For most of us, O’ Week is fully underway and the first week of university has begun. After months of free time spent, we’ve got a full week of university tours, introductions and a taste of university study life. This is where your tertiary education begins in Queensland, so here are some tips to help you get through those first few weeks.
1. Eat Properly and Stay Hydrated
When you are running around from event to event, it is easy to forget to eat and stay hydrated. It is impossible to concentrate on an empty stomach, so remember to get something to eat when you are feeling hungry. It may be obvious, but a good diet is the best way to stay focused in class.
Most importantly, don’t forget to keep a bottle of water with you so you can keep hydrated throughout the day! You will always find places to refill your water bottle on campus.
2. Get Involved in some activities
University is an exciting yet nerve-racking place, especially if you have just started your very first semester. O’ Week is great way to become involved in or get settled into university and there are lots of activities during the week, such as campus and city tours, bands and parties. Be sure to take advantage of these free activities which will be helpful in getting to know your new environment and also to make new friends.
You should also check out the student clubs so you can meet people with similar interests.
3. Meet People
One of the best things about the start of university and about O’ Week is the opportunity to meet many people who are going through the same transition as you, especially if you are new to the country. During this week, summon all your inner confidence and start a friendly conversation with those around you.
Be yourself and some of the best of friends of your life will be made from university.
4. Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help
Your first lectures may seem quite intimidating with hundreds of people sitting in one room, but your lecturers and tutors all understand how scary it may be, because at one stage they were once university students as well.
Never be afraid to ask for help if you need to know something or if you don’t understand something said in your classes. It is likely that someone else in the lecture room are hesitant to ask as well. And if you ever get lost or aren’t sure where to find something, just ask a fellow student where to go! After all, university is a place of learning.
5. Finding Bargain-Priced Textbooks
If your course wasn’t made yesterday, there is probably a good chance that a textbook is lying around somewhere that someone has finished with and is willing to sell it at a lower price.
Usually your lecturer or tutor will tell you where you can get cheaper textbooks in the first weeks of your semester. Your university library may also stock the textbook, so be sure to look around before heading to the school bookstore.
6. Make the Most of It and Have Fun
Keeping these things in mind, as you familiarise yourself with your new campus and learn to manage your study load, it will make your transition into tertiary education an exciting and a wonderful experience.
If you are willing to seek advice and take advantage of all the resources your university offers, you will find your time at university a lot easier. Get involved as much as possible and enjoy the best years of your life!