EASYUNI Ultimate University Guide 2013 2014: Issue 2 | Page 61

CO L LE GE CO RNER Establish Relationship with Professors New university students usually want to remain anonymous and this is often easy because there are several other students. It is difficult for professors to pay attention to every single student in their class. However, you should make an attempt to establish relationships with professors. There are several advantages of interacting with your professors outside the classroom. One of the main benefits is that it will be easy for you to approach them in case of an issue. Professors are required to set aside some time to meet with their students. Take advantage of this and get to know your lecturers. It is better to do this in your first year because some of them may teach you more than one course over the years. Attain a Balance The main reason for enrolling into university is to earn a degree but this does not mean you should spend all your time reading. You need to achieve balance by including social events in your life. Make sure your assignments are done in good time to allow you to have and enjoy your free time. Attend sports events and other social engagements on campus. The interaction with other students is also a learning opportunity you will miss out on if you are always in the library. Work hard at your studies but leave room for some fun. Your studies should be the priority but if you plan your time well, you will have an opportunity to enjoy yourself. As a new student, you will probably feel like you do not belong on campus and suffer from homesickness. However, the best way to deal with this is to get involved in some of the activities that are available. Join some clubs and organisations to make it easy for you to transit. This is a great way to attain a balance between social and academic life. Besides helping you to settle in, co-curricular activities are also vital when you seek employment later on. Active participation in co-curricular activities indicates that you are a wellrounded person who places equal importance on academic, physical and social development. It is easy to get carried away with the activities because they may all seem interesting but you need to limit yourself to a few to ensure you have adequate time for your studies. The groups will make it easy to make friends and learn skills and, with time, you will feel like you belong in campus. Use Study Resources High school may have seemed easy for you and you had good grades without putting in too much effort. Things are different in college. The professors will make you earn your grades. This means that you have to set goals and work har