an ode to first year (entry 04)

this is probably the last time i will be writing on this blog as first year is finally coming to an end. i haven’t posted on here for a bit, semester 2 was an absolute whirlwind of emotion, stress and assignments. overall, my first year of university was pretty successful- while im not where i thought i would be at this point, i am proud of my progress and proud that i did not give up.

for all the future first years at the university of melbourne, here is some advice i wish someone had told me before my first day:

1. dont be afraid to attend uni events!

• i was lucky enough to be given a narrm scholarship by the uni, and they held a pre-orientation camp for all the scholars a few weeks before the first day of classes. i was honestly so afraid, the camp was full of activities and it involved staying on campus for 2 nights completely alone. i had convinced myself that i wasn’t going to go, but my mum persuaded me and i reluctantly agreed. despite my negative feelings, i had the most fun on this camp! i met people i still talk with today, and i made memories that are so fond to me.
• i also attended b-arts orientation before the first day of class, but i regret not making the most of it. at pre-orientation camp, i pushed myself to talk to people, but here, i did not. im not mad at myself for keeping in my shell, the day was still wonderful! i received free merch and food, and it was still an overall good experience.

2. take advantage of the universities resources.

• oh my god, coming from a public school in the western suburbs i was simply not prepared for the amount of resources that the uni has- make sure you take advantage of them! there is free internet for students, really awesome technology you can use (think printers, art supplies, science stuff probably (idk lol im an arts student)), like 95 million books scattered across heaps of library spaces and honestly an endless amount of free stuff.
• if your ever down, theres like a 99% chance that the umsu (ily) is running some sort of event that involves fun activities and free stuff! just in my second semester i have received food vouchers, free popcorn and fairy floss, at least 15 free bubble teas and heaps of knowledge about the different clubs/societies affiliated with the student union.
• i have yet to join a club or a sport (that is a goal for 2nd year charlie), but please at some point peruse the usmu website! there is truly a club or society for everyone.

3. put yourself out there

• the transition from high school to tertiary education is so incredibly scary. no-one i was close to went to unimelb, and i really didn’t know a single person coming into my degree, i was so so scared. if you’re feeling similar anxiety, i truly recommend getting out of your comfort zone; sit next to someone on the first day of class, compliment a stranger, join a club or a sport, speak in class and go to orientation and events! as someone who used to be so anxious of how i was perceived, i can so honestly say that no one at university cares- if you embarrass yourself, it is not a big deal (there are literally 55,000 students!!!!!!)
• i’ve met wonderful people from being brave enough to start a conversation, i heavily urge you all to do the same!

4. your atar truly does not matter

• happy exam season to any current vce students! i tutor some students at my old highschool for some extra money, and they are all so so anxious about their atars, study scores and uni offers, but as someone who was in that position just last year, it is not as big of a deal as you think it is!
• the most important thing for you to do this exam season is your best, if you dont receive the atar you need, or your study scores are lower than expected, it is not the end of the world. i think im extremely lucky to know people who have gone through tertiary education through alternative pathways, and i am a firm believer that an alternative pathway is not a lesser pathway.
• at this point, i dont even remember my atar, but i know it was about 5-6 points less than i needed to get into my degree at unimelb, yet im still here!
• at the end of the day, it is about your passion to learn- that is undoubtedly the most important thing to bring to your uni life!

5. last but not least, dont be hard on yourself.

• i put alot of pressure on myself to perform well at uni; before my first year, i set super unrealistic goals for myself that i was so sure i would achieve (i did not!). uni is a fresh start for alot of people, and it falls during a really important part of life where they are starting to explore themselves. its difficult to navigate subjects, outside pressures and figuring out who you are all at once, and you need to remember to be patient with yourself.
• it is not the end of the world if you fail a class (in fact, i failed 2 <3), nor is it the end of the world if you decide to take a lower study load to focus on yourself. it is okay to miss out on some opportunities, for many more will come, and it is okay to just survive- that is most important!
• be kind to yourself and others, and your first year at university will be so wonderfully special.

the most important thing to do in your first year of university is to believe. believe in yourself, in others, in the academic gods (whom i prayed to on multiple occasions) and in the universe. things will happen, there will be ups and downs, but it so crucial that you evolve despite.

dont lose hope, dont lose love and dont lose kindness.

i wish all of you reading nothing but the best! thank you for helping me navigate my first year of uni <3

lots of love, charlie.