ACTIVITY
Read the
text and write the main ideas for you, in your own words.
THE UNIVERSITY: A NEW EXPERIENCE
It isn’t like high school
You've probably heard
this one before, but I really need to emphasise just how true it is. No
one's going to be calling home if you don’t show up – you have to get your
butt in those lecture seats yourself!
All of your study
is going to be more self-driven than ever before. No one's going to give you
reminders about homework (unless you have a particularly kind tutor).
At university you're
in charge of your own learning, and you're only going to get out as much as you
put in. You’re also going to have a lot more free time, but that doesn’t mean
you can just slack off! Which brings me to...
Balancing
your free time between work, study and your own 'me' time isn’t as easy as
it sounds. University requires a lot more study than high school, and there are
a lot more homework assignments.
If you have a break in between your classes, it might
be a good chance to grab a bite to eat, get some coffee and take a look at your
textbooks to pass the time. The earlier you get things done, the more time
you’ll have to yourself later! You'll also stress out less, rather than
realising you have five assignments due the next day.
Eat properly
A lot of the time I was too busy studying or doing
homework to sit down and have a proper meal. Did I ever regret that later on!
It’s impossible to concentrate on an empty stomach, so
remember to always get something to eat whenever you're starting to feel
hungry. Keep in mind that the food at university can be a little on the
expensive side, so try throwing in a vegemite sandwich every other day so you
don't burn a hole in your wallet.
It may seem a little cheesy, but a good diet is the
best way to stay focused in class. Most importantly, don't forget to keep a
bottle of water with you during the day so you can keep hydrated, too.
Don't be afraid to
ask for help
Your lectures may seem pretty intimidating, with
hundreds of people all sitting in the one room, but your lecturers and tutors
all understand how intimidating it can be, because at some stage they were
first-year students themselves.
Never hesitate to ask if you need to know something or
if you need something repeated. And if you ever get lost or aren't sure where
to find something, just ask a fellow student where to go! The worst thing they
might say is, 'I’m not sure.'
