Our recent Community Corner Live Forum, 'University Survival Guide: Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting University,' was designed to empower, inspire, and inform both current and prospective university students and their parents.
In this blog, we’ll share key takeaways from our presenters—Siphany Walters, President’s Assistant for the UTech Jamaica Students' Union Council and General Secretary for the Jamaica Union of Tertiary Students, and Clevena Brown, a graduating student in Marketing and Journalism from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus—who generously reflected on their personal experiences and offered invaluable advice for succeeding at university.
University Survival Guide: Essential Tips for Success
1. Importance of Leadership and Involvement
Siphany highlighted how her involvement in student leadership significantly shaped her university experience. Initially shy, her participation in leadership roles helped her become more outspoken and passionate about volunteerism and networking. One key piece of advice from Siphany was to enter leadership with a clear understanding of your interests and to balance it well with academic responsibilities.
2. Effective Course Selection and Academic Balance
Clevena reflected on her initial misconception that university was solely about academics. She stressed the importance of balancing academic obligations with broader university experiences. She advised thoroughly researching course prerequisites and integrating them into your academic plan to ensure you can handle the workload efficiently.
3. Financial Management
Both guests shared practical tips on financial management. Siphany navigated her financial needs through a combination of scholarships, student loans, and volunteer programs like Jamvat. Clevena advised setting up separate bank accounts for different types of expenses to manage finances better and avoid overspending.
4. Handling Academic Pressure
Siphany discussed the importance of maintaining a balance between academic and extracurricular activities. Using tools like calendars and task lists in apps such as Notion can help you stay organised and ensure you don’t miss essential academic or leadership duties. Clevena echoed the significance of leveraging support systems, such as friends or tutors, when facing difficult subjects or academic pressures, and encouraged students to be kind to themselves during setbacks.
Essential University Survival Tips
While our recent Community Corner Live Forum focused on personal experiences, we've compiled additional tips to provide a more comprehensive guide to thriving at university. These Essential University Survival Tips offer expert advice and practical strategies for navigating both the academic and personal challenges of university life.
1. Time Management
Tools for Effective Time Management: Utilise calendars, planners, and mobile apps (e.g., Notion, Google Calendar) to schedule classes, study sessions, and extracurricular activities.
Prioritising Tasks: Differentiate between urgent and important tasks to avoid last-minute cramming.
2. Mental Health
Mental Health Resources: Familiarise yourself with counselling services and wellness centres on campus. Regular mental health check-ins are essential.
Stress Management Techniques: Practise mindfulness, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
3. Building a Support Network
Peer Support Groups: Join study groups, student organisations, or online forums where students can share experiences and support each other.
Mentorship: Seek guidance from professors, alumni, or senior students.
4. Academic Resources
Library Services: Get familiar with the library’s resources and seek help from librarians for research projects.
Academic Advise: Regular meetings with academic advisors ensure you stay on track with your degree plan.
Tutoring Services: Make use of university tutoring services for challenging subjects or assignments.
5. Social Life and Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular Benefits: Participate in clubs, sports, or societies to enhance your university experience and develop soft skills.
Balancing Social and Academic Life: Enjoy a social life without compromising academic goals by setting boundaries.
6. Career Planning
Career Services: Take advantage of career counselling, workshops, job fairs, and internship placements offered by the university.
Resume Building: Start building a compelling CV and cover letter early.
Networking: Network within and beyond the university to open doors for future job opportunities.
7. Financial Literacy
Budgeting Tips: Learn basic budgeting techniques, track expenses, and save where possible.
Financial Aid: Explore scholarships, grants, student loans, and work-study programmes.
Part-time Jobs: Balance part-time work with studies and seek on-campus or local job opportunities.
8. Campus Safety
Safety Measures: Familiarise yourself with campus safety protocols, emergency contacts, and safe routes.
Health Services: Know the health services available on campus, including medical support and health insurance options.
9. Housing
Choosing Accommodation: Weigh your options between on-campus and off-campus housing, understand dorm life, and manage roommate agreements.
Living Essentials: Pack essential items and maintain a comfortable living space.
10. Technology and Learning Tools
Digital Learning Tools: Use learning management systems (e.g., Blackboard, Canvas) and educational apps effectively.
Staying Updated: Keep software and systems up to date and take advantage of free campus software licenses.
Takeaways for Success in University
From Clevena’s Experience:
Course Registration: Clevena shared her experience of the importance of registering for courses on time to avoid unnecessary stress.
Leveraging Networks and Community: She emphasised the value of tapping into the university’s resources for both academic and career growth.
From Siphany’s Experience:
Resourcefulness in Financial Aid: Siphany provided in-depth insights on accessing financial aid through scholarships, loans, and volunteering.
Embracing Self-Kindness: She highlighted the significance of being kind to oneself and the importance of seeking support when necessary. With the right tools and mindset, it’s entirely possible to balance academics and leadership responsibilities.
Final Words of Advice
Wrapping up the session, both Siphany and Clevena offered their final advice for new students:
Siphany: Stressed the importance of following the module selection guide carefully to avoid unnecessary academic strain.
Clevena: Encouraged students to embrace the university journey and utilise community support for a more enriching experience.
Host’s Closing Remarks:
In closing, Winsome encouraged viewers to share the valuable insights gained from the session and underscored the importance of community and continuous learning. She also highlighted the role of nurturing one’s unique gifts and transforming them into practical tools for success.
Join Our Community
For those new to this space, we invite you to join the Serenity Resource Connector community. Whether subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us across social media platforms, or visiting our website, engage with us for more insightful forums like this. Each session aims to equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to confidently navigate the different phases of life.
Mark your calendars for our next live forum, where we will explore local governance and community development with the Clarendon Municipal Corporation.
Stay connected, stay informed, and most importantly, keep sharing the knowledge.
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Watch the Full Replay
If you missed the live session or want to revisit key moments, the full replay is available on our YouTube channel. Click here to watch.
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