How To Prepare Yourself for University
Going to university is a whole new phase of your life. You’ll meet new people and there will be a lot of adapting to do. It might sound scary but actually it’s cool, this is where your adult life begins; where you stand up in the world as an independent person! This can be one of the most memorable times of your life, if you keep in mind the things that matter and don’t let yourself get side-tacked by too much leisure and entertainment.
Student Events
There are usually events to welcome the new students during the first few month of varsity, like fresher’s balls, bashes and welcoming functions hosted by various student organizations or school management.
Choose The Right Circles
It’s vital to choose your friends carefully. Surround yourself with people who share your values. A university education costs a lot of money and there is no point in going to varsity if you are just going to waste your time. If you get caught up with the wrong crowd, life could turn into one big party which will wreak havoc with your grades- and your future job prospects.
Off-campus vs on-campus
Whether to live on or off campus is a big decision you’ll have to take. Both options have their pros and cons, so you need to weigh your choices before you make a final decision. You’ll also have to consider the financial realities. Here are some of the pros and cons of living on and off campus:
Living On Campus- pros
• Accessibility- if you live on campus, you can easily walk to class, libraries, computer labs, cafeterias, etc. You don’t have to waste time and money on transport or parking. Even better, you can choose your classes based on your academic goals, not on your commuting schedule!
• Social life- it’s easier to meet new people, make friends and integrate fully with the broader campus community.
• Simplicity- you don’t have to worry about rent, utility bills or maintenance of the property.
Living On Campus- cons
• No privacy- it can be very hard to find privacy in a residence. You have to share bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas. You might hardly ever have quiet time because there are always people coming and going.
• Limited space- at most colleges, the rooms are tiny. You have to limit your possessions, or your space will be crowded.
• Visitors: the rules about when you can and can’t have visitors in your room might also take a bit of getting used to.
Orientation week
At the beginning of each academic year there’s orientation week for first-time students, with a series of events designed to help new students to:
• Find their feet
• Get familiar with the campus, explore their community and find their own place in it
• Register for courses and extramural activities
• Prepare for the upcoming year
• Meet fellow students
O-week is especially important for students who have moved away from home, because for them, the change in lifestyle is even greater than for students who are studying in their home towns. It also offers a chance for parents to spend some time with you in your environment
