First-year is over for many of us. The daunting start of University has come to an end. Yet, as we enjoy the last month of our Summer holiday, we ask – Are we prepared for the second year? Do you need to be ready? What is it that I should do to get prepared?
This transition can feel just as significant as beginning University itself. You’ve been back home to your family and friends, living the lifestyle that we were so used to having that going back to University again in September feel’s worrying.
For some people, like myself, I feel as if I’ve forgotten how to do ‘University.’ My mindset has vanished from my job and life back at home, that comes six weeks when we’ll be preparing to become independent adults again, will I be able to do it?
1st to 2nd year has the highest dropout rate for most universities. Not feeling prepared and as if you can carry on another year could be a reason for this dropout rate. However, it is important to keep motivated and know that this will all be worth it at the end of your degree.
STAY ORGANISED
Being organized is not only one of the most critical life skills but, more importantly, at University. Lectures, timetables, workload, social life, a job, and seeing family require prioritizing and organization. Write a list if you need to. Write a program of lectures and work so that you can fit in social life too without it getting in the way.
Speak to your job about reducing hours for University BEFORE you start. It is essential to get things done way before the date is required, I know that is the most stereotypical thing to say, but it genuinely is, trust me.
GET AHEAD WITH THE WORK
It isn’t a bad idea to get ahead with work and readings. I’m not suggesting starting assignments and finishing Year 2 before it starts, but having a basic understanding of what you’ll be learning will act as a great base to build upon. Giving yourself a head start will make you stand out from the rest of the students but also be helpful when learning and doing the work by having this knowledge already.
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SOCIALIZE
It’s still important to socialize. Meet new people, friends and family members. Uni can get quite lonely while there, even when surrounded by people. Keep your loved ones as close as you can. Don’t get to a point where your stress levels and University affects your life and mentality; your health is the essential thing, so give yourself that needed break from time to time.
