If you are reading this, then you have probably just started your first year at university, congratulations! You have finally made it, pat yourselves on the back! There is a lot ahead of you – you are entering a phase of your life that is full of personal and academic knowledge and growth. You might be feeling excited to take on this new phase or you may even feel confused, anxious, lonely and intimidated. All these feelings are not only valid, but completely normal!
First of all (and most importantly), the emotional navigation of starting university is vital and often undermined. You are starting out in an entirely fresh and new environment. When I was on campus for the first time I got lost several times in a day and it made me feel very overwhelmed. On top of this, navigating new systems such as VULA and PeopleSoft was quite the hurdle for me. The mistake I made was not asking people for help as I was afraid. However, the fact of the matter is that people WANT to help you.
As Barack Obama said:
“Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don’t know something, and to learn something new” (September, 2009). Â
Asking a friend, student support services or even a stranger on campus is really not as intimidating as it seems (and as a cool plus, it’s a great way to make a friend).
The physical navigation of campus may seem overwhelming at first, but after a few months of asking for help, using the trusty campus maps and getting lost like we all have, I can assure you that you will be a pro.
Social navigation is also an aspect that most of us struggle with. Campus is undoubtedly massive, so you are going to be meeting a lot of new people, especially in the beginning. There is an expectation many of us have that we need to make friends as quickly as possible. However, this is not the case. Friendships take time, so do not feel disheartened if you haven’t made solid friendships in first year. For those of us who are on the more introverted side and may struggle to make friends, joining societies and clubs are a great option. Another option is making a friend in your tut groups. You will be seeing this person a few times a week for months, so that leaves you time to warm up to them. Ask them if they want to get lunch for you, or study with you in the library. Keeping in mind that the friendly connection may not work out with some people, but for those where it does, soon enough, you will be able to call them your good friend! Friends make your university experience much more enjoyable and special so do not give up!
If you find that you are struggling with the adjustment to university, remember that you are never alone. Fortunately, UCT offers a myriad of student support services you can reach out to. The UCT Central Advising and Referral System (UCT CARES) can help you with any academic advice you may need. Particularly for those in Humanities, the UCT Writing Centre is an amazing support system that helps those learn academic essay writing. In terms of mental and physical health, the Student Wellness Services also provide medical consolations or even any counselling support you may require.
Finally, keep in mind that though first year may feel new and daunting, it is also one of the most invigorating and rewarding times of your life. Savour this moment, be kind to yourself and others, forgive yourself for the mistakes you may make, and embrace the journey ahead. You got this! After all, you only have your first year of university once.