By Abeera Sohail
Congratulations to everyone who is taking their next step into adulthood and starting University for this academic year! Whether you choose to study in the same city or decide to go abroad, it is an opportunity to start fresh and allow yourself to grow and gain experiences that will be remembered for a lifetime.
However, the university lifestyle can be stressful and overwhelming; in a way it forces you to become an adult. To help with the load, here are a few tips to help you through the first year.
University life is majorly based on managing your everyday tasks, such as time, money, and workload. Be prepared to study a little every day to avoid accumulation of work before any tests or exams. Last minute revision doesn’t always show the best effects in university, like they did in secondary/high school, therefore its better you plan your days ahead. Manage your spending by having a weekly or a monthly budget.
Undoubtedly, your university life is going to be busy. That is why it will be very efficient to choose a day (e.g. Sunday) to plan an overview of the week ahead such as scheduled classes, appointments or gym sessions etc…, by using either a calendar, a diary or a planner.
Finding an efficient study method is particularly important to keep up with any given assignments or tests. Don’t be afraid to experiment and change your study approach to figure out what works best for you. Everybody has a unique way of learning, whether it be by re-writing notes, doing groupwork or using YouTube to revise topics.
I would recommend taking notes in class to have a more interactive and engaging learning experience. Consequently, encourage yourself to ask questions and answer questions to reinforce learning and to keep you interested in the subject. It further builds a good relationship between you and the professor.
It is important to remember everybody is on the same boat; help one another whether it may be by sharing notes or explaining something differently to how the professor has taught it. Remember that there is no competition between you and the other students, even though at times it might seem like there is. This leads to a stronger network of friends you can rely on.
If you are in a medical school, that itself is a huge accomplishment. The next few years are going to be exciting, exhausting and exhilarating. The key is to give yourself both short- and long-term goals. Medicine builds upon itself; there will be a landslide of information, but it is important to remind yourself that the knowledge you gain today will help you treat people in the future.
Prioritising important things in your life is necessary to reduce as much stress during university as possible. It will involve consistent personal management and deals with preparation and planning, as well as building new relationships.
Staying motivated can be slightly tricky. However, there are ways on how you can keep at it; for example, by making a to-do list, listening to classical music while working or even studying with a friend. It is also important to have an intrinsic sense of motivation and gratitude for the ability to work for your degree. Envision your future and strive to accomplish your goals. Whilst motivation plays a huge part in our work ethic, ultimately, it comes down to discipline; you need long-term balance in all aspects of your life to succeed. Prepare by gradually building stamina, whether it is by studying a little every day, exercising frequently or adapting healthy habits into our lifestyle. This will help to carve a positive mindset and to gain a sense of responsibility.
Taking care of your mental health should be one of the top priorities, so make sure you take some time out to do anything that makes you happy. I would recommend immersing in societies that allow you to explore your interests. The feeling of being overwhelmed by your newfound university lifestyle can lead to a sense of not belonging, which can easily slip into negative thinking. It is essential to be kind to yourself. In times of doubt, refer to your previous achievements and accomplishments for reassurance. It is normal to go through periods of feeling low and distress; at times like these remind yourself that you are not alone- your classmates may be feeling the same. Simultaneously, don’t be afraid of failure. ‘Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently’- Henry Ford.
Don’t get hung up on grades. Rather, focus on learning the material and studying for knowledge itself. Study hard and well since this material will benefit you in the future.
For the students studying abroad or moving to another city, moving far away from home can be daunting. But it is a great opportunity to explore new cultures and traditions whilst working for your degree. Learn the language of the country you study in and engage yourself with the culture by going to their national events. Make new friends and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people in your university. This helps create a good network of friends that you can spend and enjoy your time with.
Additionally, it is obvious that university requires you to be more independent and responsible, so be prepared to do the laundry, cleaning and cooking more frequently. Furthermore, this independence will gradually help to build confidence in your own decisions, a trait that will later benefit you in many aspects of your life.
In a midst of the new start, enjoy the university experience to the fullest; pursue your hobbies and interests outside your field of study; go out with friends on road trips and explore cities. There is a wealth of different opportunities that will enrich your student life. Along with this, find balance by working till you are satisfied with how your priorities are divided. The next few years are going to be amazing and you should be incredibly proud that you have made it here!
Good luck and enjoy!