First Year Diaries

Check-In Time! #1

11:06pm, Singapore. I have just spent the past 5 minutes watching an ant crawl on my room wall... what a great use of my time.

As a Singaporean, I would frequently complain how hot the weather is due to our tropical climate. These few days, it seems to be raining non-stop. Can't understand why, but I'm loving it! I tried a hoodie on for the first time today (yes I have no idea what cave I've been living under. Don't judge me please!!) and I feel like a really comfy burrito hehe :)

Anyways, how's everyone? Rushing that assignment (or two? Yikes.) I feel you, I was in that position yesterday.

It's Week 7 of uni, I can't even imagine. It was World Suicide Prevention Day last week (September 10th), so just a reminder to check in on yourself and those around you!

After 7 weeks of Unimelb Zoom University (lol), here are some things I have learnt! Feel free to leave a comment below of what are your key takeaways these past 6/7 weeks!

The art of waking up 10 minutes before class, and turning up to tutorial looking like a garbage can. Then again, that's where the mute and hide camera function comes in handy.
Speaking of the mute and camera function, although Zoom clearly states that one is muted and camera's off, I can't help but overthink. What if this is all just a sham? What if this was all some April Fool's Joke, and there are secret spies spying on my every move and reporting back to the host? (yes charlene, calm your crazy.)
Getting kicked out of the call time and again. Shoutout to my lovely home internet.
Finding out how to share screen, as well as the reaction button. Yes, I can imagine some readers snorting with laughter at this--I'm a tech noob, I know.
Learning to live with new-found embarrassing situations. There was this one tutorial last week where I thought my mic wasn't working as I couldn't hear anyone. I frantically texted the group chat, only to realize-- it was a class assignment and everyone was muted, including the tutor. Way to go, Charlene! But I guess it was an honest mistake to make, and I learnt to just laugh over it and move on with life. Thinking about what to have for lunch seemed like a better use of my brain space than getting embarrassed.

That's it for now! Signing off!

Procrastination and Lack of Motivation: Killers of Students

I have a lot of work to do. I have three assessments due in the coming days and I am nowhere near done.

Nevertheless, in my stress I decided that this is such a #UniMoment and what better way to document it for everyone to learn from than writing a blog post. But also I'm procrastinating and am pretending to be productive.

Procrastination and the lack of motivation are killers of students. I'm sitting at my dining table with my notes sprawled around me, staring at my computer screen hoping that my assessment for my law subject will do itself. Finally I let out a cry of frustration, complaining about why the law has to be so frustrating. 'It's obvious that there's a publication because it's been PUBLISHED! WHO NEEDS SOME THEORY/RULE TO BACK IT UP?' That was me, on the verge of thinking whether law is something that will treat me right (it probably won't).

My brother, who is very young and very nice, heard me yell and said, 'don't worry you will be a good lawyer one day!' Which, you know, is nice. He kept talking though, deciding to list all the careers I had considered before, prompting me to groan back, "I just want to be employed!" (Someone seriously hire me though, at least to prove to the government that Arts degrees are 'job-relevant')

That anxiety was probably heightened by the current soaring unemployment rates due to the pandemic. But I think all uni students have a time where they wonder, 'is this really worth it?' My degree seems to be doubling in cost and I'm being told it isn't 'job relevant' - hilariously, by the same people who got to where they were because of humanities and law degrees but I'll save that rant for another time.

I was hoping to give some tips and tricks for managing your workload because I used to be such a great student. But now I have three assessments that are still incomplete. I'm going to blame my procrastination and lack of motivation on the pandemic though.

How to manage your workload:

1. Invest in a weekly planner AND a monthly/ semester calendar

The key to managing your workload is meticulous planning. At the start of the year, I took a semester planner from Academic Skills and it has been a godsend in tracking my assessments. By having the entire semester laid out in front of me, it is easy to decide how much time to allocate on one assessment.

The weekly planner is to help me break smaller tasks down, particularly when my classes are. Instead of buying a leather planner like I do every year (the exact same design lol), this year I opted for a digital option like below. The example looks like I've been productive, but really I spent too much time searching for new books to read.

2. Discipline and leniency

Last year as a Year 12, I had too much discipline and did not give myself enough leniency. As a result I looked like a mess - to the point that when my principal saw me leaving the school at 5.30pm, he asked me, "Are you okay? Is everything alright? Have some rest." Mortifying. Reflecting back, I realise it was because my hair was all dishevelled, I was hunched over because of my heavy bag and was carrying around two more textbooks with a look of misery.

But this year I've been the exact opposite - I've been so lenient that I don't really stick to that colour-coordinated planner. I mean I've gotten all previous work done but I'm still in a position where MY ASSESSMENTS ARE NOT DONE.

The main lesson here is to have a balance. Have breaks, go for a walk, do a rigorous exercise, read a book, paint a picture. But when it's time to work, sit down and do it. A past teacher told me to use the Pomodoro technique where you study for 45 minutes and take a 15 minute break, but each hour/ session must be a new activity.

3. Breaks

This needs its own category. Apart from the whole 15 minute breaks and take a walk thing, I usually keep Friday afternoons and the whole weekend free of work so that I may refresh myself for the coming week. I didn't realise how much I needed this especially during the pandemic. When all you do is stay at home and study, you quickly burn out and feel hopeless, like you're wasting your life away. Those two days and a half give you the chance to spend time with your family (if possible), do your hobby, or just rejuvenate. Obviously my planner above shows I have work to do but that's because MY ASSESSMENTS ARE STILL NOT DONE. However, usually I'm very strict about those breaks.

4. Break your tasks down into smaller tasks

Again, this is not reflected in my planner above but when planning your workload, you should be very specific with the task. For example, in doing my essay I would break it into different parts and assign them for different days (usually) - breaking apart the prompt and looking through my notes for the relevant concepts; planning my response; research, finding sources and case studies; writing my draft; and editing.

Those tips work for me when I actually follow them and led to a pretty decent first semester. Hope it helps.

Now I will actually do my assessment.

Note: I wrote this last night at like 10pm, if that helps you understand my stress

Anyone out there?

It’s late, my eyes itch, the assignment I pretended didn’t exist hasn’t disappeared and my pieces are not learning themselves. But I did build a new veggie patch with my Dad today so that’s something. I say built, but really there’s just a big, soon to be muddy, mess.

Anyway. The point is this page is active, you’re on it (hello there) and I’m on it (woohoo!) posting about my life studying a Bachelor of Music at the Con. That’s short for Conservatorium of Music, don’t worry, I had no idea the first time either. Turns out musos love having fancy names for things that are actually really simple.

There are a bunch of other jaffy's posting on this page as well, which is great, because this Covid world has been completely isolating. It's nice to know that those voices I hear coming from blank Zoom screens actually do belong to real people.

So, hey there! How’s it going? I probably should have started this way, but the stuff I write up here will rarely be thought out and it might not be relevant or even mildly interesting for you. I hope it is, even just a little. Point is, I’ll write it anyway, so feel free to check in anytime.

Tonight’s listening: ‘If I Never Say a Word’ by Matt Corby. Or anything by Matt Corby really

Just Another [Choose Your F-word Adjective] First Year Blogger

Like all my essays, I don't know how to start this post. I suppose that's the hardest part of writing. You know what you want to write about, perhaps how to end the whole piece, and definitely the purpose of what you're writing. But the start always gives me grief. However, I suppose I should start with myself this time.

I am a Bachelor of Arts student, undergoing my second semester. Currently thinking of doing a double major in Sociology and in Media and Communications, but I don't want to commit to any decisions yet. I am stuck in Melbourne, with our rigid Stage 4 restrictions.

I did not think that I would start my university life in such a way, though I suppose no one did. It's a first year experience that no other year has likely had before. I was lucky enough to spend exactly two weeks on campus - no, I did not get used to the extensive grounds and find my way around campus. I have, however, become a master of Zoom meetings.

Okay, that's a lie. I contribute more than I have in the first semester, to my own surprise - I actually engage in discussion (sometimes carrying it) in break out rooms! But I still find myself leaving my camera off, closing myself off from the others to some extent. It's not some anxiety-ridden purpose, at least not this semester now that I've gotten used to things. I leave my camera off (now) because I can't be bothered putting on makeup or changing out of my pyjamas - a side effect of isolation, I'm afraid.

But I digress, I'm meant to be introducing myself.

I like books. I think that's really what's been getting me through this lock down. My intake of fiction hasn't increased, as I've had the habit of reading before I sleep since I was in primary school, but reading has given me the adventures that I cannot have during this lock down. I say 'adventures' as if I've been reading Lord of the Rings or anything, but really my genre is historical books, or romance, and especially historical books with romance in it.

I like baking. Not as much as reading, though. It isn't like I bake every week, or even every month. I tend to bake the most around Christmas time as it's become somewhat of a tradition to make cookies and give them to the children of our church. At first I wanted to help my little brother (still in primary school) believe in Santa Clause by baking cookies, but someone forgot to eat them and drink the milk at night so that fantasy died quickly. I try to change the type of cookie every year - last year I perfected shortbread. Not sure what to do this year.

Christmas Shortbread | Dessert Recipes | Woman&home (They looked something like this, but a little uglier)

I like music, as everyone else does. I tried to teach myself how to play the piano during lock down, hoping that my dad's talents have passed down to me. I haven't become a master - to become one, you can only be taught by masters. My dad tried to teach me when I was younger but I was too shy and afraid to mess up. Now he doesn't have the time but that's alright - I can play a simple tune at the very least and that's fine enough for me.

I'm still trying to find new hobbies, not just because of lock down but because I thought that this year (and onward) was the time to try and figure out who I am exactly. VCE has a way of stripping your identity, or at least ascribing one to you in the form of a number. Perhaps hobbies are the way forward.

That's pretty much all about me - an extensive introduction, I think. I'm starting to feel narcissistic! Truth is, I could probably write forever. If you are ever so unfortunate as to befriend me and engage in a conversation, I'd probably talk forever too.

Now I don't know how to end this. Goodbye? See you in the next post?

I'll get better starting these posts and signing off, I swear. But for now, I need to get started on my assessment.

Mid term Madness

It's week 6 and the craziest one so far. Assignments are due but that's not a problem for me. What's giving me panic attacks is I have no background in some subjects and am learning everything right from the programming language it is written in, to the actual stuff they talk about in the lectures, tutorials AND somehow make sense of it all in the assignment.

I just ran out the tuts and still hyperventilating. Maybe some buttered toast will fix it. Food's my goto to solve all the problems in life, maths or otherwise

It will all turn out alright after a while, when I have spent more time with the study material than I have with any of my boyfriends ever, and known them inside and out ... the study material, I mean. But, till that happens, toast will have to do.

-tc, love,
MoneyOverMen

2020—eek

Hello !!

It’s a pretty nifty thing to have been chosen to be a blogger for the First Year Diaries, though I can’t say that it didn’t hurt just a little to see that it’s no longer The Jaffy Diaries :(( but the sentiment remains, and here we are, in the middle of an incredibly wack year !!

COVID has made 2020 something else entirely. I didn’t think that I would be learning/reading/writing/crying from the comfort (although sometimes it feels like a constraint) of my bedroom, nor did I expect to be spending upwards of 11 hours a day on my laptop, or witnessing my lecturer stare down her dog (lovingly, admittedly) whilst talking about the United Nations. I’ve not yet experienced the wonders of Egg Sake or more than three weeks on campus (poor Monash kids lol), but I have had more awkward experiences on Zoom than I’d care to remember, and have shed more tears than I’d thought I would (definitely not Arts essay-related!!!??!).

However, what has somewhat redeemed the shocker that has been 2020 is UMLL— the heart of UniMelb, surely, particularly amidst a global health crisis. I’m not sure whether it’s normal for UMLL posts to fill practically the entirety of one’s FB newsfeed, but they do, and I’ve very little reason for complaint, especially with the privilege of a Top Fan badge (clearly thriving).

Also thriving is my Spotify playlist and my Netflix watch history—one such song that features is Cookie Chips by Rejjie Snow (certified bop); would also recommend mid-90s on Netflix (Jonah Hill’s direction is something else—interpret that how you will).

Mid-semester is fast approaching, though mid-semester break is not (logic/10)—I hope that everyone’s looking after themselves, and not applying TOO much pressure to the wounds (the presence of 10-hour Study with me videos in my YouTube suggestions isn’t rlly helping though).

Stay safe !!

My First Presentation – Finally done

Day after Tomorrow dawned too early. No complaining, just saying.

I was in a state half the day. The other half, preparing my presentation and figuring out ways of not making a fool of myself. When the moment finally arrived, I was much relaxed than I had expected, thanks to the live guitar pre-presentation session. Now all I remember is me talking, cat making a guest appearance and deciding that stock markets are not her thing... still into management, I guess. More of me talking and trying to figure zoom out. Team helping with it and The End!

I am still looking like . Will take a while to get back to normal.

See you then. Take care and stay safe.

-love,
MoneyOverMen

My ‘personal’ University of Melbourne

It's autumn in Melbourne in the Southern Hemisphere in May. The golden leaves fall slowly from the trees like butterflies, scattered on both sides of the road. Probably because of the epidemic, the campus is surprisingly quiet. I gently stepped across the fallen leaves, accompanied by the sound of footsteps, leaving deep and shallow footprints.

Follow the road and cross the trails, and you will be at the racecourse. That, where I used to stop. I love the small raised hills there, so you can overlook the campus as well as the blue sky. At this time, all kinds of emotions are suddenly relieved. A restless heart calmed down.

Sit down slowly, gazing at the grassy racecourse, meditating. Once, thousands of horses galloped and the dust was flying here. The galloping horse hooves hit the ground; the glued scores hit people's hearts directly.

Now, all this is quiet. Only the breeze was left, and the warbler sound mildly. In the distance, a few pigeons are walking towards me. The pigeons here are never afraid of people. No matter when, they are so carefree and "cooing" happily. Their singing adds a touch of holiness and peace to this quiet campus.

Time slipped away quietly, and the warm sunshine slowly moved away with the breeze. As the sun sets, the sky seems to be smeared with a layer of orange paint. A beautiful and soft silk ribbon floats in the air.

Going down the hill and passing through the ancient corridor of wind and rain, I seem to have traveled to the time more than 100 years ago. The saints dressed in holy robes, holding the heavy Bible "New Testament", strolled by twos and threes. Several gray-haired professors gathered around the lawn, waving the parchment in their hands, and debating fiercely around a certain topic. A student glanced at the pocket watch in his hand, probably because he was about to be late, and ran in a hurry. But the long robe restricted his running speed. So, he rolled up a corner of his robe and ran again.

The old clock tower appeared before my eyes. The brownish-yellow appearance, combined with the scarred wall tiles, gave rise to a sense of dignity in history. I caressed the rough wall tiles, feeling the vicissitudes of history.

It's five o'clock. The bell rang. The ancient dull bell, accompanied by five heavy beatings, resounded over the campus. The frightened birds fluttered their wings one after another, flapping their wings in groups to fly in the blue sky.

The afterglow of the setting sun spreads on the South Lawn, putting a golden coat on this noisy grassland. That touch of golden, beautiful and moving. This situation and situation made me suddenly think of Master Hong Yi’s "Farewell" song:
Outside the farewell pavilion meanders an ancient road,

Into the horizon lush grass has sowed.

amidst the even breeze and fading flutes dance the willows,

while the setting sun drops below the sea of hills.

…………

I hummed softly. Unconsciously, my eyes have been moist. But I understand that I will keep walking, walking in that one person's University of Melbourne.

——Written in Melbourne during the COVID-19

(Note: all pictures are took by authors via phone)

Hello, world! :)

12:31am, Singapore. Just finished watching a lecture (which I understood precious little of, whoops), and trying to convince myself that everything will miraculously solve itself out and all will be well (now I'm really wishing my life were like a Disney film). At the same time, I'm wondering how to (properly) begin this post, so here goes!

To whoever is reading this right now: Hello, I'm Charlene! Nice to meet you. A year ago I won't believe myself actually saying this, but I'm a freshman at the University of Melbourne, doing a Bachelor of Arts and majoring in Media and Communications. I have a year of advanced standing, which honestly scares me sometimes as I feel there's lesser time to catch up to the pace of learning.

I'm passionate about many things, but in particular I would say mental health issues as well as anything related to education. In my free time, I like scrolling through Tiktok, it keeps me occupied during this pandemic (honestly I'm so addicted to it, someone save me please). I particularly like the recipe videos!! Not gonna lie, for a noob like me, Tiktok recipes are the best way for me to feel as if I'm some professional chef. Take for example this sunflower potato which I discovered and couldn't get enough of (it's so good, I highly encourage everyone to try it out!! It's literally just slices of potato with an egg in the middle and cheese sprinkles on top, hence the name)

Here's the photo that no one asked for:

This was my first time making sunflower potatoes. Yes, the presentation definitely needed work, and it was slightlyyyy undercooked, but it's the effort that counts! :))

On a more serious note, I'm really happy to be one of the bloggers for the First Year Diaries. I hope I can play a part in making this community a safe, inclusive and positive one-- this pandemic is making us all feel crummy, and I think many students wish they were leading a normal campus life right now. I hope my posts can lend a bit of sunshine to anyone that reads it.

I hope to strive for relatability in my posts, because I mean--we're all in this together! I hope to be able to reach out to you guys effectively.

Dare I say, this also serves as a mini life diary for myself as well-- I can imagine my future self reading through these posts and laughing at how silly Freshman Charlene was back then. It serves as a way to document these memories down (the good, bad, and chaotic ones)

Feel free to leave a comment about yourselves too! Would love to get to know all of you :)

Diaries,I’m coming !

Hey there fellow readers, can't wait to meet you on this platform. Sharing with you what I have seen and thought in my college life is really exciting.

Just a quick introduction about me. My name is Yuxuan Guo(preferred name: Jack Guo). I am a current first-year bachelor of commerce student at the University of Melbourne. With curiosity and enthusiasm for western culture, I left my hometown of Nanjing to study in Melbourne.

A new world is slowly unfolding before my eyes. Excitement and anticipation occupy my heart. The University of Melbourne is a world-renowned institution, studying here has always been my ideal. Here, History and modernity meet, youth and dreams resonate.

A close up of the University of Melbourne coat of arms.

Having experienced the baptism of China’s failure in the college entrance examination, the University of Melbourne’s openness to me touched me a lot. Cherish this hard-won learning opportunity, I feel deeply.

In the next few months, I will accompany you all through this particular epidemic period with beautiful words

With lyrical brush strokes, I would like to show the meticulous beauty in daily life. Besides, I will also tell you about the experience of studying commerce as an international student at the University of Melbourne. Lyricism and practicality are my writing style.

I will try my best to bring something novel to you.

Impressive, meaningful, and exciting.

That is all for my introduction.

Let us embark on this journey together and exchange ideas in words.

Thanks in advance for your support.

Cheers!

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