the ultimate university/college guide
life is what you make of it, so make the most of it! here's how
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As someone who has attended five different universities and has four university degrees, I’d like to think that I possess some knowledge over the topic. Admittedly, my first few years consisted of focusing entirely on academics without seeking to make the best of everything university had to offer – a mistake I see people make (intentionally or unintentionally) so often. Therefore, this piece isn’t meant to help you get As or 100s (or whatever the best mark is where you study), but more so to feel like you’ve gotten all that university might have to offer before you graduate.
The truth is, like most things, university is what you make of it. So hopefully my ultimate guide will help you make the most of it!
Attend as many events as possible
Now I’m not talking about the events organised by the whole university. I’m talking about events hosted by smaller comities: professors and student associations for example. These events are often excellent ways for you to benefit from different cultural/social experiences without paying.
For example: last year a professor of mine in American studies started screening movies in our lecture hall on Thursday nights. I attended almost every event with a friend or two, and since I lived on campus, I was in charge of making popcorn at mine beforehand. We got free movie nights every other week for FREE. We got to see movies we’d never heard of before. And we got to get in the good books of our professor.
You don’t even need to attend events directly related to your field. Attend anything that might seem interested with friends. Find out if professors from your university are planning events off campus. Look out for emails. As a student in English Studies, I had the pleasure of attending events at the Literature House of my city for free and going to the British Embassy for other events. These often offer catering, so you get a free lunch/dinner from it.
I have attended more than a dozen events this way and regret not attending more. It’s an excellent way of making friends (fun) and networking (not so fun).
Organise 1 on 1 meetings (monthly if possible)
This tip is mostly catered to the last two semesters of your studies, if you’re still unsure of what to do after you graduate. In that case, you’ll have no better advice than from those who are in your field. I would attempt having at least one meeting a month with someone of a different profile each time.
Professors are more than happy to help, but ideally people closer to your age. I myself emailed numerous PhD candidates out of interest for what doing a PhD would look like. Candidates who had started a year or two ago. They were always eager to help; some even sent me their entire applications because I asked to see what they looked like. ALWAYS be on the nose, and not the tip of the tongue. There’s no shame with being very clear where you’re unsure, where you’d like to know more.
If you’re lucky enough to have a social professor, chances are they might still be in contact with previous students. Ask to get in touch. Go through LinkedIn (I know…) to see if any alumni is in a field you’re interested in. Ask administrators if they know of any. Get in touch and ask questions. Ask questions again.
Never assume that you should always aim up when it comes to networking. Sometimes the most helpful contacts you’ll have are people at the same stage, or just on stage above from you.
Make use of student discounts
Now I assume you’re not rolling in gold while prioritising your studies. None of us really are. Yet, things won’t immediately go up the second you step on that stage and get your diploma. So if you’re ever going to have the chance to get to a special event or get a nicer pair of pants (which you’ll need for interviews and the workforce), do look at the expiry date of your student card.
I myself found out that the airline I use most has a significant discount for those under 26, a discount that allowed me to go to other cities in Norway and other countries in Europe numerous times for very low prices. I just recently got Levis Jeans for 20% that I knew I’d use daily. Find out what discounts are most beneficial and make use of them before they’re gone.
Discounts for different streaming services. For different museums and cinemas. Fashion. Devices. Transport. Food and drinks. There’s specific lists online for different countries. Find yours and go through it.
Use the library like it’s your own
Now as much as I would love to berate the institution that is University, I have to hand it to their libraries, especially the librarians. Whether you consider yourself a big reader or not, the library is going to be one of the best resources at your disposal, if you use it right.
Having trouble finding sources for an essay you’re writing? Email them with a brief explanation of your topic and ask them to send you anything that could be of interest. In some universities, you can go so far as to have a meeting with a librarian to get more thorough help. I myself did so when I started my master’s thesis and spent an hour getting dozens of different sources that I used for my research.
Want a book you can’t buy? See if the library has an option for them to buy books you request if not already available at the library. They most likely do. They might not approve for your request to buy anything, but Suzanne Collins, Sally Rooney, Rachel Cusk would definitely make their way to you.
I would also recommend seeing what digital resources they have, as they might have access to online books and magazines. Not to mention board games, events and catering too. The library is there for you – use it.
Be disloyal
If you’re lucky enough to live in a bigger city with more than one university, the chances are that there are many things the other university around you offer that you could still benefit from. While your studies are to be strictly connected to your university, the rest doesn’t have to be. You social life, your activities, your associations, your study locations… anything else really.
The world is what you make it, but also where you make it. Explore as much as possible. Go above the limits of your campus.
Know your emotional limits
Now in case this list or your overall experience on campus has been overwhelming, one of my biggest tips is always to know your emotional limits. As someone who likes to push herself as much as possible, my biggest regret during my university years was pushing myself to a point of a breakdown. There is nothing wrong with taking some time off, whether it be a class, a day, or longer. Make sure you prioritise your sleep and overall health.
Your grades will impact your university experience and that’s it. No one will care what grade you got in your introductory class once you enter the post-grad and/or workforce. Your health will impact your entire life. Know your priorities.
Hopefully this helped anyone still at uni, and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask!
Love,
Anastasia
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This is so useful!
Saving as someone who’s going to uni in a month!!