Final semester of uni...What a bloody crazy road it’s been! I remember my first orientation, jumping on the train, trying to work out which bus to get on, for a kid from the country this was just total mayhem. Eventually saw some other students who had printed out their O-Week timetable, so I just followed them and hoped they knew where they were going. I remember sitting in on my first lecture, it was Econ1000. I was so proud and excited, I found a seat in the filled auditorium, pulled out my laptop and notepad, lined up my markers and pen and was ready to go. I remember thinking, wow I’m such a grown up (little did I know what in store for the years to come). It's been a long road, and I've learnt a lot about life since then, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I didn't know it at the time, but everything I’ve endured and experienced has led me to be exactly where I am today, sitting under a palm tree, by the beach, on Magnetic Island. What a wonderful life I lead. I’m so lucky to have such a supportive network around me and there's no words to express how grateful I am to all the people who have taken me in and encouraged me non-stop to continue with my studies.
So now that I have a few year’s experience of student life under my belt, and have worked at two universities, I hope I can share my experience and give any of you young future leaders some insight into uni life.
There’s so much pressure when you’re in high school, to get good grades, get a good ATAR, and go to a good uni. When in reality, there are so many other pathways to get into uni. The university experience is different for everyone. Some students are lucky enough to not have to work and be a full-time student, some students have to work part-time and live on a (extremely) tight budget whilst they complete their studies, some students have families and work full-time and only have the opportunity to do one unit per semester. Regardless of your situation, university is for everyone and can be super flexible to suit your personal situation. A common misconception is that you have to be smart to go to uni, when actually you just have to be hard working and have a strong sense of self discipline to put in the work.
In my first year of uni, I was working basically full time hours as a waitress, and studying a full time study load. I didn't have any money and it was a 1 hour drive to get to uni to go to a 40 minute class. So when given the choice between a shift to work or to go to class, I picked shift every time. My partner at the time was living 2 hours from where I was living, and every chance I got I would head back home to see him. I really struggled to find the balance between work, study and finding time to commit to a relationship.
In my first semester, I failed 2 out of my 4 units. I was mortified and embarrassed, I didn't want to tell anyone. The thing is, I knew I was smart enough, but I wasn't prioritising my studies. At this point in time I did not really know why I was studying. I guess it’s what I thought I was supposed to do, and mum wanted me to go. I think my thought process was that if I did not do this, what else was I going to do? Since then I've learnt failing units doesn't mean you have failed all together, you can just redo the unit, and it actually builds resilience.
Here I am 4 years down the track, I've been studying part-time over the last 2 years while working and moving states and life's great. I have made a list of my top uni tips which I hope you find useful.
My top uni tips:
Find out what services your university offers, chances are they are probably free to students! Most universities offer a career service (get your resume together and keep it updated ready to give to potential employers), and a counselling service (break the stigma around counselling, sometimes you just need someone to talk to and that's what they're there for).
Get some experience under your belt. Whether that's doing a vacation break internship, or even just volunteering for a local community group. It all counts when you're seeking employment after you graduate.
SCHOLARSHIPS! I personally didn't apply for any scholarships because I never thought I would be eligible or get it. However, I've learnt from friends, this is the way to go. It's always worth throwing your hat in the ring.
Study in a way that suits your learning type and schedule. Uni gives you the ability to practice your own learning style. I personally can't study early, I just have zero motivation and can't retain the information. I always say diamonds are made under pressure and so is my best work.
It's okay to take a semester off it you need a break, or drop a unit if it becomes too much, this is a marathon not a sprint.
It’s really important to find the balance between study, work and maintaining a social life. I still probably give more attention to my social life, but it’s a working progress.
There are so many delicious budget meals out there - you don't need to survive off mie goreng and cheap takeout! Check out Budget Bytes.
Don't buy the textbooks. I'm sure this varies from course to course, but I have never brought a textbook and completed the course just find. If you must, first try to get a secondhand version, and older edition, or the E-book version, you'll save heaps of $.
Student discounts - there are so many shops who offer student discounts and promo's and I recommend you take advantage of it. Check out UniDays!
Go check out your Indigenous student center. Most universities have them and they offer additional tailored support specifically for Indigenous students.
Well I hope that gives you some insight into university and my student journey!
Thanks for reading.
Love,
Nova xo
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