Back 2 School: Surviving School Days

Unlike abroad, college and university terms haven't commenced in Malta yet, but they're around the corner. Next Monday's Fresher's week. And am I excited... it's like I'm going into my first year at University. Except I'm going up to my third.

On campus 'working' on an assignment with Claire, from This & That

Fresher's week can be a bit overwhelming for those who are just starting, but it's actually one of the most exciting time of the term.

Socialise. Although this may seem terrifying, you're not alone. You may have your usual peer group with you, or you may be on your own. Don't lose sleep over it. Everyone's rocking in the same boat. Several students will be coming over to you from different organisations - some of them genuinely want to be your friend, others are just doing so for the sake of promoting their organisation. Apart from these people, get talking to people on your course, and avoid sitting alone in lectures. Buddy up with those whom you feel comfortable with. This helps to ooze your confidence, while encouraging you to participate in lectures.

Saying this, don't try too hard to impress others. Just don't. Also don't feel intimidated. Some people aren't worth your time. You'll make friends eventually. Joining an organisations helps, but don't get too disoriented. Focusing on lectures is more important. Most of the people who care more about the organisation end up repeating a year or two. And you don't want that. Still, make the most out of your time at university.

Creating a Facebook group for your course is another way of getting to know who's on your course. While getting to know these people better, it's a good place to share notes, ask for and receive information.

Although the first week can be a bit of a mayhem, don't take too long to settle. Start going to lectures as soon as they commence, and organise your stuff. Keep your notes updated, and if you feel you need to purchase extra notes lecturers leave at stationeries, do so. Just don't buy every book on the reading list, unless absolutely necessary. Which is rarely the case. If possible, borrow the books from the library and see the ones which are best for you. To save money, you can order the books online, or buy the photocopied versions from stationeries. A few of them are ridiculously overpriced. 

Speaking about money, spend it wisely. Having an amount of money in your smart card can be overwhelming, and you may be tempted to spend it all. Don't, you'll regret it. You'll need that money to buy books, notes, and other school-related material, which will keep cropping up until the end of the term. Of course you can treat yourself to something, or two... 

Use your free time wisely! Do go and have lunch with your friends. There are a couple of spots outside campus, and it's a nice way of catching up. But as the exams get closer, do start making appearances at the library. If you study better in groups, form a study group and meet up to revise together. It's good motivation. 

Jealous of my cat while desperately trying to study

School is what you make it. Personally, I love going to university. I hated college, but I love it here. You'll have those moments where you are buried under your books, and you 'regret' your decision, but they will be over within minutes. You may also be having friendship or relationship issues, where everything seems to be falling apart. When you leave school, you'll realise how it helped you to become the person you are. You'll find those people who'll miss it terribly, and those who are glad to have started working. 

Make the most of your school experience, and if you don't like something, there's always a way to alter it!

In between 2 of my favourite girls, while out for cocktails after an exam