EASYUNI Ultimate University Guide 2013 2014: Issue 2 | Page 59

CO L LE GE CO RNER Campus Life HOW TO SURVIVE UNIVERSITY Leaving home for university is one of the most exciting phases in a young adult’s life. For most people, it is the first time they will be away from their parents. They have never experienced this kind of freedom. There are various things to explore while on campus and this can be intimidating. It is difficult to adjust to life away from home and, for some students, this newfound freedom can be dangerous. New students need to remember that with freedom come responsibility. Survival is important in an environment with no parental control. The college you attend will have rules and regulations but individual students will have to manage their time and determine whether their actions are appropriate. When you leave home, you have an opportunity to become independent because you get to make important decisions. Here are some university survival tips to help you get through campus and have fun while you are at it. It is easy to get carried away by all the excitement and forget that your focus should be on acquiring the knowledge and life’s lessons needed to help you pursue your desired career. 56 easyuni Guide 2014 Issue 2 Your First Week: Break In, Not Break Down This is one of the most important times in campus, especially for new students. In your first week, some of your decisions can have a significant impact on your university life. Be careful about the things you do in the first week. In most situations, it is a difficult time for students because they are in a new environment. You will miss home and feel stressed but this will ease with time. The secret is to be yourself and enjoy the experience. Remember that everyone is new like you too, so there is nothing to be afraid or ashamed of if you find difficulty coping or fitting in initially. The beginning of a new journey is not always easy but it is all part of a learning process. Orientation is usually held in the initial week and this gives you a great opportunity to explore the new surroundings. Most students assume that it is a waste of time but the information provided during this period can be very valuable. This is when you learn where your classes will be held. You have a chance to learn about all the facilities available in your campus. Do not ignore orientation because you might make things difficult for yourself when you miss out on important advice. In most cases, there will be more than one orientation. Attend all the orientations that are announced. This might actually give you an advantage over other students because you are well informed about the college. If you are comfortable in the environment, you will be prepared to deal with any challenges.