"University Daze" (Showoff Teen Magazine)
University Daze By: Kristen M. Scott
University is not simply about academics. There are many things that they don’t warn you in the university survival guide. You are constantly told to study hard, but little advice is given about the “real university issues”. As a freshman, you will learn most lessons as you go along but as an experienced third year student, I offer my advice as you embark on your new adventure.
BUDGET BLUES
As an international student at York University in Toronto, the only source of money I had was my summer savings, which evaporated quickly. After that I depended on the monthly funds from my parents and my meal card. Unfortunately, by the second week of every month, I was looking at the bottom of my bank account trying to recall where, had I spent my money in the last two weeks! It only got worse when three quarters of the way through the year, I had spent all of my meal money. I obviously had no budget.
FINDING MY FREEDOM
University gave me not only the freedom to spend as much as I wanted but other new found freedoms where to go as I pleased, with whomever I wanted until as late (or early) as I wanted! To me, this freedom meant late night parties and sometimes being influenced by the wrong people. I had scheduled my classes to begin no earlier than 12:00 noon so I felt that I had this problem covered; partying all night should not have been a problem. I was having the best time of my life but my lack of good judgment was catching up with me and my grades began to suffer. I needed a solution to keep me clear of student probation. Eventually, I found a quiet corner of the library where no one could disturb me and slowly I began to learn how to balance partying and studying. At this point, I could officially call myself a ‘university student’.
LESSONS LEARNED
Looking back, I can see how I’ve matured. I believe that everyone should have the experience of dorm life; positive experiences such as making lots of new friends and the not so happy experiences of being broke. My empty bank account helped me to appreciate many of the things that I once took for granted. I, like many students learned the hard way about survival. In my first year I learned how to budget my money which meant buying mostly things I needed and not everything that I wanted. I also learned how to manage my time (i.e., knowing that I may have to give up that big Friday night party to study for that huge exam on Monday), and surrounding myself with positive people who want success as much as I do.
These are just a few tips to get you started when your turn comes to venture out on your own to university but it’s up to you to make up your own rules. University is about discovering who you are and finding the right path. You’re a star and this is your time to truly shine at what you do best! Know your passion, and be driven by it.
Be safe and stay positive. Elyse, a Fourth year Finance Major at The University of Windsor said "Stay focused. Focus on your grades, focus on maintaining a positive attitude and never lose sight of the bigger picture." - Enjoy your university daze!
University is not simply about academics. There are many things that they don’t warn you in the university survival guide. You are constantly told to study hard, but little advice is given about the “real university issues”. As a freshman, you will learn most lessons as you go along but as an experienced third year student, I offer my advice as you embark on your new adventure.
BUDGET BLUES
As an international student at York University in Toronto, the only source of money I had was my summer savings, which evaporated quickly. After that I depended on the monthly funds from my parents and my meal card. Unfortunately, by the second week of every month, I was looking at the bottom of my bank account trying to recall where, had I spent my money in the last two weeks! It only got worse when three quarters of the way through the year, I had spent all of my meal money. I obviously had no budget.
FINDING MY FREEDOM
University gave me not only the freedom to spend as much as I wanted but other new found freedoms where to go as I pleased, with whomever I wanted until as late (or early) as I wanted! To me, this freedom meant late night parties and sometimes being influenced by the wrong people. I had scheduled my classes to begin no earlier than 12:00 noon so I felt that I had this problem covered; partying all night should not have been a problem. I was having the best time of my life but my lack of good judgment was catching up with me and my grades began to suffer. I needed a solution to keep me clear of student probation. Eventually, I found a quiet corner of the library where no one could disturb me and slowly I began to learn how to balance partying and studying. At this point, I could officially call myself a ‘university student’.
LESSONS LEARNED
Looking back, I can see how I’ve matured. I believe that everyone should have the experience of dorm life; positive experiences such as making lots of new friends and the not so happy experiences of being broke. My empty bank account helped me to appreciate many of the things that I once took for granted. I, like many students learned the hard way about survival. In my first year I learned how to budget my money which meant buying mostly things I needed and not everything that I wanted. I also learned how to manage my time (i.e., knowing that I may have to give up that big Friday night party to study for that huge exam on Monday), and surrounding myself with positive people who want success as much as I do.
These are just a few tips to get you started when your turn comes to venture out on your own to university but it’s up to you to make up your own rules. University is about discovering who you are and finding the right path. You’re a star and this is your time to truly shine at what you do best! Know your passion, and be driven by it.
Be safe and stay positive. Elyse, a Fourth year Finance Major at The University of Windsor said "Stay focused. Focus on your grades, focus on maintaining a positive attitude and never lose sight of the bigger picture." - Enjoy your university daze!
