In this post, ASSC College’s new intern, Paige, introduces us to the first instalment of her series: A day in the life… This series will look at what the reality of life at university is like.
When you apply for university, it’s all very exciting and nerve racking. You’re out of high school and free to venture out into the world. Yet, no one tells you what it’s actually going to be like. Well, this series for the Wise ASSC blog, A day in the life, is here to help!
Below are some of the key points to remember about university- uni 101 as I like to call it. Here I break down the do’s and dont’s of university and give you some tricks along the way.
First things first, don’t worry. Everyone is in the same boat, and nobody really knows what is going on. Yes, university isn’t like high school, your lecturers aren’t going to spoon feed you or remind you when an assignment is due. But, you’ve worked hard to get here- you got this!
Do’s:
Come prepared
This might seem like an obvious thing, but you’d be surprised how many people aren’t. Making sure you have worked your way around the LMS (Learning Management System) before your first class is essential- it can take some getting used to. Here is where you’ll find your classes, subject code, class location and most importantly, any pre-work or information about your class. While you’re not expected to know everything, familiarising yourself with what the class will save you a lot of trouble. My biggest tip here is to learn your student number, you’re going to need it for the next few years!
Be open minded
Everyone is scared, trust me. But you’re not going to make life- long friendships by isolating yourself in the back of the room. Whether you like it or not, you’re going to be forced into group work at some stage.So, engage with you classmates, you might think you have nothing in common, but you are studying the same thing, after all.
Get connected with MyLaTrobe
MyLaTrobe is your new go-to for all your student updates, events, opportunities and more. Bookmark the MyLaTrobe website, like our page on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and hit ‘subscribe’ on YouTube so you don’t miss a beat. Remember to check your student email every Monday for the MyLaTrobe Student Update email, with everything you need to know each week during the Semester.
Don’ts:
Leave everything until the last minute
While they say diamonds are made under pressure, this isn’t always the case. Start to brainstorm and read over the requirements for your assessments as early as possible, it will save you the hassle of trying to figure it all out later when you have another three things due that week.
Avoid class
Seriously. Rolling into class 30 minutes late isn’t cool, you’re going to miss that important information about your assignment. It’s never safe to assume you’re going to get a park or that your bus will run on time. There are thousands of other students scrambling for that carpark, and we all know what traffic can do to our schedules. Give yourself that extra 10 minutes and save yourself the stress.
Tire yourself out
It’s one thing to be super organised and have everything done a week before it’s due. But there is only so much you can handle. Make sure you give yourself time to do other things you enjoy, work or just relax. University shouldn’t completely take over your life and remember there are always people available to help you.
I hope that these tips are useful going into semester two- keep working hard and enjoy yourself!
This article was originally published on the Wise ASSC blog.