Before you started university, the chances are you heard endless rumours about what you should expect when you become a student. Various people offer advice, assuming that their wise words of wisdom will help you know what to anticipate when the time arrives. Others joke that you’ll be partying most nights and hardly ever turn up to a single lecture – ultimately reinforcing the typical student stereotype. So now your first term’s over, we thought we’d set the record straight on some of those university myths once and for all…
We hate to burst your bubble, but if you were expecting to glide through your first year with little or no effort, think again. First year does count. For most degree programmes, year one offers you a complete overview of your course and you can go into more detail in years two and three. Not only is subject-related content knowledge introduced, but so are academic conventions, such as how to structure an essay or reference correctly. Sounds boring, but learning the basics is essential! Having said this, don’t stress if you’re not getting the grade you desire straight away, you’re working at a higher level. Most universities recognise this and only require you to pass with 40%.
You don’t need to have endless amounts of cash in order to survive at uni, so if you’re already into your overdraft, don’t panic. Your student loan helps you cover a large chunk of the cost, but if like most people, you’re now finding yourself in need of a bit extra, try finding a part-time job that will fit around your studies. A lot of student unions offer student jobs that fit about their studies – perfect!
‘You really need to put yourself out there in the first few weeks, because that’s when everyone makes all their friends.’’ Sound familiar? Freshers’ week is made out to be the be all and end all; however, we can assure you that it is not the only time during university that you will make friends, so don’t worry if you haven’t yet found someone you really click with. There will be opportunities to meet more people this semester.
Perhaps some of you reading this will be rather disappointed with this one. University is not all about s-e-x. You’re away from home and are around lots of people your age, so of course there’s opportunity to do so if you wish. However, don’t feel pressured. There are people at uni who aren’t just looking for a one-night stand, so if you don’t want to, don’t!
