Think of a uni degree like your first long-term relationship. Sure, it took you for a ride emotionally, booked up your schedule, and was really hard work on the best of days, but you’re an all-round better human because of it, right? Makes knowing what you want in life a little clearer.
At the risk of sounding grossly cliche, nothing good in this life comes easy. And like being in a relationship with someone, you need people / friends around you to support you, keep your social life in tact, help you see things objectively, and, well, give you a reality check whenever you lose sight of your goals. Below are some of those people.
1. SOMEONE WHO’S BEEN THROUGH IT
I have three older sisters. Do you know how valuable that was in high school? I got heaps of inside info on how things really worked and what really mattered. The same thing can be said for uni.
Don’t be afraid to look to someone who’s done the same course as you for course materials (like textbooks if the course hasn’t updated ’em in the time since), check out past assignments to see what’s required of you and, above all, ask them for advice on all things tutors, lectures and assignments. There’s no asset more valuable to you than someone’s who’s been there before.
2. SOMEONE TO DE-STRESS WITH
Uni is going to get you all worked up. Late nights, early mornings, social sacrifices and a caffeine overload will do that to you. What you need (or who you need, rather) to get you through these trying times is someone who you can let loose with. Whether that’s someone who’ll listen to you vent over a frothie or someone who’ll sweat it out with you at the gym, you need a social release. Are they someone who goes to uni too? Your call.
3. SOMEONE YOU CAN CALL A STUDY BUDDY
No matter how studious you are, everyone can get forgetful or need some positive reinforcements. You’ll want someone around you who can whip you into gear, remind you of due dates, share lecture notes and heck, even evoke some healthy competition between the two of you. Key word: healthy.
4. SOMEONE IN THE INDUSTRY YOU’RE GUNNING FOR
No one will give you the push and shove you need (mentally, of course) like someone who made it out the other side and is in the career you’re thirsty for. They’ll provide inspiration, drive, motivation, and keep you on the right track if you’re feeling like throwing the towel in. They’re living, breathing proof that it’s all worth it, right? Seriously, get a mentor to look up to. It’ll work in your favour once you’re ready to enter the job force, too.
5. SOMEONE IN THE FACULTY / THE POWERS THAT BE
Look, there’s no one worth utilising more than a course leader. They’ve seen plenty of people before you, and will see plenty more people after you, and therefore have all the support and answers you might need to get through the course at hand. After all, they’re probably the one dishing out the marks.
The Master of Teaching at University of Melbourne, for example, even has an extensive placement support network that’ll help you get through the highs and lows. You can check out the A+ course here. Make sure you know who’s at your disposal for any given course and know exactly who to speak to because my golly, it’ll be easier to get through it all if you do.
