The Iglu Guide | Blog
How to make the most of your student life
Being a student is about so much more than just hitting the books, producing endless essays and prepping for those dreaded exams. Whilst there will definitely be times when you have to double down on your studies, university life is also a unique opportunity for personal growth and social development that cannot be underestimated. If you want to get a proper sense of what student life is all about, and how to get the most out of it, this is definitely for you.
The academics
Whilst it’s never all about the academics, it’s important not to forget that the very reason you are at university is to come out with a degree in your pocket. And unfortunately, that doesn’t happen without some serious studying. The trick is to make sure your study habits are super productive and procrastination-free – so that you have time to enjoy everything else that university has to offer.
- Be sure to choose a subject that interests you – you’re going to be immersed in it for a considerable period of time, so it’s important that you are engaged in the topic.
- Organisation is key, and it starts and finishes with time management. Scheduling study sessions alongside social activities means you keep life firmly in balance.
- Explore new study techniques to suit your learning style and avoid falling into bad study habits.
- Set yourself SMART goals for greater accountability and improved outcomes.
- Leverage all campus academic resources, as well as those within your own student community eg from your Iglu student accommodation provider.
- Engage in any research project opportunities to improve your learning outcomes and enhance your resumé.
- Keep a healthy diet for better concentration levels and improved academic output.
Explore the opportunities
University life is a constant journey of exploration, offering some unique and wonderful experiences to be had along the way. The wider benefits of the student experience are almost equal to the academic learning, so it’s important that students take advantage of everything on offer.
- Embrace the weird and wonderful opportunities proudly presented to you at O-Week, and be sure to reserve all judgement! Alongside the expected extra-curriculars such as sport and creative activities, you’ll come across some rather more unusual offerings you never knew existed. Think Jousting and Quidditch for starters…
- Don’t be afraid to try new things – it’s the perfect way to meet friends and you get to develop your personal skills along the way.
- Meet new people and widen your social and cultural network by taking a campus tour, meeting your professors, and integrating with your new housemates – your new best friend could be around the corner.
- Be sure to explore the city and get to know your new surroundings. Australian cities are blessed with comprehensive public transport systems and cycleways that make life super easy.
- Say ‘yes’ to new adventures – you’re creating memories for the future! And it might be a chance to explore new passions.
Build relationships
The relationships you make at university can have a lasting impact on your future. You’ll meet other students from all different cultures and backgrounds that bring new perspectives and valuable friendship qualities. These connections will stay with you for many years to come, and can be useful contacts as you progress through your professional career.
- Friendships tend to develop from your course, your student accommodation, and your extra-curricular activity. Collaborating with others both socially and academically is a great way to broaden your perspective and deepen relationships.
- Many students develop valuable connections with their tutor or lecturers, which offers the potential for mentorship.
- Integrating with new flatmates is a great way to develop your EQ.
- Volunteering in the community helps build relationships outside the student sphere, and offers a window to a whole different network.
Personal development
Heading off to university is just the start of your personal development journey, because it’s about so much more than just getting yourself to lectures, and cooking a meal. For many students, this is the first time they will have ever lived independently, washed their own clothes and managed their own schedule. There are many personal skills to be developed along the way.
- Time management – balancing your academic commitments with your social schedule and personal needs takes time and practise. Organisation is key.
- Financial literacy – living on a budget can be a shock to the system and many students choose to get a job to supplement their cashflow.
- Language skills – living and working in Australia is a great opportunity to perfect your language skills, pick up the Aussie slang and immerse yourself in the culture.
- Cultural awareness – meeting other students from all over the world is a great way to broaden your cultural appreciation and understanding.
Get career ready
There are lots of opportunity at university to enhance your career prospects, from clubs and societies through to networking and internships. Take advantage of everything around you while you are immersed in the experience, and it is easily accessible – even if you’re not really sure what that career might be!
- Lean in on your tutors and lecturers for career advice, and leverage any connections they may have that could be useful to you. They are generally very happy to help students succeed.
- Volunteering experience can be a useful addition to the resumé as it demonstrates your willingness to contribute to the community, alongside a whole host of personal skills such as teamwork, collaboration, communication, timekeeping and commitment.
- Keep an eye out for any internship opportunities as they are hard to come by and notoriously competitive.
- Networking is not everyone’s cup of tea, but you may already be doing it without realising. Simply having a conversation, meeting new people and being curious about the world often opens up opportunities in directions you may not have considered.
- Tap into your university services for additional career help and information, including post-graduate options.
Protect your wellbeing
Maintaining a healthy balance at university is crucial to achieving your academic and personal best. The demands of student life can be overwhelming at times, so it’s important to focus on eating well, taking regular exercise and avoiding stress.
- Don’t overload your schedule with study sessions and socialising. Factor in some downtime where there are no demands on your time, and use the opportunity to recharge your batteries. Even hanging out with friends can sap your social energy.
- Keep to a healthy diet and avoid sugary snacks that leave you lagging behind when the sugar rush ends.
- Make sure you’re getting as close to 9 hours’ sleep a night as you can. Quality sleep is like food for your brain – you’ll notice the difference.
- Set good boundaries to protect your emotional energy – that way you’ll reduce stress levels and avoid the possibility of burnout.
- Even if you hate the idea of exercising, it’s important to incorporate some kind of movement into your everyday. Not only will it improve your mood, it will also give you a reason to get away from the books.
