Hello everyone! Since my sister has been asking me lots of questions about uni, I thought I’d make a little guide for anyone else starting university this year or otherwise considering it. I battle mental illnesses as well, some there’s a few things regarding those I’ve included too.
PLAN YOUR DEGREE. Take the time to sit down, look at your degree program and work out which subjects you are required to do and which subjects you might like to do as electives. Highlight them and pin it above your desk, it becomes extremely handy to see quickly.
BUDGET. This is extremely important, particularly if you’re moving out of home. I found out the hard way how quickly and easily you can spend money. If you’re eligible for relocation money or student allowances, definitely get those sorted too and apply for all the scholarships you can! Work out what the best way is for you to handle your money. I personally prefer to take cash out at an ATM and use that as my spending money for the fortnight as it forces me to not overspend but some people prefer using their debit card. Whatever works best for you that ensures you don’t go over your weekly or fortnightly budget. I also like to put 10% of every pay into savings, but depending on the regular amount you’ll be receiving even 5% would be better than nothing.
ATTEND LECTURES. I know just about every guide you read will tell you this, but it really is important to go. Whether you realise it or not, they do make a difference to your final grade (something else I learn the hard way!). It may be tempting to stay in bed and sleep through that 8:30am lecture, but once you start skipping lectures it’s hard to get back into the habit of going so save yourself the headache of trying to catch up and just go. Bring some snacks, a drink of water and coffee or juice or whatever you like and get comfortable, they can be quite enjoyable when you’re actively listening.
FIND THE SUPER SMART PEOPLE IN YOUR CLASSES. You know that one student in every class that’s just really in their element and continuously tops assignments? They can actually be a really valuable resource. Seek them out before or after class, or ask if you can friend them on Facebook. They’re usually super nice and more than happy to help you out! One of the best things about uni is that everybody loves to help each other! Other students can often be quicker at getting back to you than your professor, so do your best to make friends and help your mates out if they need it too.
GET TO KNOW YOUR CAMPUS. Have a walk around your uni and learn what buildings you’ll be in for classes. This is especially important in first year, the last thing you want is to be late to your very first class because you got lost on the way over! Find out what campus security is like. Are after-dark escorts offered? Do they offer first-aid as well? Are there security cameras around? Is there an app you can download? At UOW, campus security uses SafeZone which allows students to contact security directly. For other Australian universities, there’s a Lost On Campus app that is also free that I highly recommend. Not only does it direct you to where your classes are, but it also shows where toilets, coffee and food are located on campus.
GET TO KNOW YOUR LIBRARY. You will become very familiar with your library over your years at uni. If your university's library is large, take the time to walk through it and orientate yourself. Find out if there are study rooms or computer labs available, and find out how you can book them. Find out if staff are available, and what they can help you with.
GET YOUR UNIVERSITY APP. If your uni has their own app, get it! It will often allow you to check emails and give you little news updates from the university.
MAKE USE OF ALL RESOURCES AVALIBALE. Use your textbook, do extra reading in your own time, practice past exams, get to know your professors, make group study sessions with your mates. All of these things will help immensely. I also found YouTube a really helpful resource when studying, but make sure you keep it strictly educational and resist the temptation to watch videos of cats. Use everything at your disposal, you cannot do ‘too much’ study.
KEEP YOUR DESK TIDY. Every week, make a point to tidy up your desk and workspace. You will feel much more prepared for the week ahead and less overwhelmed with clutter out of the way.
PLAN AHEAD. This is also something you’ve probably heard a lot, but it really makes a difference. Get a nice planner or calendar (or both), and write down when everything's due well in advance. Break down what you have to do week by week. I personally find it much easier to manage my workload if I organise myself weekly, but if you find fortnightly or monthly better that’s good too. Just do what works best for you and keeps you on top of things. It’s very easy to fall behind at uni and hard to catch up.
IF MOVING A LONG WAY FROM HOME. Honestly, it sucks for a while to start with, but you grow as a person and trust me, you will love your independence. I moved 11 hours away from my family, and it took me a long time to really feel comfortable being on my own. I found at around three months I felt the most homesick. I noticed this was also around the time assignments and mid-session exams were due, so be aware of how you feel and if it seems like everything’s just too overwhelming, have a chat to your university counsellor or other advisor. They can usually help you see things in perspective and help you through rough patches.
FIND/USE YOUR SUPPORT NETWORKS. Especially if you have a history of issues, like myself. Find out if you have a university counsellor or doctor, and know where they are located on campus. If you’re eligible for reasonable adjustments due to disability, get that sorted out as soon as possible too. Let me tell you a really stupid thing I did last year to highlight the importance of knowing where to find help. I have a long history of depression/anxiety and I decided to see how I went at uni without continuing therapy. I was anxious about finding a new psychologist and it seemed easier to forget about it. Bad, bad idea. Obviously this went horribly wrong, so no matter how difficult it is or how much of a chore it seems, you will not regret knowing where help is available if you need it. I was extremely lucky and found a headspace in town. Check them out, they’re a fantastic organisation and have offices all around Australia.
RELAX! This is so important. I set aside every Sunday to relax and enjoy myself. You don’t want to burn out, so take a day or morning or afternoon off, whatever suits you best and do whatever you like to do. University is difficult, but it’s also great fun and so rewarding. Make sure to make the most of the post-exam parties and events likely happening throughout your time at uni! You are in for a great time, so enjoy yourself!
