What exactly is University like? We’ve all heard the rumours and stereotypes and rumours about university (e.g. crazy parties, roommate problems, etc.). Some of what you hear is true and some aren’t, and first years can’t help believe them all until proven wrong. As you begin your first few months at UJ, here are some things to keep in mind that you may or may not have been told about, and hopefully they help you navigate and understand varsity life a little better.
1. IT’S OKAY TO FEEL INSECURE
During my first term (a million
years ago,) life was pretty difficult. I was surrounded by extremely
intelligent and talented individuals who had accomplished so many things before
university. It made me feel incompetent. I started questioning my own
abilities, and often thought I wasn’t good enough. I can tell you now, you are
not alone! If you’re feeling a bit insecure, don’t feel bad! You will soon get
over it and you will realise your potential. It might take time, but you’ll
find what you love and what’s important to you. That’s all that really matters
in the end.
2. WEIGHT GAIN
Weight gain during your first year is actually pretty
accurate. Not for everyone, but it’s true.
When you have a meal plan and a university with student
centre that feels like you have just walked into a buffet style dining hall,
it’s difficult not to get carried away. I gained 5 KG during first year.
See…it’s normal. What isn't common knowledge is that students can actually lose
weight during their first year too. I had a friend who lost a lot of weight
during her first year. She wanted to avoid spending money, so she would hardly
buy food. In other words, she was always hungry, and that’s not good either.
Her advice? “Do not starve yourself. You’ll eventually figure out what meal
plan is right for you, hold back on overeating, or maybe fit workouts into your
weekly schedule, and joint the UJ Gym available on all 4 campuses. “
I couldn't have said it better myself.
3. DON’T BUY ALL YOUR BOOKS AT THE
UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE
It’s more convenient, yes. But don’t if you can get the book
from somewhere else. Like the hundreds of senior students selling their used
text book at discounted prices. But always check what books you’ll need for a
class ahead of time and if the textbooks they are selling are still being used.
I did this on my first year and trust me textbooks I needed for classes were
always cheaper there than at my university bookstore.
4. YOUR FREEDOM IS
BOTH A CURSE AND A BLESSING
I’m sure you have heard this a couple of times before…in
case you are wondering it’s the truth. At university you can do whatever you
want. Wake up any time you want, sleep all you want, eat whenever, hang out all
day every day, study all day every day. Varsity is way different from high
school because you have the chance to schedule your day (besides classes’
schedules). Awesome right? What they don’t tell you is that it can be extremely
difficult at times to prioritize and manage your time properly. The amount of
freedom you have can be overwhelming. Too much fun or too much studying isn’t
good either. You might not find the perfect balance between responsibilities
and fun until much later on. But one thing I have learnt there can never be a
balance between your academic and social life, one has to take priority and if
you want that degree or diploma your academics will take charge.
5. MAKING FRIENDS MAY
TAKE SOME TIME
As a first year, your roommate can be your first friends in
varsity, but truth is not everyone becomes best friends with their roomie, and
it’s common. Sometimes it takes time making friends and finding the people you
want to hang out with. Where do you start? Try out for the UJ Choir, join a day
house, join a club. Do things you have a passion for. You’re bound to meet
someone who has the same interests as you, and you’ll build better friendships
that way.
6. YOU DON’T HAVE TO
HAVE YOUR FUTURE FIGURED OUT
Yes, You don’t. During my first year I met people who knew from day one what they wanted to do
with their lives. I, on the other hand, had no idea. You’ll meet both kinds of
people and others who fall in-between the “career” spectrum. University gives
you the chance to explore and learn about what you like, what you don’t like,
the type of people you want to surround yourself with, and most importantly, university
gives you the opportunity to networking. Taking full advantage of these opportunities
is one of the best things you can do during your time in UJ.
What are some things you've learned within these few weeks,
that you wish you knew sooner?
