Anyone want to share some university ("college") advice?

[mahalia]

In January I'm going to study towards an MBChB 1000km from home. I'll be staying in a residence and, being a first year, sharing a room.

I'm the first person in my family who goes to university away from home since my mom, about 30 years ago.

So, I am looking forward to it, but I would really appreciate any tips from those of you who have "been there, done that" (or are in the process). Academic or socially.

Much appreciated, thank yooooou

 

[SinclairJ]

I wasn't ready for school when I was 18 so here I am at 33 and back in school. The biggest single piece of advice I can give you is to surround yourself with the right people. Seek out those who have the same beliefs as you and stay close to one another. Hold each other accountable because you are going to be attacked on every side by the carnal world. You have an incredible opportunity to witness to the lost and show them what a real Christian is supposed to live like. May the Lord bless you on your academic journey

 

[Sketcher]

Make friends that are Christians and are really going somewhere in life.

 

[LadyMatsuke]

My advice as a uni student is

- Uni is a good place to explore religion. Find the university religious societies.
- Sort things like bills, washing-up and partying out with your flatmate right at the start. Write things down and have two copies, one each.
- Make sure you get your books ASAP, otherwise it'll annoy the professors and it'll be a pain for you.
-Set a timetable for studying, social events and lectures. Stick to it.
- If you're cooking food, learn some basic recipes before you know. Spaghetti bolognese, curries and bread recipes are good.
-Don't take on too much. You should, when choosing societies and clubs, take into consideration the amount of time you'll have to give, especially with sports clubs.

If you want to ask anything more, then I'll gladly help you via PM!

 

[Alizera]

There are certain classes you really need to sit down every night and review the materials. Get yourself into a good study habit early to start yourself on the right foot.

Join organizations and meet friends, but don't let socialization interfere with your grades.

Like another person has said, if you do have a room mate, set ground rules with them.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[LadyMatsuke]

Also, if you are going to be living with flatmates, I would start making the next year's arrangements ASAP and ask friends to share with you.

 

[E.C.]

Don't eat out every day. Eat healthy.
Keep the grades up.
Study. Study. Study.
Have a group of friends to help support you when you have hard times.

 

[a.d.ivNonasNovembres]

You may think now that you won't skip class or be tempted to skip class. You will be.
Don't. Every time you feel bad, tired, ill but not ill enough to justify missing class (if you can get out of bed without feeling like you will faint or be sick you are well enough to go to class) you will think things like "well it will not do any good to go to class now since I will not learn anything in this state" sometimes you will be doing something that seems more important than class and you will think "this is what I am really doing, writing a 300 page thesis on some topic entirely unrelated to my degree scheme which will change the face of modern philosophy" - ignore that meglomania - go to class, every time you don't go not going becomes easier until before you know it you are falling way behind.

 

[mahalia]

Ah, thanks so much everyone
I really appreciate it

 

[TemperateSeaIsland]

Set up a budget and stick to it. Study can be stressful enough and you don't want to compound it with the added stress of money trouble.

After lectures copy notes neatly into a hardback notebook. It gives you the opportunity to further absorb the info fresh after the lecture and revision will be far easier from a notebook than from a pile of pages that can go out of order, be lost, etc...

Have fun.

 

[lostaquarium]

How exciting! Congratulations and good luck

My advice:
- Find good Christian friends!
- Know your goals. What do you want to gain from university? Manage your time accordingly.
- Be resistant to peer pressure, but be open to new friendships and experiences.

 

[Shannie]

Try to sleep 8 hours (or however much you need). Once you get into bad sleep patterns it becomes a vicious cycle. Trust me, I spent the better part of first year only being productive between about midnight and 4am. Not a good idea. Especially when I had 8:30 classes.

 

[Shazamataz]

Dont stress if things seem to be going in a different direction to what you expected... do uni at your own pace, and just have fun!! This is a special time of your life, so enjoy it!! Do it the way which is best for you, not what you think will please others. And find a good spiritual home, as in a church where you can really base yourself and have a good christian support network. ENJOY!!!

 

[ephesus32]

Read the Bible before studying... I find it keeps you focused more.

 

[frenzy]

Since you will be staying on campus, you should find at least one group or activity on campus to be a part of, like English Club, intermural sports, Spanish Club, Campus Ministry, etc. It will help you get to know more people.

 

[Shyguyelite]

you will wake up one day and be 23, with a degree. just make sure its profitable.

 

[TurntoChrist1985]

Just remember it's nothing like the movies.

 

[Kirisutokyoo-shinja]

What is "MBChB"?

 

[TemperateSeaIsland]

What is "MBChB"?

Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery

 

[decadent]

Just say "yes" to opportunities to socialize, like clubs and events. They are a great way to meet people who will be your support through school and can be good contacts after school. Just don't overdo it.

Set aside time with God daily. It's so easy to lose your connection with Christ in the shuffle, but if you have a prayer time or Bible study time scheduled, it'll be harder to abandon your walk. Be unconventional, take a few minutes here and there if it's easier.

Do your homework when it is assigned. Don't wait for the due date! Something will come along and trip you up if you wait for the last minute.

Wash your hands a lot. Sickness goes around quickly in close-knit places like college.

Never skip class unless you're so sick you need to go to a nurse. It's such an easy and bad habit to fall into!