Surviving The First Weeks Of Uni
By Diana Oros, social media reporter and business student
You’ve made it! You’ve made the decision to join university and study alongside like-minded people, to learn more about the world and yourself, your interests and how well you can procrastinate… (we all get there!)
But before you lock ‘n’ load yourself into the next chapter of your life, the first week of uni can be pretty nerve-racking and even a bit lonely at times.
Looking back at my first week, I think I pretty much didn’t talk to anybody the whole time and just played an observer – I hugely regret that now.
I wish I knew how many great events and clubs Griffith had to offer instead of putting my guard up from the start, otherwise I could have started socialising with the right people and fitting nicely into groups a lot sooner.
Follow these tips and pointers to surviving the first week of uni and get yourself involved! Never forget your priority is always your studies, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have any fun along the way.
1. Griffith SRC
The Griffith Student Representative Council will be your number one friends on campus very soon. They host a number of awesome events and student deals, and give away great prizes and even free food and drink out the front of class. The Griffith SRC works really hard to make sure you get the best student lifestyle on campus, so don’t take it for granted!
Find out what your Griffith SRC has to offer you this week on the Griffith SRC Facebook page, and don’t forget to pick up what you can!
2. Uni Bar Functions
The uni bars on campus are a great place to meet up for a quick drink and cheap meal. Depending which one you are at, they usually have weekly specials on certain days that can really save you a lot of money. At Griffith Nathan you can grab yourself a meal, drink of choice (including beer or cider) for only $5 when you show your student card at the door, courtesy of the Griffith SRC. When I first found out about this, I couldn’t believe the savings. But you’ll have to get in quick! Popularity is gaining and a lot of times the line is out of the door.
The uni bar is also famous for the great parties and events they put on for students. Almost every week there is another reason to put down the books and meet some new people – whether it’s toga, jungle fever, Halloween or a start of semester bash! The list never ends and it’s always a memorable night out. Bonus points for the Brisbane campuses – you can travel at any time until midnight with the Griffith shuttle bus to get to and from your destination.
Follow your campus Uni Bar on Facebook and make sure to check the events posted! The next uni bar event at Nathan is the Black Light Toga Party on March 1.
3. Griffith Social Sport
Social sport is a fantastic way to meet people and get into a regular routine of fitness. You don’t have to be good at the sport – heck, you don’t even have to have played it before to join! That’s the beauty of social sport.
Registrations open from the first week and games commence from Week 3, signing on as either an individual or team. There’s a sweet range of sports to choose from including basketball, netball, soccer (7-a-side and 5-a-side), touch footy and volleyball. Teams can be mixed or with your gender, but it’s a load more fun with mixed teams (c’mon guys, gender equality! It’s 2016!).
Register online with a discounted Griffith student price by simply searching “Social Sport Griffith” on Google and pick your campus. Contact details also on the site if you need to contact the coordinator for any questions or enquiries.
4. Join a club
Didn’t get to sign your interest in a club last week at O-Week? No fear, clubs are still here. Browse through uni clubs whether cultural or academic here: https://www.griffith.edu.au/clubs/browse-online-communities.
You can search for more through the Griffith main website by simply searching clubs on your campus. There is such a long list, that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what you believe in, you’ll find a club that speaks to you pretty quickly.
Again, Facebook is the best way to check up on events and meetings and even more clubs online, so don’t forget to follow the club page and put in your two cents! Also follow Clubs at Griffith for more club updates.
5. Be open
University is all about finding yourself and who you want to be – academically, and socially. Being open minded and socially active with your peers in class is the most successful thing you can do to get out of your shell and shine. It can be awkward and daunting at times when everybody is tight lipped in a tute and the professor is continually asking questions to no avail. But if you know the answer, or even want to have a stab at it, put your hand up and go for it. You’ll realise it would have been a huge favour for everyone and a relief for the teacher too. Getting yourself noticed also means pushing yourself in ways that make you want to be better and more confident. Don’t forget that down the track you will need help, recommendations or even career advice from your classmates and teachers. Network, be as respectful as you can and understand each person is at uni to learn from and understand each other.
At Griffith we all come from varying backgrounds and situations, but we are all here to succeed – so why not start from the first week?
Thanks for dropping by!
Diana Oros, The Griffith Collective