heading off to university is like entering a whole new universe where laundry is suddenly your responsibility and 8 am classes are the bane of your existence. here’s a candid, slightly humorous guide to navigating your new life. by keeping these tips and a healthy dose of humor in mind, you’ll be better prepared to survive and thrive in this new chapter of your life. welcome to the adventure!
1. time management is a myth (kind of)
sure, you’ll plan to wake up early, hit the gym, and finish all your homework by noon. spoiler: netflix and spontaneous pizza nights will laugh in your face. but seriously, learn to balance your time (your future self will thank you).
2. budgeting: the struggle is real
you’ll start with a pristine budget, but somehow, late-night kebabs and impromptu coffee runs will wreak havoc on it. track your spending and maybe, just maybe, you’ll have enough left for that occasional splurge on something non-edible.
3. get Involved, but don’t overdo it
join clubs, sports or other activities but just remember that signing up for a lot of activities during freshman week may leave you too exhausted to take part in any of them.
4. ask for help (even if it’s just to find the library)
whether you’re struggling with coursework or can’t find your way around campus, asking for help is crucial. teachers, tutors, and even those overly enthusiastic second-year students are also there to guide you.
5. develop good study habits (procrastination is not one)
leaving your 2 000 word essay until the night before might seem like a good idea at the time. spoiler: it’s not! find out what study methods work for you and stick to them.
6. understand your course requirements (or at least pretend to)
knowing which courses you need is essential. missing a prerequisite is like missing the last train home, confusing, frustrating, and often costly.
7. stay healthy (pizza is not a food group)
late-night junk food and all-nighters might be fun at first, but your body will rebel. eat your veggies, get some sleep, and try not to catch every cold that sweeps through the dorms.
8. network and build relationships (or at least remember names)
making contacts and building relationships can be more beneficial than spending all your time on your phone and social media. teachers and classmates can open doors to internships, job opportunities and sometimes a free meal.
9. learn life skills (cause laundry doesn’t do itself)
cooking something other than a fried egg, cleaning your own space and managing finances are skills you'll really use. trust me, figuring out how to do your laundry before you run out of clean socks is a lifesaver.
10. be open-minded
university is a melting pot of cultures, ideas and, yes, bizarre traditions too. embrace it all with an open mind and, of course, a little sense of humor!
joana gonçalves is the new member of our team. her educational background includes a bachelor degree in economics and a post-graduation in digital marketing. ambitious & motivated, she believes CINCO is the best way to a new fresh start.
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