by Loren Howarth
First year: the year that you realise that university is actually nothing like high school. During your time at university you’ll learn how to do your washing, clean up after yourself, set deadlines and drown in assessments all at once. But it’s all worth it because you get to study what you love. Here’s a little rundown on the difference between university and high school.
#1
What you love, is what you study
During your senior years of high school, you probably had to study a bunch of subjects that you had no interest in, yet you didn’t have a choice whether or not you studied them. At uni, your studies are career focused as you’re finally studying something that you want to spend the rest of your life doing.
#2
Friends aren’t apart of the accommodation package
In high school you grow up with friends you made in your early years of schooling (most of the time). And making friends when you’re five is a lot easier than when you’re 18 years old.
At university, you start from scratch. Which means you have to step out of your comfort zone to make new friends (and it’s totally worth it btw). If you’re living on campus, most people will be from different places, so you need to put yourself out there, talk to your class mates and go to as many social events as possible. Which brings up another difference – uni students can go out on a Wednesday night and it’s totally acceptable. High school students, not so much.
#3
Spoon feeding is no longer
Unfortunately at uni, spoon feeding doesn’t exist. In fact it’s quite the opposite – how much you study and how much effort you put into your assessments falls back on you and you only.
And if you don’t go to class, it’s your own loss. At university you don’t have someone sending out daily reminders that you need to read this and study that. Instead, you’re expected to be on top of your workload at all times. This can be a challenging transition for some – as at school, you’re told you what you need to do, when you need to do it.
And if you don’t do the work, the only punishment is to your marks instead of detention.
#4
Uni = independence
Although you might’ve gained some independence during your senior years at high school, university is ‘nek level’. Think cooking, cleaning, getting to class, and adulting.
But it’s not all business kids. It’s a whole lotta fun too. Along with independence comes the decision to organise your time and catch up with friends when you please. Not to mention down time to watch movies and sleep in until lunch time (after doing your assignments of course).
#5
No uniform
Schools out and so is that dreaded uniform. But then comes the hassle of having to find an outfit to wear. Every. Single. Day. But it does mean on those hot summer days or ridiculously cold winter mornings, you can dress appropriately. And yes, that includes ugg boots and pjs too.
Image: Studentpad.co
