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How can I manage university?
Hello, I'm from England and just finished with my college life (6th form). I am waiting for my results to come back in august and then I can hopefully be setting off for university! the thing is I am so scared, it's such a big change for me, I've always had my family with me and we've always had money but my dad has recently abandoned us for another woman and taken almost all the money.
So most of my worries are money wise, since my mother has been a house-wife and is now struggling with money while the divorce is going through and I'll be quite far away by my standards (down in Luton). I'm more than willing to get a job once I get there but my cousin who is all ready at uni said there's no time between having fun and school
Which leads me to the next concern, Socialising. I would rather work and study than be getting drunk but I'm a shy person and don't make good friends easily so I'm worried people will see me and think I'm just strange and ignore me :/.
The final concern I have is about the workload, I don't know what to expect at all and if anyone (particularly those who have done Psychology) could tell me how difficult the shift is from A level to university and how much I am expected to be doing in a given week would be much appreciated.
I guess what I'm asking for is a sort of guide of tips or own knowledge that will help me relax, I'm the only member of my immediate family to get into university so they really aren't much help and besides that, were all falling apart at the seams lol. thank you :)
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Want to answer more questions in the Work & School category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Colleges & Universities?
Doing something that you are happy doing is best. Sometimes factors beyond our control can limit the choices. Better to chose correctly at the beginning. Don't aim too high. Sometimes what we are made to believe is a good thing is really an extremely bad thing. Doing something that you are happy doing is best. The following assumes in past and now things are simmilar where A'Level and University are concerned, which may not be so: Remember at the A'Level stage or what the equivalent now you learn in a more structured way. In University you would be totally self reliant on what you Learn. So Doing A'Levels to gain the knowledge in what you are interested I would certainly encourage. Unless you will Study in an Extremely Motivated way then then seriously consider whether University is a usefull option. By the way if you are interested in internet related topics then you can get in touch with me here.
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I've just finished my first year of university in the UK so hopefully I can be of some help to you.
Money is a struggle at uni and it would be a good idea to get a job. Ignore your cousin, you will have plenty of time to fit in a part-job, especially in your first year. If you can, try and get yourself a job on campus because they are usually more flexible and accommodating to your schedule. Most high street stores are very good when it comes to employing students and offer part-time contracts, working evenings and/or weekends.
What you must remember about starting uni is that everyone is in the same boat. Freshers' Week isn't just about getting drunk, it's about meeting people and making friends. You will not be the only shy person there and you will not be the only person who doesn't drink much. You will have to make some effort. If you sit in your room all the time and don't get out and get to know people then it will be harder to make friends later on. I suggest you really take advantage of Freshers' and any 'get to know you' type sessions your course runs because this will be where you make the most friends. In reality, you probably won't end up being lifelong friends with the people you meet during Freshers' Week but it gives you a jumping off point.
The step from sixth form to uni is a big one, in terms of workload and course content. One of the biggest differences is that you are expected to do a lot more independent work. The best piece of advice I could give you is to keep up with your reading. Your lecturers will expect you to do extra recommended reading for each topic and you will find it a lot easier come exam time when you've actually done it and don't have a last minute panic not being able to find the book in the library.
It varies from university to university but in general, Psychology courses have a lot of contact time. This means you will have several hours of lectures/seminars a week. In terms of content, I get the impression that there isn't too big a jump between sixth form and university Psychology. Try looking on your university's website as usually they will have information on course modules, contact time, reading etc.
Take advantage of seminars (or tutorials/labs, whatever your university calls them) as they are your opportunities to ask questions and clarify anything you don't understand. And remember your tutors will be happy to discuss any problems you're having with the course or university life in general.
Believe me, everyone is nervous before they start uni and those who aren't are either lying or the ones who have a meltdown before Christmas.
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One thing you should buy that is an absolute must and your life line is a digital recorder that you can use with professor's permission be you learning disabled or extremely poor note-taker or whatever other valid reason to tape the professors lectures.
If you have a learning problem or it's hard for you to process what they're talking about and write it all down they will often allow you or share copies of written lectures to those student only.
Aside from great note-taking never skip class ever or stay home unless SUPER sick to your stomach. Why? It's impossible to catch up and a habit hard to break so don't. If you go to school every single day, take great notes, study the same way you always have you'll be fine. The stakes are higher but it's essentially all about time management and doing the assignment right, pacing yourself and being on time. You already do that.
The hours may be different but if they impede your ability to lead a normal schedule something isn't right. This all changes if you are holding a job and you'll have to tell your boss that you are in university earning a degree and have to study and need hours that will allow you to do both and don't settle for anything else because you can't regardless of money situation. You have to work with them around your schedule.
There are times if there's a big project or group effort or paper even when all-nighters do come in to play but depending what you are doing they aren't a constant thing.
Believe it or not NOT everyone drinks. Some don't because of addiction, others religion, or some just don't want to. That's NORMAL and fine. Lots of people drink, lots of people don't of all ages. If you don't want to drink around others than stick with that.
The kind of people who only like to drink all the time or even do drugs socially are the ones to avoid like the plague as they'll drag you down and they're often the first to bomb right out--and you can't. If people don't like you because you aren't down with reckless behavior than that's okay. There are many sincere people out there that will want to know you and hang around you. Look towards them.
Finally, if your cousin is at the same university see if she can look out for you or offer up a room as well to cut your costs. You'll be fine and believe me are worrying about what all students worry about. As long as you pace yourself and expect maybe 2-3 hours of take home work at night (if that) you'll be fine. It's exactly like managing all your high-school courses and always being on top of stuff.
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Awesome, I hope you do well at and get into University :) Best of luck!Well I am very sorry to hear that your father abandoned you and your family from another women and took all the money. What a shame. I hope you get a good tip from that. Dont worry.. change is great , it lets you experience and meet new people and scenery and etc.
Well yes.. there is no time , but honestly.. you can work and go to university , but you wont have alot of time socializing. So, what you do is you balance it out , you get the job see when you can work and balance it out with your school time and courses and your study periods and trust me it will take up a lot of your time, but it will be worth it!
That's amazing. Please be proud of yourself of working and studying instead of... drinking.. wow that's amazing always keep that , that don't change. Well.. all I can tell you is that if you want friends you know they won't care about your shyness and they will understand and if they want to be friends they WILL be your friends regardless of anything. Try to at university and work with people around you try to talk and see if you can lead a conversation on even with your professors or online friends. You do not seem strange whatsoever so don't even try to put yourself down. You should be very happy , your on your way to university and you will make money and turn your family on the good side no matter what:). If anyone ignores you.... trust me that is NOT a friend.. anyone who ignores you is not worth your precious time and move on.
Well.. from what I know you will have a lot more work then in College or Highschool.. but you will get use to it. People say the first year of it all is the hardest because of all the adjusting , but don't worry you will get through it:).In a week.. well from what I know read up to 70 80 pages a week , quizzes and tests AND LOTS OF ESSAYS!
Well.. all I can say is relax.. just simply relax. Meditate or do something worth while. You are the only one going to university and you should feel proud you accomplished it... don't worry about anything , just relax and dont feel like your falling apart... you should see it as a time of difficulties and your job to unravel and make the seam stronger. Dont worry , just relax go out right now do what makes you most comfortable and just don't think of it.
Best of luck :)
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