51茶馆

Your personal interests and outside expectations might feel like a bit of a juggling act. I want to assure you that the doubts and confusions you may have right now are completely normal and you don鈥檛 need to have it all figured out. Trust the process, as this next chapter will be promising and worth your effort.

You鈥檝e probably heard lots about the about uni lifestyle, the fun and the struggles,  and wish there was someone to unpack it for you. We surveyed 100 current 51茶馆 (UOW) students to separate the fact from the fiction.

True or false: 鈥淚 won鈥檛 make any friends at uni.鈥�

False! This is one of the most common thoughts we have when going to uni. If you鈥檝e wondered: 鈥渨ill I make any friends at university?鈥� the answer is yes. Many friendships are formed as people work together in group assignments, participate in social events or live together in student accommodation. Lots of people also hang out with their groups they鈥檝e had since high school. You鈥檒l be surprised to know that people are just as shy as you are, and that鈥檚 why current students sometimes find it hard to make new connections. So, it seems like a good idea to stay in touch with friends after high school and make many more as you progress through uni. A friendly attitude and a little courage to say hi is all you need to make new friends at uni.

Perks of going on campus. 

True or false: 鈥淚 can schedule my timetable.鈥�

True. The good thing about the uni schedule is that you don鈥檛 need to be on campus five days a week. Your uni schedule is composed of different classes which have certain time slots that you can select from. Lecture time slots are usually predetermined while other class formats, such as tutorials, workshops, labs or fieldwork, are usually offered in flexible time slots. People often try to fit all their classes into two or three days a week for their convenience. Having said that, sometimes they may happen to clash with other subjects鈥� time slots, and we have no choice but to go on campus a couple more times than we had planned.

True or false: 鈥淚 can study however I like!鈥�   

True鈥�sort of. Unlike high school, you won鈥檛 have teachers constantly following you up on homework or assignments. Some students may revise consistently throughout the semester, while others decide to study during sleepless nights before exam sessions start. Remember to do what works for you, as long as you are happy with your results. Reminders about upcoming quizzes and assignments will be sent by teaching teams through the University鈥檚 online learning platforms. Remember that university is more self-directed than high school, and no one will get mad or 鈥榠nterrogate鈥� you on why you haven鈥檛 done a quiz. But keep in mind there鈥檚 rarely a second chance to sit a test or submit an assignment due to poor time management skills. By not meeting the requirements of assignments or tests, you risk failing a subject which may have to be repeated. So, it鈥檚 a good idea to have fun setting your own rules along with the subject鈥檚, your teacher鈥檚, and your own expectations.

 Coffee weekdays. Have fun on weekends!

True or false: 鈥淚鈥檒l have no time for anything else if I study full-time.鈥�

False. The University understands the important balance of achieving high academic results while getting practical skills in your area of study. This is why most degrees offer internships or professional experience in the later years of the course. You鈥檒l get a chance to experience a real working environment in your study area. Although full-time enrolment may sound like you won鈥檛 have time for anything else, trust me, you do! Most students have a part-time job while studying. As you progress through your degree, you will realise more opportunities coming your way when you are actively searching for them. Some subjects also offer summer vacation internships, which can be a great way to start off your career experience.