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About a week ago, I was partying at a friend’s house, soaking in the warm feeling of being back in my home town for the summer. I hadn’t realized how much I had missed my friends and family. Of course, I had tried my very best to keep in contact with all of them through Facetime and Skype and Snapchat, but there’s just nothing like the real thing. In a new city, you are bound to meet new people and make new friends but you shouldn’t let this compromise the relationships you have back home! It shouldn’t be awkward to see your friends again, it should be a celebration! I’m sure any student studying away from home would agree.
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This was just one of the pieces of advice that I found myself giving my best friend’s younger cousin, who will be heading off to university in about a year’s time. I must have spoken to her for over an hour about all the adventures and realizations and mistakes (not to many of those of course) that I’ve experienced over the past year while living in Ottawa. I asked her if she was at all getting bored with what I was telling her but she shook her head and told me that she didn’t really have anyone else to give her advice about these types of things. This got me thinking. Not everyone has the opportunity to talk to someone who’s been through the experience of university. So for all the first year university students who don’t have a clue about going off to university, here are a few tips and tricks to get you started.
DO learn some cooking and cleaning skills before starting university
Becoming independent doesn’t happen overnight. Know how to cook the basics like rice, pasta, frozen veggies, chicken breast, etc. You are not going to have a good year if you are only eating ramen noodles. Know how to clean a toilet, wash dishes, clean sheets and keep a kitchen clean after cooking.
DON’T be lazy when it comes to cooking and cleaning
Sure, cleaning is not the most fun way to spend your down time but it will save you a lot of stress when school starts to get busy. And of course you won’t have time to cook yourself a 3 course meal but don’t eat out every day, fast food will wear you down a lot faster than fresh food.
It may be hard to maintain but a clean room can make a huge difference in attitude.
DO attend Welcome Week
101 Week, Frosh Week, Welcome Week or whatever your school calls it, is organized for all the first year students to get to know others in the same program and learn more about the school and the city, usually the first week of classes. Activities can range from karaoke nights and dance parties to scavenger hunts and fieldtrips. Much like a summer camp, there are songs and cheers and rivalries between programs, so it’s a great atmosphere to get to know some of the people you will be spending the rest of your 3-5 years with.
DON’T overdo it
Depending on the legal drinking age of where you live, there may be some events for those who choose to drink. There may also be events that run during class hours or late into the night, in any case, pace yourself and don’t miss all your classes just to go to events. It’s a long week, full of events, so don’t wear yourself out and remember to rest too.
Since I go to school in Ottawa, one of our frosh events was a field trip to a natural park in Gatineau, Quebec.
DO get to know your roommate(s)
They are the easiest friends that you can make. Find common interests, cook together, plan movie nights, study together and go to parties! Even if you aren’t exactly *best friend compatible* , getting to know about them and how they live will help avoid any drama or conflicts.
DON’T just tolerate them
Remember, you should be able to relax in your own home. If there is something bothering you, speak up! It may be awkward at first, but the more you get to know each other’s preferences, the more comfortable you’ll feel. If you can’t even manage to keep up a conversation with them, it’ll be a long 8 months.
Work hard to create lasting relationships with your roommates.
DO try and get to know people in your classes
Introduce yourself and exchange phone numbers. It’s always helpful to have someone with whom you can exchange notes and ask for help if you’ve missed a class. Knowing a classmate or two also helps when the class requires group discussions or projects. With a little bit of luck, you might even gain a new friend!
DON’T try to do everything by yourself
Unless you are extremely disciplined, it’ll be hard to get through the year without a little bit of help. Knowing a classmate can not only help academically, but also mentally; knowing that there is someone who feels just as stressed out about the next midterm as you do can be extremely comforting.
DO get involved in the community
Try to volunteer somewhere in the city where you are studying, especially if you are studying away from home in a new city. This will help you to get to know the city outside of your school, while also getting hours for your transcript. There are always charities looking for volunteers and there is a position for every interest whether it be working with children, the elderly, the environment, animals, or marginalized groups. Try to incorporate a couple hours of volunteering into your weekly or monthly routines and the hours will add up quickly.
DON’T take on more than you can handle
Remember to balance your time! School comes first, so scale back on extra-curricular activities if you are feeling overwhelmed. Volunteering should be a way to ease stress, not cause more of it.
DO socialize outside of class
University is more than 4 years of studying. Maybe there is a fraternity/sorority that has caught your attention or a club about one of your interests. You can look outside the university system as well; join the local LGBTQA+ group, a library-run book club, or a recreational dodgeball team. Try new things to further expand your mind outside the world of academics.
DON’T get caught up in the party culture
Again, moderation is key! (I’m looking at you, fraternity members)
DO go to class, even if you don’t want to
The temptation not to go to class will be strong since most professors don’t take attendance and it’s easy to get notes from a classmate (see above). BUT there is no replacement for attending class in person.
DON’T sign up for early morning/late night classes if you know you are going to fall asleep
If you can’t stay awake during your classes, you are not going to learn anything, it just becomes a waste of time. When you know you won’t stay awake, you have a tendency to all together not even go. Know what times you are comfortable with and stay within those limits.
DO make an effort to stay healthy
Eating properly and exercising regularly will help you maintain a good mental and physical health. When you feel good, it’s easier to get work done and you do better overall. Trust me.
DON’T worry if you gain a couple pounds by the end of the year
No one is going to judge you for it.
DO make new friends
It’ll make the whole experience just that much better!
DON’T forget old friends
Coming home to familiar faces is always the best. Stay in touch.
Don’t forget to keep in touch with all your old friends! They will love you for it.
Lauren Ibbott is a second year University of Ottawa student, blogger and freelance writer. She frequently writes for DownshiftingPRO. Please follow her on Instagram @Lauren_Patii All opinions are her own. You can read more of her post below:
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🥾 Explore: Tours & Experiences
🏡 Where to Stay: Top Accommodations
🚙 Hit the Road: Car Rental Deals
🛫 Get Away: Find Flight Deals
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