35 Things first year students should know

With my time at university drawing to end, I can't help but feel bitter sweet.

On the one hand....Fuck Yeah no more studying!

 

On the other...Holy Shit I have to be a grown up now.

 

One thing that is for sure though, is that during the time I spent studying I learnt a lot about life and how to survive being a Uni student.

 

So here is my advice:

1.       Get involved. Join clubs. Attend rallies. Support associations. Do it because you’re passionate about it not because you have to.

2.       Take time to hang out with family and friends. Things will change, through no one’s fault. Enjoy the present, don’t take advantage of those who love you. And believe me there ARE people that love you.

3.       Apply for internships. You have to start at the bottom to make it to the top. There is no such thing as short cuts. Spend your summer holidays doing internships and volunteering, the earlier you start the better.

4.       Volunteer. Not just as something to put on your resume, but because it is important to give back to the community. You’ll learn a lot about the world and about yourself.

5.       Be frugal. Kmart and Savers are your new best friends... just tell them its vintage. 
 

6.       If you’re not enjoying something, don’t do it. Don’t let outside forces pressure you. It’s your life and it’s never too late to change your mind.

7.       You’re the idiot who decided to start your essay two days before it’s due, don’t take it out on everyone else. Next time you go to use the excuse, “but I work better under pressure,” try to remember that time you accused your mum of being associated with Nazis because you thought she deleted your notes.

8.       PRESS SAVE EVERY 20 MINUTES! Having a mental breakdown at 4am is not fun. Save it in two locations.

9.       Take some classes just for fun. Even if it’s irrelevant to your degree. It will make you fall in love with learning again.

10.   Travel. Take advantage of your lack of responsibility and commitment. See the world as much as you can. Don’t feel guilty about it.

11.   Do an exchange.

12.   Go on pub-crawls. Even if you don’t study that degree. Even if you don’t go to that university. Everyone will totally believe you study pharmaceutical science.

13.   You will become obsessed with T.V series. It will be a dangerously seductive distraction from study, and your favourite character will die. Don’t worry, you’ll be ok. 

14.   Use those hours between lectures, the long bus rides and lunch breaks to read books you’ve always want to read.

15.   DO YOUR READINGS! And participate in class, even if it is just to agree with what someone’s already said.

16.   Music is vital.  Get to know local bands. Go to live gigs. Go to festivals. Go see your favourite artist. That concert ticket is not a waste of money!

17.   PROOFREAD EVERYTHING! TWICE. THREE TIMES.

 

18.   Get to know your tutors and lecturers. They provide a fountain of knowledge that will help you. Use office hours to your advantage.

19.   Alcohol will make you fat. So will McDonalds. A $2.95 cheeseburger at 3am tastes like sex.

20.   Fuck buddies are never a good idea.

21.   Start writing. Even if you can’t write. Write about everything. Every feeling you are feeling. Every thought. Every idea. Every concern. Write until your pen stops working. 

22.   Thank the bus driver and the lunch lady and the receptionist. Do everything you can to make people smile.

23.   When someone tells you a secret, keep it.

24.   Go out with friends on weeknights, even if you have a test or work the next day. Treat yo self.

 

25.   Accept that you will probably be in debt for the rest of your life. Make peace with this early.

26.   Credit Cards were created by the devil.  Beware.

27.   Mixing vodka, beer and goon is never a good idea.
 

28.    Always use a condom.

29.   Meet people. Introduce yourself to everyone.

30.   Make mistakes. Forgive yourself for those mistakes.

31.   If you’re not interested, say something. It’s rude to keep people waiting.

32.   Laying on the floor of your shower will help you breathe again.

33.   Don’t be discouraged when you fail at something. Like Jake from Adventure Time says, “sucking at something is the first step towards being good at something.”

34.   Listen. Everyone has a story and everyone has something they can teach you.

35.   Don’t give up. I promise things will get better. You’ll get through this, and you’re going to be brilliant.


-Giselle