The start of session can be pretty overwhelming. You have to get your head around new subjects, new classrooms, new teachers – all while readjusting to uni life. And we all know how hard it can be to tear yourself away from holiday mode. Although it may be tempting to only do the bare minimum and use your spare time to hit the snooze button in the mornings, putting in the hard yards in the first few weeks of session can set you up to have a super productive and low-stress experience.
Go to Your Classes
It may not seem like much, but that first awkward getting-to-know-you week at uni is often the most important. Not only is it a great opportunity to make some friends, and learn the name of your lecturer so you aren’t waiting weeks for someone else to mention it, but it’s where you will get some of the most valuable information about your course. Sure, subject outlines are great, but the first day of class is the best chance to get it explained to you, and to ask your lecturer any questions you have, like how many morning classes you can miss before it affects your grade. Important stuff.
Cool It On the Alcohol
O-Week is essentially just one big party, full of cheap drinks, easily made friends, and free tote bags. And though this may seem like the uni life everyone had promised you, your liver definitely knows that lifestyle can’t be sustained. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with dressing up for uni nights and religiously attending Friday Unwinds, but uni is all about balance. Use the first week of classes to give your body a bit of a break. Pay attention in your intro lectures, and use your spare time to rest, relax, and prepare yourself for the weeks ahead of you!
Pack Your Bags
As your classes start up, and you find your legs in your brand spanking new uni life, you’ll probably realise that you’ve forgotten a few things that are pretty essential to university. Of course you’ll need the basics; textbooks, pens, highlighters, notebooks. But don’t forget that even in uni you need some luxuries. Load up on a Netflix subscription, a comfy pillow to prop you up on those all-nighters, and some snacks that aren’t Homebrand. When you’re getting towards the pointy end of the session and the dregs of your finances, you’ll thank yourself.
Sort Out Your Routine
The first week is the perfect time to experiment with your routine and see what works best for you. If your attention span at its best when you get up an hour before class and have a full breakfast? Or is running in the door just before your lecturer with an extra large coffee in hand more your style? Setting up a schedule for studying, working, and fun time should also be done in the first week. It will be your best friend come exam time.
