After 4 years of high school which started at 8am the thought of sleeping in until 10-11am can be scary to some. The idea of not having a back to back routine can be challenging to get used to. When it comes to university it seems like students stay up much later and if you’re one of those people (I know I am) then you’ll really appreciate the extra hours sleeping in can bring. Of course this applies to students with afternoon classes! Those with morning classes will still need to rise early on those days. Take care of yourself warriors!
On the other hand if you’ve stayed up crazy late studying your butt off then don’t feel bad about missing a lecture to catch up on much needed sleep. Just be sure someone has your back and will take notes for you. This is a great option to trade off between you and a classmate. University is a stressful time but you have to make sure your health and brain are in a good state to function. This means getting enough sleep, eating well and exercising when you can.
When first year starts all freshmen are in the same boat, they are the “little fish” in the “big pond.” Everyone’s a bit  nervous and feels out of place. The best way to cure that is to strike up a conversation with someone in your program. You already know they must have some of the same interests as you since you’re studying the same degree.  Not to mention you’ll have someone to ask about projects or to cover for you and take notes as we talked about when you sleep in! You can start your conversation by complimenting them on something you like that they are wearing. Who doesn’t like a bit of flattery?!
You may have already heard this but seriously don’t fall in that trap! Talking from personal experience, they really add up and trying to read and absorb 2 chapters in one night is NOT fun! Divide the number of pages you have so you only have to read a few a day. Remember to always take jot notes as read. This makes studying and assignments so much easier!
Your first time away from home is stressful enough so don’t freak out about gaining a few pounds! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or eating res food you’ll most likely put on a few pounds.  Late night munchie urges are so real and so worth it. Letting yourself indulge when you want to is better in the long run because you’ve satisfied a craving and can focus on homework. When you start beating yourself up about having a chocolate bar or a bag of chips you get stressed which probably affects your weight more than the treat did. Plus all that stress distracts you from getting your work done, not to mention impacts the mindset of those around you. Go to the gym when you can and enjoy late night pizzas….you have 4 whole months of summer to work it off!
Taking time to plan out routes to class may be boring but it’ll be so worth it. It took me a month to find out about the underground tunnels! You’ll be so thankful for figuring out where they are and where they lead to during the winter – trust me. Not to mention looking into the above ground bridges and the attachments of old and new buildings can be very helpful for getting to class on time!Â
You may think it’s lame or unhelpful but it’s in fact the opposite. Getting to know your markers and letting them get to know you will only be beneficial! You don’t want to just be a name and a number in a classroom do you? They’ll let you in on tips for what they want to see in an assignment. All you have to do is ask. So what are you waiting for – fire up those emails!
Yes university is fun and yes there are tons of parties and bars to go to but that isn’t what it’s all about! Going out with friends on cheap Tuesday to see a movie, having a board game tournament or perhaps a pot luck dinner can also be a blast. You’re only limited by your imagination.  If that fails you, it never hurts to check out some ideas on Pinterest! Don’t think you’re being boring for wanting to spend the night in with friends! Remember there will always be parties.
Online classes are easy right? Wrong. When you get overwhelmed with labs, assignments and lectures you can often forget about the work you have to do online. Make sure to schedule reminders on your phone and in your planner to help you remember important deadlines. LEARN is your friend and you will forever be grateful for it’s reminders so check it often!