So I know this blog post is way delayed, but I felt that it was definitely necessary to do.
After completing my crazy first year of university I learned a lot of things – inside and outside of the classroom. I figured I would break these two types of learning experiences in to two and pass on some helpful hints to you, especially if you are an incoming freshman. If you are, congratulations! You’re about to be a part of something great. It’s normal to be nervous – I definitely was! – but all that passes once you acclimate yourself to this new environment. So to help you along here are some personal helpful hints:
THINGS I LEARNED OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM:
1. Always take advantage of your resources! UBC has an abundance of not only great, but often FREE resources that are available to students. Here are a few I really suggest taking advantage of :
–Your ESP (Enrollment Services Professional): This lovely individual should become your best friend because when it seems like every other office you go to is passing you along to the next office for answers this person will likely be able to answer your question in an e-mail. From personal experience, my ESP was very thoughtful and always told me when she was available to meet in person. So definitely take advantage of this awesome resource!
– UBC Counselling Services: If the stress of university is getting to you or you just want someone to confide in, take advantage of this awesome centre . Everything is confidential and the centre hosts lots of awesome support groups for a variety of circumstances and situations that often arise in university.
-Centre for Student Involvement & Careers : Looking to get involved or have questions on how to vamp up your resume’? Head over to this wonderful place! I was so lucky to be a part of the Blog Squad this year which was run out of the Involvement section of this centre. This place hosts a great atmosphere and serves as a very helpful place to learn how to get involved on campus and how to prepare yourself career wise. Be sure to check it out.
-UBC Pool: Enjoy swimming or diving? Be sure to get your daily dose of chlorine here! I’ve spent so many days after class distressing at the pool. **It’s also a popular place to nap in between classes**
2. Have a social life. University isn’t always about being buried in your school work. Be sure to take the time to have some fun and relax. Visit the many relaxing beaches near campus, explore downtown, or if you’re looking for the popular event of the week visit thecalendar.ca. This website lists all the big events happening at or close to UBC. Be sure to bookmark it on your browser!
3. Be sure to always have this month’s UPass. The transit police aren’t always the nicest people.
4. If you enjoy a good laugh and/or the webpage Tumblr be sure to follow #whatweshouldcallubc . The page is hilarious and filled with all sorts of UBC related jokes.
THINGS I LEARNED INSIDE THE CLASSROOM:
1. Don’t talk, whisper, practice Morse code, or whatever during lecture! It’s extremely rude and I promise your fellow classmates will hate you for it.
2. The standard time table option can be a great option. One of the best aspects of my experience as a first year student was my enrollment in the Coordinated Arts Program (CAP). Even after completing what felt like a Harry Potter series worth of essays, I would still say it was a great and highly influential experience. I chose the CAP option because honestly, I had no idea what to do with my university career! However, the CAP option is divided in to different streams that cater to different interests. I chose the Global Citizens theme and loved it! Through this program I learned very quickly where my interests lie and it helped shaped many of the decisions I made in regards to future steps in my university career. So, if you don’t know exactly what you want to do in university – don’t worry! I definitely suggest looking in to some of the standard time table options, especially CAP.
2. Sometimes the class you think you’ll do the worst in, will become your favourite. As a part of my bundle of CAP courses I was required to take political science. To be honest, I knew very little of political science, but I very much dreaded taking it. However, after a few lectures with a great professor (Professor Farkasch, I highly recommend him!) I came to love the subject. The lesson I learned is the class you might be dreading may not turn out to be so bad. After completing my first year of university, I realized PoliSci was without a doubt my favourite class and I had done the best in it.
3. When it comes to choosing between reading the nonsense on your Facebook newsfeed or typing notes – take notes. Finals and midterms can count for a large portion of your grade and the best way to do so is to pay attention. While the drama of who is with who may be a little less dry than your biology lecture, take notes instead. Your stressed exam self will thank you for it later.
4. Take classes you are interested in. I know this may sound like common sense, but you would be surprised by how many students, including myself, regret taking certain classes just because they were told they should. Obviously there are required courses you can’t avoid taking, but if you can bypass something without it harming your future in university – Do it. You will do better in classes you actually have a passion for compared to those you find difficult to sit through.
While I have definitely learned many important lessons throughout my freshman year at university, I would have to say these are my top tips. I hope they can help you in some way. To my incoming UBC freshman, once again CONGRATULATIONS! If you’re in Arts and participating in Imagine Day (**Another tip: You definitely should!) come say hi! I’m one of the lucky squad leaders and I can’t wait to meet you all. So whether it’s your first of fifth year here at UBC, congratulations on making it this far and best of luck in all your future endeavors.