At my wise old age of 20, I look back on the years of my youth with emotions ranging from mild fondness to outright humiliation. What I wouldn’t give to go back in time, grab first-year me by the face and impart my hard-earned wisdom. Time machines may not exist, but at least, dear first-year readers, I can still save you.
Get involved
I know it’s intimidating, but getting as involved as you can, as early as you can, sets you up for success. Attending the society fairs at Dalhousie and King’s and talking to the students there is a great way to not only meet new people but find new interests you might not expect to enjoy. Everyone says university is a time to try new things, so do it! Even if you discover down the road you hate that activity, you can always back out. No one is stopping you. But you can’t hate something you’ve never tried.
This applies to experiences off campus too. Last year, I dragged my friend to a kendo class. It was nothing like we expected. We were the only young people there, we were awful, we never went back, but we laughed a lot while doing it, and overall, had a great afternoon. So, try out that niche activity or intimidating society. At best, you might meet lifelong friends to drag to kendo classes. At worst, you’ll get a funny story out of it.
Go to class. I mean it
There comes a time in every first-year student’s semester where the realization dawns that no one is stopping them from avoiding the things they don’t want to do. Don’t want to go to that early morning class? Sleep in instead! Don’t want to sit through an hour-long lecture? Then don’t! The only person it affects is you. But that’s why you should do it anyway. You don’t want to look in the mirror and know the only one to blame for your low GPA is you.
Do the readings. I mean that too
I know, I know, I sound boring. But taking a break from doom scrolling and picking up a book will be better for you in the long run. When you show up to class prepared, it’s much easier to learn. You’re able to better engage in class and stress less when studying, i.e., you won’t find yourself on the night before the exam attempting to teach yourself a semester’s worth of content. Read the books and attend the classes (yes, even the ones before 1 p.m.), and university might actually teach you something. Which is, need I remind you, what you’re paying an absurd amount of money for in the first place.
Ask for help if you need it
The first year of your university career is no doubt as overwhelming as it is exciting. A new course load, new schedule, new environment, new roommates and more mean there is a lot to get used to. But there are so many great resources out there for those who need them. You do not have to do this alone. You are not a failure or nuisance for needing help. Dal has great resources for you. Use them if you need them. You will be glad you did, I promise.
Explore the city
Halifax is a great place to be a university student. There are so many parks, art, and cultures to enjoy. So, don’t spend your first year cooped up in your room. Get out there and explore! You are sure to find something that interests you.
Don’t worry
Something people often say but rarely believe: everything will be okay. I know things may be overwhelming right now, but try, if you can, to not stress about it. If you get involved, you can meet people and try new things. If you show up to class and do your work, you will succeed. If you ask for help when you need it and take some time to have fun, your time in university will be better for it. I regret spending so much of my time worrying and not enjoying all first year had to offer. This is an amazing time in your life, and it’s over far too soon. So, enjoy it while you can. Your future self will thank you.
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