Finishing university and my tips for newbies

Three years have passed so quickly. It is a bit horrifying that the government believes that three years worth of uni is enough to entrust peoples lives in my hands, but hey, what do I know.

I had some very memorable times: 

On the first day, I was so disgustingly hungover that I was that kid vomiting on a tree out the front of the lecture theatre. I know how to make a good first impression don't I? I couldn't stay the whole day because of wanting to vomit on my peers and had to get my friend to pick me up.
I also believe this was around the time I drunkenly texted a boy I liked to confess my feelings for him. We have now been together for nearly two and a half years. I personally am a big fan of drunk texting :)

My first and only high distinction. A paper I did the night before.

Many clinical placements in hospitals. So many stories to tell from those. Including having a panic attack after being humiliated in front of all the staff.

The first death of a patient.

Having to walk for 45 minutes to uni each day because I didn't have my license yet. Especially great in summer.

All of the stress involved in tutorial registration. Where at a certain time, classes open online and you have within a minute to select all the times you want before everyone else.

Staying up late to finish an assignment.

Giving up on the latter and going to sleep.

Getting my first job.

Getting my first nursing job.

And many many more.

So here are my tips for people starting university for the first time. Learn from my mistakes people.

Firstly, don't get drunk the night before orientation. You will regret that.

Get a diary that you can use to keep organised, get it small enough to take with you everyday. Try and keep using it for more than a week. Also, as well as writing down when assignments are due, write a reminder in a week before they are due to tell you to start them if you haven't already.

Get a folder for each subject. And a smaller folder that you can take with you to uni everyday. Then each week file your notes in each folder. That way you actually have something to study with. I know ink is expensive, but it is worth printing your tutorials and lectures out each week when it comes to exam time.

Try and avoid taking a laptop with you to uni, because then you wont pay attention...but if you absolutely must, take an iPad or tablet. It is easier.

Maybe attempt reading some of the 'required' reading assigned for each class. Because it can be awkward when the teacher asks you your opinion on it and you have to pull it out of your bum.

Exercise and try and eat well. It is true that you gain weight at university. You eat convenient foods. Which let's face it, aren't that great for you. Maybe join a sporting team? That wasn't for me...but it worked for other people. Or join a gym :)

Get involved with uni. I never joined a club or sports team like I thought I would. But I see other people joining them and I always thought it would have been good. And it would be a great way to meet new people. There are religious clubs, political clubs, sporting clubs, video gaming clubs and so on.

If you do all the work you need for your classes and assignments during the week, I know it's shocking, but you will have the weekend free to do whatever you want! :P

Don't stress. It goes faster than you think it will and then you will be out in the real world.

If you don't like your course. Transfer to another one. Don't get stuck in something you hate just because you feel pressured to finish what you started. Uni should be learning to do something you enjoy.

Thanks for reading and I hope my tips were helpful. Australian universities aren't what you see on tv, but the experience is what you make of it. xx