“Tips for Navigating University Life”

#FresherPressure Tips for navigating university life

The transition to university can be overwhelming and scary. It’s a new environment with new people.  People around you may expect you to go into university already knowing surely what you want to do. To most, university is about finding yourself and the future path that you think is right for you.

Here are some tips to students who are just starting their university journey amidst these challenging times:

Familiarize yourself and make friends around you

It helps if you’re in an environment where you feel comfortable with the people around you. So, go out of your comfort zone and make friends in every class. Group projects will be a huge part of grades sometimes, so make sure that you have friends that you can rely on when working on assignments. These will be the same people you will be with throughout your university days so make use of your time making life-long connections even outside the classroom.

Network with your professors

Try to form relationships with your professors early on. If the classes our large, there’s a chance that professors might not even know your name. Introduce yourself and ask questions about the class. This will help you manage your classes more effectively, especially if there are parts of the class that wasn’t clear during the lecture, remember that your professors are there to help and guide you. These connections will also come in handy when you need a letter of recommendation for jobs or postgraduate studies.

Join clubs/organizations

Engaging in extracurricular activities can help you meet new friends and take your mind off to relax from your academics. Not only can you have some fun, but you can also add it your CV and experiences. By having the right peers alongside, you will be able to all the more enjoy your life as a university student.

Take on internships

It’s tempting to spend your whole summer just relaxing and having fun after a stressful academic year. But, just be reminded that the job market is becoming more competitive, and COVID-19 has that completion even more heightened. Get that advantage over others by attending seminars and undergoing trainings. Internships allow you to gain hands-on experience and build your CV along the way.

Keep a balanced lifestyle

Life as a university student can be stressful and will take a toll on your mental health. Keep a healthy balance between your academics and personal life. Study when you need to but also do not forget to rest. Know your priorities and develop a disciplined study habits to stay on track. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, there’s nothing wrong with taking a break.