Dear University Fresher,
You’ve made it! Well done. Your hard work (and not so hard at times — we know) has paid off and a very exciting experience lies ahead of you. It’s very easy to let the experience pass you by without making the most of it. Once Freshers’ Week is over you’ll be tempted to lull yourself into your winter routine and miss out on so many experiences that will make university truly worthwhile. Here is a list of things you should definitely get around doing before it’s too late.
1. Live outside your comfort zone
Many freshers already have a group of friends before setting foot on university grounds.That’s great, but don’t let it limit you. University is the perfect place to make new friends. There are loads of new people in class who all share at least one thing in common with you — a passion for the subject you’ve chosen, and ambition to succeed. Stop worrying about what others think and start speaking to new people. Believe me, the friends you’ll make at university will come to be some of your best friends.
2. Join an organisation
You’re at university to graduate, so this does not mean put your studies aside for an organisation. However, once you come to finding a job and working you’re going to be using much more of the skills garnered from organisations than the material learnt in class. Plus, you’ll make a new set of friends and you’ll feel that your time is not being wasted.
3. Study
You may not know this now, but your transcript is an important tool if you decide to further your studies — especially if you intend on doing so abroad. Getting accepted on a masters or Phd programme is competitive, so do your best to ease the process now!
4. Go on an exchange programme — for free!
This Freshers’ Week check out the stands of organisations who offer exchange programmes. You get to explore a new country, build a network and have a course on your CV for free.
5. Attend conferences
You may not understand anything during the first couple of conferences you will attend, but you’ll benefit so much from them. You’ll learn how to write academically and present your work professionally whilst meeting new people who could help you with academic matters.
6. Work an internship
Nobody likes going to work and not getting paid for it, but there’s so much more to work experience than a minimum wage. During an internship you’ll put your studies to practice, make new contacts and graduate from university with much more than a degree.
7. Be nice
The people you’ll meet today are your future colleagues and teammates. Don’t mess it up! Finally, remember that this time will be over before you know it and you’ll miss it like crazy! Make the most of your time at university — now.