How I did it: When I started four years ago, I had no idea that I would grow and learn so much.  First, I scored high enough in Year 12 to be able to apply for uni.  I had to then decide which university that I wanted to attend.  I chose one with a very short history that is renowned for its experiential learning and close links to industry.  Uncharitably, this often means it gets called "SuperTafe".  Another reason I chose my particular uni was for the beautiful grounds. 

A few months after Year 12, I received a letter saying that I had been accepted into my first preference!  But I decided to defer for a year to earn some money to support myself.  My family moved from a small country town to an even smaller country town, making it incredibly hard for me to get work.  It took me a few months, but I managed to find work as a waitress/kitchen hand at one of the many local pubs.  During the year, I was trying to figure out where and who with I was going to live.  This proved to be quite stressfull, but I ended up living with my cousins for my first year of university. 

I found the first year really challenging, I had a personal situation occur which made it hard to be as successful as I had liked.  Second year I lived with a girl I knew from high school which turned out to be a complete disaster.  Third and fourth year C. and I moved in together after going long distance for three years. 

At university itself, I made sure to hand up my assignments on time and to prioritize study when necessary.  Most of the time, I forced myself to attend lectures and can probably count the number of times I had to miss a class on one hand.  Volunteering to speak in classes was at first, really hard for me, but then gradually I began to say at least one thing per class, then two and so on. 

 

Lessons & tips:

• Don't forget to have fun!  Go on pub crawls, attend the events the uni puts on, make friends.
• If you have the option of electives, do things that you've always had an interest in or you've always wanted to try.  I did a fair few creative writing courses and absolutely loved them.  I also did a counselling course and found I didn't have the required background knowledge.  My last semester, I enrolled in the global experience course and found it one of the most practical courses I've ever done.
• Hand up your assignments on time.  If you're struggling, ask for help. 
• Think about the future as well as what's happening currently.  Volunteer so you can make contacts and gain additional experience to add to your CV.
• If your degree includes practicums (as mine did), take advantage of these, don't see them as "something to get through"
• There are moments where things are going to get really stressful.  Learn how to recognise and manage these.
• Celebrate your achievements!!

Resources:

• The uni
• The uni's counselling and career services
• Practicum organiser, tutors, lecturers (especially the good ones)
• Email, 43things, Facebook
• People who put up with me through the last four years.
• Family and friends
• C. ♥

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Nov 10, 07:24PM PST | 2 comments | 27 cheers