Do’s and Don’ts
We believe that the “Do and Don’t” list format is a little overdone, and we’re all about originality and subverting expectations here at Unpacked. Which is why we are so pleased to present to you this list of things that you “Should and “Should not “do at university. It’s a completely new and different format that we’re trying out, yet still containing the most vital advice available, in a simple and binary list format. And excellent compromise, I’m sure you’ll agree.
So then, whilst at university, you should:
Actually attend your lectures and seminars.
This may seem rather obvious, and indeed it is. But you might be surprised at how strong the urge to skip “just this one” can become later on, especially if your university tells you that lecture’s aren’t compulsory. Ignore this, pretend that they are. It’s amazing how easily one skipped lecture becomes two, three, and then suddenly the whole term has passed and you don’t know a damn thing about your module in Applied Statistical Probabilities. You’re paying £9000 a year for these lectures and seminars, make the most of them.
Be proactive about your education.
You aren’t in school or sixth form any more; your teachers aren’t going to chase you to do work, or to make sure that you’ve understood the subject. You have to be your own taskmaster, and that’s something that a lot of people struggle with, especially at first. It takes self-discipline to make sure you’ve done all of your work, but learning how to make yourself work without external intervention is one of the most important things to take away from university.
On a related note, If you don’t understand something, ask a question in the seminar, or e-mail the relevant teacher. The internet is indeed a fount of knowledge, but sometimes misinformation too. Don’t rely on Reddit and Google to fill in blanks for you; if you’re at university then you have access to experts in your field of study in a way that no one else in society really does. Utilize that!
Join societies.
There ought to be plenty of societies, clubs or volunteering groups dedicated to things that you have an interest in. Select at least a couple of them, and join in. You’ll get to engage in your interests with other like-minded people, and because they’re filled with like-minded people, societies are where you’ll make some of your firmest, and longest lasting friendships from university. That said, only join clubs that you really are interested in – passion and dedication in only a couple of societies is better than a passing involvement in ten of them.
Save money wherever you can.
You’re most likely already aware of the stereotypical image of the impoverished student; barely getting by on instant ramen noodles and 35p energy drinks. You can avoid falling into this trap however, simply by saving where you can, and not impulse buying things as soon as your loan comes in.
The good news however, is that if you’re reading this then you are already aware of one of the ways that you can save money – Unpacked! Well done, that’s a promising start to a healthy fiscal year.
Take responsibility.
One of the primary things to learn at university is that you are the master of your own fate; own the decisions that you make, and take charge of who you are, and who you want to be.
Now then, on to the dark side of the list above.
Here is a list of things that you should not do at university:
Jelly Vodka Shots after 2am.
No story that begins this way ever ends well.
Become consumed by your studies.
As we said above, your studies are very important. If you want to work hard, that’s good. But don’t work to the exclusion of all else. University is a time for you to enjoy yourself as much as anything else; make some of the best friends you’ll ever have, a time to have adventures and experiences that you’ll be telling people about for decades. The years that you spend at university will never be replicated again in all your life, so use them to develop personally as well as academically.
Buy your books at the campus book store.
Campus book stores are strange places, where the value of a book carries no relation to their price. You can almost always find the same books much cheaper online, or even better, being sold second hand by former students of your course.
Be afraid to change your course or modules.
Find out at what times into term you will be allowed to change your modules, or even switch degree entirely. It is much better to change a few weeks into a module or degree than to endure, and do badly at, a subject you hate. Making yourself do your work will be a lot easier if you’re interested in and enjoying the subject as a whole.
Go home every weekend.
Spend your free time exploring your new town with your new friends, and learning to take care of yourself. Resist to urge to got home to have your laundry done, and instead visit your family during the holidays. Spend the rest of the time getting to know your new friends and new twon, and otherwise exploring your independence.
So there you have it, the Unpacked guide to what you should and should not do at university. It’s by no means comprehensive, but we hope it’s helpful. And don’t forget to check us out at www.unpacked.co.uk to stock up your new student place!