EASYUNI Ultimate University Guide 2013 Issue 2

O R I E N TAT I ON  Part-time jobs  Go mingle! Why wait till you graduate before working? Take up part-time jobs that can make your resume even more impressive. Websites such as Asia Part Time and Part Time Post make it easier for enterprising students like you to ﬁnd part-time work that ﬁts your schedule (and, maybe, future career path). However, it is important to maintain the balance between work and studies to avoid jeopardising your grades. “The only way to have a friend is be one,” said Ralph Waldo Emerson.  Be a volunteer Very often, students forget about fun after entering university. You need a little colour in your campus life, so go crazy with social activities organised by the university or make videos with friends as mementos. As previously mentioned, these pursuits can help form relationships and bonds that can be helpful throughout your university life and beyond. If it helps, create a ‘to-do’ list, a useful tool to keep track of and plan your future social activities. Alternatively, try volunteer work, either at home or abroad. Look up openings in the newspapers, web pages, and bulletin boards. This helps to build your character, help you get in touch with your internal self, and unlock your potential. Being a volunteer might even help during job interviews as it reveals the person you are. Here is also where you can try out jobs that might ﬁt you, based on your personality and attitude. 56 easyuni Guide 2013 Issue 2 Think you’re socially awkward? Try to socialise and you might surprise yourself. Make the effort to befriend someone. It is crucial to begin making friends from the start as they can be helpful. You would be surprised at how some of them might actually become life-long friends. Be sure not to miss out on the orientations, ﬁrst-week activities and classes as they can help ease the socialisation process, since the students are probably strangers to each other. It would be somewhat an advantage to also socialise with the lecturers as they will be guiding you throughout the course. When socialising with both lecturers and students, remember to always be open to individuals from different backgrounds, culture or ethnicity. It is always interesting to mingle with students from different countries, where they are brought up differently. Keep that in mind and you should have no problem being your college’s social butterﬂy.  A college degree is just not enough! Along the journey to further studies and beyond, you will soon realise that the certiﬁcate is just a piece of paper approved by the college or university, not by your future employers. Your attitude, personality, passion, persistence for achievements and success will play a bigger part in shaping who you are. In the meantime, enjoy the life of a university student!

EASYUNI Ultimate University Guide 2013 Issue 2 | Page 58