21. You will quickly find out if you and an introvert, and extrovert or an introvert disguised as an extrovert.

It’ll narrow the way you may friends dramatically

[redscarfedstudent]

Uni taught me...

20. If it ever feels like too much, it is okay to defer, take a break and regroup. No one will think any less of you, no one will judge you or think of you any lesser for taking time off. Uni will always be there.

Being overwhelmed will get you no where, so take time to yourself to breath and when you’re ready, if you’re ready, return.

[jadesparkles95-blog]

IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR 2019:

“You can’t please everyone, you’re not pizza”

[the-alexsandria-studies]

productivity isn’t determined by how many hours you spent poring over books or rewriting flashcards or stressing over your upcoming deadlines. productivity is determined by your own personal goals and limits. don’t let someone else’s version of productivity confuse your views of your own. every step forward is a strong foundation. 

[studyblr]

this year, try to:

avert unhealthy coping mechanisms

worry less about potential futures

let your loved ones know just how much you care about them

get to know yourself better and analyze your own patterns

challenge yourself in your work, in your art, in your way of treating others

stop comparing yourself to others instead of your past self

be proud of yourself always

have a little bit of faith in the universe

realize that some things have to happen effortlessly

realize that some other things do require hard work

step outside your comfort zone while knowing your limits

be your best self

[redscarfedstudent]

Uni taught me...

19. 100% guarantee the server will crash when organising your timetable. Best to be refreshing at 8:50 (if it opens at 9) in case it opens early.

You will probably scream in frustration, but it’ll be fine...hopefully

[redscarfedstudent]

Uni taught me...

18. First year will either be your best year or your worst. Don’t let it break you. It does get better