@GirlontheProwl here, so after a month of being back at University, I can’t help but notice all those first year students who are still bright eyed and just about ready to shit themselves. I get it though, that transition phase is still fresh and with midterms around the corner it suddenly feels like Shark Week. Only it doesn’t have to. I know it’s only a matter of time before they become jaded, but I figure maybe offering them a couple of tips might ease the pain. So here are a few things I’ve learned over the years—and these can apply to just about anyone in uni, not just freshmen—that may or may not help you survive your post-secondary years.

1. Be proactive—and I don’t mean telling yourself you are going to be organized, but actually being organized. If you’ve written down that you intend to do your History readings two weeks before, then commit to doing those readings! Besides, if you really are a History major you’ll need way more than two weeks to finish those readings anyway.

And even though you don’t want to, you should do it anyway.

2. Own an agenda, and stick to it like glue. This agenda will be your savior, your friend, and lover. Your agenda, if you allow it, will love you like you’ve never been loved before, because if you treat it right it won’t ever let you down. Trust me, your agenda will become your bible for the next four to five years.

3. Sleep. For the love of all things make sure you sleep! Walking around like a zombie straight out of Dawn of the Dead is so not healthy for you and really wont be appealing to others because let’s face it, you probably haven’t showered, combed your hair, or changed your clothes in the last 24 hours! And unless you’re a Philosophy major, the crazy thoughts that start forming once the clock hits three really wont do anything for that essay you are meant to be writing.

He was a cool Zombie, but that doesn’t mean you need to be.

4. Socialize. I know it seems like it can’t be done…and most times it can’t, but if you want to stay sane this needs to happen. Set out one day a week, where you come out from under your rock, put on clothes that don’t have food stains, and dress up, hang out with friends, have a beer (or grape juice if you aren’t legal yet), and seriously leave that lab review behind for a few hours.

Nothing like good friends to cheer you up.

5. Make “friends”. There is nothing more awkward then being in a class and not knowing anyone. So don’t get shy now, strike up a conversation with the person next to you, exchange numbers, and become best friends. It doesn’t matter if you don’t like them, in fact, you don’t even have to talk to them outside the class (unless you want to), all you need is for them to be your person (Yes, I did just use a Grey’s Anatomy reference, thanks for noticing). They will be that one person who can help you, take notes for you if you’re sick, and do projects with. (This point isn’t as crucial, and you don’t have to do this, but it certainly doesn’t hurt!)

Study Buddies, these are your people.

6. Volunteer/Work. I know, you’re probably like “Wait, so you’re saying you want me to be on top of my homework, hang out with my friends, and work?!” and the answer is yes, yes I do. Trust me, balancing out a busy schedule will be worth the headache when those multi-tasking skills help you out in your “real job”. Besides, volunteering gets you ahead of the game and employers love a full resume—or so I’ve been told.

Work they say, have a good resume they say…

7. Don’t overdo it. I know they say you should be in and out of university in four years, but that isn’t a law! If you think taking five classes a semester is a gong-show, don’t do it. In fact, I recommend taking three classes at first and then gradually moving up to four/five. It’ll make that high-school to uni transition a lot smoother.

8. All-nighters. I don’t recommend them, but they happen so stock up because you are going to need the works for this baby. Chips, chocolate, candy, cookies, soda, coffee, leftovers, energy drinks. Or if you like to be healthy.. apples, sandwiches, water…and other healthy stuff. You’ll need a comfy, but sturdy place to study (avoid sitting on your bed you will fall asleep). Wear a big fat comfy sweater, because once you start getting sleepy you will also start getting cold. And last, but probably not least, set an alarm…just in case you do fall asleep and your test is at 8:00am.

It’s always good to have an all-nighter-partner…one of you is bound to stay awake..right?

9. Academic Advisors. Not much to say here. Meet them (regularly), ask them all the questions you can think of, and make sure you are headed towards your goal—graduation.

10. Purell. Seriously, there’s nothing like a learning institution for germs to congregate. You’ll most likely get sick regardless, but let’s try to prevent this shall we? Use Purell, or whatever hand sanitizer works for you, in moments where soap and water are unavailable… i.e. when some (insert swear word here) sneezes on you on the bus—please see WTF Moments: On the Bus. Also a lot of weird shit goes on at university, but I’ll leave that to you, your imagination, and all the rumors I am sure you have yet to hear.

And when Purell doesn’t work, you could always try Jude Law’s method.

Anyway, that’s all I’ve got—for now anyhow—if you have any tips to offer leave a comment down below and don’t forget to hit that like button.

-Cheers,