How did I settle in? (Kripa)
I really dunno how to answer that question coz I have no idea how I got used to uni life! To start with, the Orientation was extremely helpful. So, if there’s any future students reading this (hopefully), then pls read my advice: I would classify Orientation as a ‘must-attend’ coz that’s when u have a full on contact with the uni ppl and get to know how life works there. The main thing I liked was that u get to make friends before classes began! So u don’t need to worry abt sitting in the first class all alone…Secondly, u get to meet ur future lecturers and tutors, etc. (and predict who’s nice and who’s strict!) Thirdly, u get to join clubs. This is the best way to meet someone just like ya, whether based on interest or nationality. So, when I came home after all those, I didn’t have those usual butterflies in my stomach on those ‘first days’. I just went with the flow..
However, there were lots and lots of information that u get…it was quite overhwhemling for me..got confusing later..but yeh, I took my time and processed all the info in my little brain when I had time. The first 2 weeks were a little bit rocky, but now it’s smooth. It was mainly regarding following the timetable and finding the right building. Oh yeh, need to tell u this. My first and foremost class was chem at the copland theatre, ec & comm building. And guess where I went? The babel buidling coz it had ‘ec & comm’ written outside. I got up the lift and I think I reached the third floor. I looked around, couldn’t find my theatre, so I ask the reception, she gave me a map of lec venues and then I realized it the opposite building!! I had just 10 mins left…I got so worried and tensed – I didn’t want to be late for my first class!! So, I rushed from one building to the other, but I couldn’t find the entrance (I went to the other side, not the main one), so I decided to ask someone. This girl was coming in my direction and I said – Excuse me. No response. Again – Excuse me. No response. She just passed by me!! She wasn’t ignoring me but she had these headphones blaring in her ears that she didn’t know I was trying to talk to her. So, anyone reading this, pls don’t do this!! Someone might need ur help, and u neva know when. Use headphones when u r alone or something..Poor me had to find the entrance all by myself. (Came on time, phew!)
Another incident was at the System Garden, where my friend and I were just relaxing. After some time, we decided to head to our lec theatre, but we needed to know if that lec theatre was in the chem building. I had this map with me and we decided to ask a nice lady sitting and having lunch near us, I went up to her and said, “Excuse me. I need ur help, are u busy? And she goes, ” Yes, I’d rather not be disturbed.” And she just continues eating. No offence, but is that the way u talk to other ppl? I was truly offended, I understand she’s eating and I was ready to wait for her to finish, but she doesn’t want to talk! My mom’s friend once told me that diff ppl have diff personalities, so u cannot change unless they don’t want to. So just don’t care abt it…That’s what I did…
I had had little probs like that, but now, on track. Making friends was easy coz everyone’s on the same boat. So, not a worry at all. Getting used to lecs and tutes took some time – 50 mins of continous listening, but when I review the notes later, it’s all good. But the main matter here is that u need to come out of your comfort zone and talk more. I’m a bit of a shy person but I’m trying to learn to speak in front of ppl..it’s quite nerve-wrecking, but it’s worth it once u get the hang of it.
Till next time,
L.S.
I guess the thing with the person eating lunch near you is that you just asked for her “help” and didn’t specify what it was. I’m sure that if you’d said “Sorry, I’m lost, would you be able to tell me where the ______ theatre is?” she’d have told you, but if she didn’t know what you wanted help with she probably brushed you off. ^^;; Good luck with the shaking off shyness though. Clubs may help there too. 🙂
Hey, I was gonna ask her that next but she didn’t want to talk in the first place! U need a good introduction, so that’s y I said that first. In any case, she wasn’t interested to know what help I needed..so..yeh..
The Babel building used to be the languages building, but I suppose that is still no excuse. Don’t worry, heaps of stuff like that can happen. You should be glad you didn’t walk into another lecture. (Which fortunately I’ve avoided.) Crazily enough on my first day this semester I came not even knowing what room I was in. A train got canceled so I ended up being late in the first place, and had to quickly check the subject information posted on the wall of the Richard Berry Building. (Maths and Stats)
I do admit when you first come the start of the classes can be quite important, as they tell you about things like assignments, when you’re having them, and anything else that you need to know for tutorials. Later you can afford to be a little late, but just have to make sure you read over the subject information sheets they hand out in the first lecture.
Definitely wouldn’t let that person worry you – it’s a little disheartening but generally people act more friendly. It’s also possible that person was quite stressed for some reason, such as share house problems, financial, etc. When you feel very worried you just don’t tend to act to rationally.