5 Things They Don’t Tell You About University: An Insider’s Perspective
As the start of the new academic year approaches, thousands of students around the country prepare to begin the next stage of their higher education at university. While your new university email will be swamped with notifications about academic requirements, campus services, and social activities, there are a few things they don’t tell you about university. So please read this article, as I wish I had the chance and resources to educate myself on what I now know. Here are five pieces of insider advice from my experience that you should know before starting your university career.
1. Homesickness is real.
Although I did not live on campus, many of my university friends were excited about leaving home and beginning a new chapter in their life. Still, none of them was prepared for the homesickness they endured. Being away from family and friends may be difficult, particularly during the first few weeks of university. However, it’s important to remember that homesickness is normal, and many resources on campus assist students with coping.
2. Time management is key.
I know from experience that university coursework can be demanding, and I frequently find myself overwhelmed by the workload. That is why time management is so important. Learning to prioritise coursework, set tasks, and keep to a plan is crucial for academic success. Time management skills will also serve you well when you graduate from university years. Creating a Gant Chart, which can manage your university assignments with dates and deadlines defined in one spot, is a useful resource I rely on.
3. You don’t have to move miles away from home.
You can still have a full experience; I live down the road, go out on weekends, and feel a part of campus life. I have also been the victim of the notorious ‘freshers flu’ which is a whole other article in itself. Meeting new people and creating new friends is one of the most exciting aspects of university aswell. Join groups or organisations that interest you, go to social events, and introduce yourself to people in your courses. It is important to note that you are not required to make friends immediately. It is never too late to make friends. From my experience, due to the restrictions of covid-19, I couldn’t make friends properly until 2nd year. However, I can honestly say I have made friends for life and still had the best experience regardless of the circumstances.
4. You don’t have to have everything figured out.
University is a time for self-discovery and exploration, and changing your major or career path is okay. It is huge misconception that you have to know your career path to go university. You don’t even have to have a job in mind to pick a university course. It’s important to remember that it’s ok not to have everything figured out. Many students feel pressured to plan their entire future before beginning university. I discovered my job path at university by talking with university lecturers and drawing inspiration from numerous modules. Wild modules are an excellent way to find new interests because they do not have to be compatible with your course.
5. Mental health is important.
University can be stressful, so it’s important to prioritise your mental health. Many resources, like counselling services and wellness programmes, are available on campus to assist students in dealing with stress and anxiety. If you want assistance, please do not hesitate to ask for it. If you are experiencing mental health concerns, it is important that you speak out. The support is excellent, and mental health support teams are sometimes composed of fellow university students, making asking for help far less intimidating because you can confide in people experiencing similar issues.
University can be an exciting and transformative experience, but there are a few things that they don’t tell you about university. Remember to prioritise your mental health, make friends, and practise good time management skills. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your road to academic success. So, best wishes from a third-year student whose university experience was a roller coaster but also included some of the best years of my life! Good luck with the forthcoming academic year, and I hope this article has helped you prepare for the exciting years to come.
