Starting Uni is a thing which excites and scares students. For some of us, it’s exciting because it is a time where we’re able to do the things we want, don’t do the things we don’t want, and realize it’s okay. But for most of us, it can be quite scary because it’s a time of transition. Thrilling or not, like a roller coaster ride, it all depends on you whether you’re gonna fancy it or get sick of it. I believe that we should enjoy this segment of our life because it may only fall once. With that being said, I’m going to give you 5 reasons why we, as Uni students, should enjoy this time away from home.
1. Freedom
This is the most obvious one, I guess. Yes I know, the word itself is very subjective. But think about it, you are miles away from your family and you don’t get told to do stuff you don’t want to. The world is your oyster! Uni is not the time to only study and whack your brains out, it is also a time to meet new people and try different things. A word of caution though: you are still responsible for yourself. Don’t do anything too reckless.
2. Figure things out on your own
It could be as simple as cooking your favorite pasta or separating your whites from your colored clothes. Trust me, that feeling of not depending on your Mom to cook for you or do your laundry is the best feeling in the world! Independence can be quite intimidating but once you get the hang of it, it’s a piece of cake. So what are you waiting for? Unleash your inner Contessa and nail that spaghetti bolognaise you saw her make on telly!
Chicken teriyaki with fried rice and scrambled eggs on top
3. Free time (a lot)
Uni here in Australia is great in a way that only 3 hours per week a course is allocated for it (well..for my program at least!). The rest of your time will be spent on independent study, work, social life, and other hobbies that you have. Make sure to be always on top of your studies to avoid problems at the end of the semester. Even though I say that, it is actually really hard to do. Know what to prioritize, plan accordingly, and manage your time well. After all, time management is the key to success!
For time management suggestions, check out Dave’s time management suggestions.
4. Becoming open-minded
To be honest, when I first came here, I thought most of the students would be Australian. Not that there is anything wrong with that! But I’ve realized, there were a lot of other students from all over the world as well. The great thing about it is that you can be friends with them! You learn and experience different cultures by just hanging around with them. You get to understand the person a bit more by hearing them speak their language, taste their native cuisine, and simply by the way they dress. With this kind of environment, you somehow get a trip around the world.
5. Focus on…YOU!
We have plenty more time than we actually think. This free time is best to be spent on building up yourself and uncovering what your passion is. Back home, we get too caught up in our family’s daily routines and responsibilities. In effect, our goals and aspirations get blurred, especially if our parents and relatives are always there pre-programming how our life should look like. If you get what I mean, this is your chance to do the things that you actually want. Enroll in a painting class, join a society, volunteer for a cause, or finish a marathon. Whatever it is that you want to do, as Nike said, just do it! Remember to treat each day as a blank canvass on which you can draw and paint your life on.
If you’re a Griffith student looking for different opportunities outside of class, check out Enrich.
Yes, I know…it’s difficult being away from home. You have to stretch and get out of your comfort zone. But as I said, Uni life is like a roller coaster ride. No matter how terrifying it may be, it is best to just keep your eyes open and enjoy the ride while it lasts. Good luck!
– Monica
