No more rules! No more nagging! No more having to get up at the crack of dawn! But now what? With great freedom, comes great responsibility...

So you’ve been dying to go to uni for what seems like ages, and now that time has finally come. But wait, you can already tell that something is different. Could it be the fact that nobody is telling you what to do, where to go or how to get there? It’s all up to you, and the newfound freedom can be somewhat daunting unless you have some idea of what to do with it, and how to use it to your advantage.

Over and above what to wear, knowing what to take with and where to go can be daunting enough. Never mind also having to adjust to being solely responsible for your own time and your own attendance at lectures. Ultimately, you’re also responsible for your own results at the end of the day. You’re in charge, so make it count.

An important thing to remember is that even though it may feel like it, you’re not alone. Everyone at uni is in the same boat, trying to figure things out and impress one another. It’s important at times like these to be sincere and to be yourself. If you don’t know anyone, perhaps consider joining a social committee or club so that you can meet people with like interests. Things like forming friendships take time, so don’t be too despondent if you haven’t bonded with anyone in the first few weeks. Everyone is busy trying to find their feet as well. Trying speaking to a few people that you see in your initial classes and soon enough you will find those you “click” with.

As was so aptly quoted in Spiderman, “with great freedom comes great responsibility”. University is not as easy as it seems. In fact, it is most definitely more challenging. At uni, you set your own standards, and it is up to you to achieve them. University requires a lot of discipline, but if you apply discipline at uni, it will stand you in good stead for when you start work.

Begin how you wish to proceed. Apply yourself in the short term, and make things easier for yourself to succeed in the long run. Print out your timetable and keep it up on the wall at home, keep it in your phone, on your iPad or wherever you can see it. This will help remind you when you’re out having a good catch up that you also have lectures to go to. You should also consider joining the library at uni, finding a local bank, and of course, getting hold of a map for when on campus. Doing all this will make your time at uni infinitely easier, and soon enough you’ll know your way around with your eyes closed.
  
Make sure that if you miss a lecture that you take responsibility to catch up on the notes. Nobody is going to do it for you, or ask you where you were. Lecturers will also only get to know you if you’re present, and even then, there are a lot of students like yourself to know. Take time to meet your lecturer’s and ask questions during class so that you gain rapport and credibility. Don’t be scared to speak up and participate. It’s your course, your career and your life.

Ultimately, starting uni for the first time is only going to happen once in your life. Don’t sweat the small stuff or worry too much about fitting in. You’ll fit in naturally with the people that you’re supposed to. Just remember that the winning combination is to be organised, take initiative and be yourself.