Starting uni can be super overwhelming and stressful, regardless if its your first, second or last year. The campus can be crazy huge and feel like another world, there are new faces everywhere and new classes to wrap your head around, and then there’s that always the looming thought of your studies.
O-Week is designed to get you off to a good start by ensuring your first week isn’t as stressful as you thought it would be, and helping you make the most of the new few years. Here are my tips on surviving O-Week:
Keep your schedule chill
Sometimes there is so much cool stuff in the O-Week program, and it’s tempting to try pack your schedule tight with everything that you don’t even have time to breathe. I recommend you only go to the events that really excite you; you’ll be able to enjoy them more if you have more time to look around.
Take a campus tour
Get to know your way around so you aren’t running around like a headless chook on your first day. Figure out where the important places are such as the food court (most important), the library, student support offices and lecture theatres. Trust me, there is nothing more stressful than trying to find building IB five minutes before class and realising it;s not next to building LH, but on the other side of campus.
Join some societies and clubs
If you’re nervous about meeting new people, check out the stalls around campus during O-Week for some info about societies and clubs. This gives you an opportunity to chat to other students about what’s what before you decide. Having stuff in common with people is the best icebreaker, so you won’t be stuck on conversation starters, and there’s literally clubs for everything, so you’re bound to find something you like.
Rake in all the free stuff
Sometimes, starting uni means you’ve got less time for your job, but the same or even more things you need to pay for. One of the good things about O-Week is there’s always an abundance of free stuff to stock up on. I’m talking things like magazines, vouchers, water bottles, usb’s, stationary, and sometimes even food – no kidding. Last year I got a goodie bag filled with mi goreng, lollies and chocolate – winningggg. Some O-Week’s even have free live music events, parties and free food on offer during the week, so make sure you do you research.
Stay safe
When you’re meeting a bunch of new and exciting people and going to parties – probably with lots of free drinks – it can be easy to get swept into the moment. Here are my tips for partying safely;
I know you don’t want to hear it, but stock up on condoms, dingers, rubbers or whatever you happen to call them. Some uni’s hand out free ones during the week, so make the most of them, you don’t want to start the uni year with an STI or anything else unwanted, it will just cause more stress and you ain’t about that life. Alongside the dingers, have a glass of water in between drinks – water is your friend, and of course, organise a designated driver, safe ride home, or keep money aside for an Uber/taxi.
Sort out your admin
Get your student ID and timetable sorted ASAP. If you’re already nervous about starting uni, the last thing you need is the stress of trying to enrol in classes at the last minute that may already be full. There are deadlines on signing up and dropping out to classes, so make sure you are in the know with what the go is for your uni. Also, a student ID means student discounts at some places, so get right on that
Find out what you do and don’t need for class
Do you really need a pencil case complete with scented highlighters, gel pens, a portable printer and two pairs of lab glasses? I thought not, keep those unnecessary overloaded backpacks in Year 7 where they belong. Hot Tip: your lecturer will often put the textbook chapters online, so you don’t need to splurge for the whole book and can save that moolah for much needed cocktails on uni night.
How else can the uni help?
Abuse the shit out of the uni website. All the info you need is on there, and it’s the best place to start if you’re stuck with something. Never be afraid to call or email the student support services. Also find out what services are available on campus. Most uni’s have free on site medical, academic and legal advice. Hopefully you won’t end up needing these, but it’s always good to know just in case.
Written by Chloe Cicero