Yes, we all want distinctions and make the Dean’s Merit List. We all want to be top of the class.
But sometimes, cruising in the middle is the best you can do. And just because you’re not top of the class, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
Besides, I know significantly more about passing (and failing) than I do about succeeding.
- Do the lecture. Otherwise, tomorrow becomes next week, which becomes next to next week, which becomes mid semester break, which becomes trying to cover 8 lectures the night before the final exam. Trust me, no one wants to sit through a 2-hour lecture on something like the shape of a bubble. But it’s better than having to sit through 14 straight hours of bubble lectures.
- The online thing is great, right? You can do that extra shift at work, sleep in that little bit longer. Because it’s all recorded. But you may never watch it. And if you do, there’s a chance that there’s something wrong with the audio, or the video, or the entire file, or it doesn’t get uploaded until 3 weeks later. So, the best option? Do the live lecture.
- Use one calendar: My brain is useless. If I don’t write it down, it doesn’t exist (and sometimes it still doesn’t exist). This year, I have a planner, a wall calendar, a weekly desk planner, and depending on what device or email I’m logged into, 2 Outlook calendars and 3 Google calendars (yes, I know they can be shared, but that doesn’t mean I ever do it). Inevitably, one assignment will be written in the most useless spot and forgotten about. Pick a favourite and use it.
- You know nothing, and that’s okay. You’re not alone. The number of classes I’ve sat in wondering if I’ve missed a unit because everyone else seems to know what’s happening is too many. But guess what? These classes are meant to teach you the content. If you already know it, then bonus points to you. If you don’t, you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Of course, if you’re 5 lectures into the semester and you still have no idea what’s happening, then that might be a bit of an issue. There is some level of responsibility that you need to take. But for the first few weeks, you’re good.
- There are no stupid questions, and most importantly, you’re allowed to ask questions. Need to clarify what that equation is used for, and you can’t find it in any of the material? Ask. Want to restate this complicated explanation in your own words with another example so you know you understand it? Do it. Put on the spot by the lecturer and not sure if you have the right answer? Say it anyway. You’re in uni to learn. You can’t do that if you don’t understand what’s happening. (Another good reason to go to live lectures; you can ask in real-time).
- Taking Responsibility: In saying that, it’s on you to know your stuff. This isn’t Kansas anymore, and there’s no time for a lecturer to hold your hand and walk you through the basics. You need to take responsibility for knowing the content and pay extra attention to the parts you don’t understand. Western programs like PASS, MESH, Study Smart and MATES are great for everything from in-depth group studying to individual assignment help, and of course, there are classic non-prescribed books like Wiley’s ‘For Dummies’ series (which I seriously recommend).
- Don’t just know your content, know all your stuff. Calendars, to-do lists, elaborate colour coded charts that you’ll only use once; find what works for you and use it. It’s way easier to get through a semester when you know what’s coming next instead of stumbling blindly through tests, practicals, assignments, workshops, quizzes and units.
- Also, get to know your course outline in The Handbook. When subject selection rolls around- you’ll want to have that handy. You can also ask your Academic Program Advisor for clarification on what subjects to enrol in and when. Their email will be listed in the ‘overview’ tab of the program.
- Bonus Point: Bookmark everything. MySR, MyWestern, Allocate+, The Handbook – it saves time and brainpower to familiarise yourself with them. Click around, go through the menus; you won’t break anything (just don’t press “submit” unless you want to submit something).
They weren’t lying when they said you should pack your bag the night before. It can literally be the difference between being able to eat a quick snack (or more, depending how fast you can chew), or having to wait until your 3-hour prac is over at 5pm. And you really don’t want to realise you forgot your headphones as you run for the train at Richmond Station. Plus, it gives you at least five extra minutes of sleep.
In the bigger picture, get everything ready before week one, and know the class requirements. Need a lab coat? Safety goggles? Enclosed shoes? Have them ready, because you only get one free pass (and even that might not happen), and “I ordered it yesterday” isn’t an excuse.
It’s your degree. Do what you want with it. Want to take electives, or do another major or minor? Go for it. Just check out the handbook or check in with your program advisor (who is great for all those subject tips and career insights).
Relax.
There are a million other top tips you can read (like the best way to navigate campus is to look at the map signs), and a million other perspectives (finding your people at uni? Maybe, but also maybe not (and that’s okay). And guess what? There’s no right or wrong.
All it really comes down to is do it your way. You’ll succeed, you’ll fail, you’ll pass, you’ll get the degree, or maybe you’ll find something that works better for you. But ultimately, you’ll get there. And that’s the most important part.
Good luck.
