How To Get The Most Out Of Uni (Besides, Obviously, Your Degree)

It’s basically the home stretch for any final year high school students, with university applications opening, preparation for final exams beginning, reminders to relax falling on deaf ears, et cetera.

Whether or not you’re applying to uni, the options for life after high school are overwhelming. If you are applying, it’s important to remember that uni will only be what you make of it. University is expensive, but that money is worth spending if you walk away with more than just a degree. Here’s a few ideas to help you get the most out of the experience.

The resources! So many resources!

It may sound boring or wildly obvious, but many universities have a lot to offer academically, you know? Though your study habits are up to you, most unis have a ‘Student Centre’, or something along those lines, where you can have your essays proofed, receive free counselling, and even free stationery. There’s a multitude of resources all universities provide and it’s not just limited to your educational needs. Still, this isn’t a bad place to start.

Free - or cheap - food.

The amount of food I haven’t had to pay (much) for this year has been surprising, to say the least. Whether it’s from a society raising money, a networking lunch, or an extremely generous fellow student, food isn’t hard to find on campus. Even better? Food might only be a secondary benefit as it becomes a surprising opportunity to meet new people or even gain insight into potential career paths relating to your degree.

Those O-Week events...

O-Week is a must-attend event for all students, incoming or otherwise. Other than the luxury of freebies, giveaways and entertainment, it’s also a massive part of involving yourself in the university community and possibly meeting people before your course begins. It’s basically a relaxing period before you settle into university life, but it will definitely ease your nerves if you’ve met some people before your first lecture.

... and beyond!

Keep your eyes peeled for all the great opportunities that might arise throughout the year. Whether it be an end-of-semester party, a networking lunch, a free concert, or a gathering organised by a society – someone in the university is organising something, somewhere.

When it comes to the more serious events, it’s easy to say “I’ll go next year.” Instead, think of this: “You never know if you never try.”

I’m a first year university student, and basically no one expects me to show initiative in anything except my studies. However, if there’s one thing uni has taught me? You don’t grow if you stay in your comfort zone. It’s a great opportunity to gain confidence and discover the possibility of learning outside a classroom. Hearing about your peer’s experiences as an overseas volunteer, or even why they’ve stayed in a certain society is a reminder that every one of us is passionate about something – we just don’t know it yet.

Clubs and societies.

Applying for jobs is one of the most daunting tasks, especially when you’ve had absolutely no experience in the area. University isn’t just about learning the skills you’ll need in a future job, it’s also about acing the process to land the job. Filling out applications and sitting in interviews can be incredibly difficult, especially in terms of finding a balance between confidence and honesty, but with practice, these tasks become simpler, even with some nerves.

Many university societies have an application and interview process, and since there are so many different options, it doesn’t hurt to apply, even if it you aren’t successful. Don’t let rejection get you down. If anything, this is some solid real world prep.

Finally…

University is academic, but that doesn’t mean academia is all it has to offer. It’s the people you meet and the practice you gain in the environment which makes the entire experience more valuable than you could ever imagine.

Emily Lam is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. Learn more about the contributors program.