T o help you get through your late-night mugging, socially awkward situations and complicated theories as a ‘freshie’, we’ve put together some things that every university student should know and do.
1. Relax
You’re eager to make new friends and dive into the pool of social activities. At the same time, you feel isolated and lonely because you’re in a completely new environment. Without the support of your usual social circle, you’re anxious about the way you look and how others perceive you. Our advice? Relax. Calm down. Remember that everyone else around you is on the same boat, so no one is going to be nitpicking your behaviour.
Scholarship providers aren’t always looking for the best and brightest – a sincere interest in a future career with the organisation is even more important. This is why it’s crucial that you pick a scholarship in an industry you are interested in. When you have the passion for your course of study and future career, you can focus on being yourself and let your honesty, openness and interest convey themselves to your interviewers.
2. Download Useful Applications
We swear by the following applications that have certainly made us feel way more productive and independent as undergraduates:
iStudiezPro: This all-in-one app includes a schedule planner, interactive calendar, overview of all your classes for the day, and a GPA tracker. Need we say more?
Vocabology: This app teaches users new and interesting words on a daily basis. It provides sentence illustrations and even teaches you how to pronounce words correctly. Be careful not to inject too many big words in your first few conversations with new friends though – you don’t want to come across as arrogant and standoffish!
Wally: As penniless university kids, Wally will be a great tool to help you take control of your finances. It allows you to balance your income and expenses, and set monthly financial goals. You don’t have to feel puzzled about where your money has gone to from now on!
3. Find a Study Buddy
Once you’ve settled down and found people with whom you are comfortable, start picking out a few study buddies (or just one, if you prefer smaller study groups). This group or person should fit in your schedule and be a serious source of motivation. The good thing is, your study group / buddy does not need to be studying the same subject as you – you just need people who share a similar appetite for learning!
4. Secure a Study Spot
Apart from a supportive study group, a conducive study spot will also do wonders for your productivity. Do bear in mind that the venue should not be too comfortable (read: sleep-inducing). Find a place that breeds creativity and allows your ideas and thoughts to germinate and flourish. Whether it’s a quiet spot in the school library or a cosy little-known cafeteria, make sure you can get your work done promptly, efficiently and with minimum distractions.
At the end of the day, with proper planning, consistent effort and a generous dash of fun, your undergraduate journey would quite possibly be one of the best experiences of your life.