Make the most of student life
Even if I’m not a “typical” student like everyone else, I can still give some good advice on what to do and not to do as a student.
I moved to live in the UK with my family, so like most students I reside far from home, but I don’t have to deal with all the financial issues, bills, etc. which has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, just like every person that goes to study at university, I had to settle in, socialise and get comfortable in the new environment.
The atmosphere, all the lecturers and staff at the University of Worcester were more than welcoming but coming from overseas to a country where everything is new and having to speak different language, you feel like a baby taking his first steps… at least I felt like one. To be honest, even with the support of my family, it was still tough to start my life all over again.
It might take a week or two, a month, couple of months, or even a whole semester (in my case) to get used to the new surroundings. Rule number one: be patient. You can’t be everyone’s favourite, even if you want it. Trying to live up to the expectation that the years at university should be the happiest and most sociable time can lead to intense pressures.
This leads to rule number two: don’t ignore your problems. No matter how strong you are, you can always find yourself feeling depressed. I’ve learned it the hard way. There is nothing to be ashamed of; everyone has to deal with problems at one time or another. It might be homesickness, trouble making friends or difficulties settling in. To ensure that you have a positive experience, the Student Experience Officers at the University of Worcester can offer support, advice and guidance irrespective of your year of study or age.
Times Higher Education reports money, out of five others, is the biggest concern for most students. Rule number three: don’t ignore the need to work. I’m sure, if we could all get through our degrees without doing any paid work, we would be ecstatic. But in most situations, this is not the case. It’s worth doing a few hours of paid work each week. The feeling that you’re not fully depending on your parents’ money is gratifying. However, if you’re experiencing any difficulties with that, the Student Financial Adviser offers guidance on a range of topics. You can also find useful information here.
Rule number four: feed your brain. The library is not just a building and except all the essential reading for your course, you can find all sorts of books you’ve never thought of. I remember staying in the library with all the fashion books for hours, sitting on the floor, between the shelves, turning the pages over and over, and absorbing the content, which usually resulted in being late for lectures. Happy times!
If you’ve ran out of ideas, all the academic books and sources of information in the library are not enough and you have a deadline in two weeks time, my dear friend, you’re in trouble. Admit it as soon as possible, so you can get the advice you need from the people who are there to help you. Otherwise you’re putting your wonderful self under too much pressure. Rule number five: ask for help.
There are many other Student Services available to you in case you need them. Make sure you’re take full advantage of them and enjoy your life as a student.
Worcester Student Life 