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Getting through your first year at Uni
QS journalist Marie Field has spent 6 years at Universities in both the USA and Europe. She provides some survival tips for students starting Uni for the first time!
Uni! You’ve finally made it. All those years of wondering what college is going to be like; thinking that it’s just too far away to even begin to get excited about. The years have gone faster than you had ever imagined. Will your university experience coincide with those millions of hopes, worries, and intentions this next stage of your life will bring?
You’re probably thinking – what hasn’t been written about this topic and why is another 40 year-old school administrator about to tell me how to go about college or university life?! Well you’re at least partly right. I am going to give you a few tips and pieces of advice, but only from my own experience. I’ve studied abroad twice now – in the US for my BA and the UK for my MSc. Everybody has different experiences – many common and some quite unique. Nevertheless there are some basic things the new student can keep in mind in order to have a fun and successful university career, whether it be at home or if they choose to study abroad.
Surviving the classroom
Walking into a big lecture hall for the first time can be intriguing and intimidating. As you may be used to studying with 20 or 30 students in one classroom, large universities like UCLA often have 200 or more students in any given undergraduate course. Introductory courses like sociological methods or statistics for social science students, for example, are likely to have the greatest number of students in one lecture hall.
If you’re worried about not receiving enough personal guidance, tutorial or ‘discussion’ classes normally accompany the lecture series of courses. These ‘discussion’ classes are often taught by doctoral students and are made up of a small number of students (often 10-20) so that each student gets the help she needs and opportunity to ask questions she may feel too daunting to which to approach the professor. Such groups are an excellent opportunity to learn from your fellow students and maybe even make some friends or study partners. Academics are important, but if you can also make new social connections, class becomes even more enjoyable.
It is a good idea to make contact with at least two or three students from each of your classes. This way, you can exchange notes to maximize information intake, and have a back-up plan if you become ill or for some other reason can’t make it to a lecture. And of course, when exam time comes you will find yourself with a network of support – whether this means getting help with concepts you’re having difficulty grasping, or being able to meet up for a coffee in times of stress.
Campus Life
Campus is an exciting place. Where else can you find such a large group of bright people around your age, many having similar interests? A school’s campus is the epitome of community life, and sadly it emits a collective enthusiasm that often lacks in many other outlets in the ‘real world’.
Joining a student group like the Recycling Team, Snowboard Club, or Asian Cooking Group (as you can see there is practically a group for any and every interest you may have!) can link you with students who may become life-long friends, while teaching you new skills and providing the feeling that you are part of a team. This is very important, especially for those studying abroad, as you may at first miss being away from your own network – whether that be friends, family, or a weekly group you attend.
Fraternities and sororities are a good option, while I personally was not attracted to them. Some frats are known for excessive partying while others can be a bit tamer. Make sure you do your research before considering joining a fraternity or sorority. And remember – you will probably end up living with many people so if you don’t enjoy communal living, think twice. On the upside, my 37 year-old brother’s best friends are from his fraternity years, which goes to show that these communities can provide a lifelong bond between friends. And of course, fraternity members have that constant support throughout their studies – whether it be getting help to pass a math exam or dealing with relationship problems.
Student Survival Guide