Hi Freshers. Congrats on starting a new chapter of your life. I know you’re probably really nervous and a little scared but don’t worry, university doesn’t have to be scary. Let teenAGE Observer help you navigate your first year. Schedule

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[naviga:li]Set your timetable early. This will ensure you get more favourable class time and therefore a more convenient timetable.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]If you are a commuter, especially one who takes public transportation, maybe it’s a good idea to leave the 8:00am classes alone, if you can. You can definitely make it there but it’s more hectic.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]If you can get a free day i.e a day with no class, take it. It will come in handy later in the semester when you have assignments due and tests to study for.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Please go to class. Remember there are no school bells you need to keep an eye on the time.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]You might end up with clashes, it’s not the end of the world. Talk to your lecturer.[/naviga:li]

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Studying

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[naviga:li]Start studying early, especially if you are doing content heavy courses. Start with a little at a time.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Form study groups with serious people and don’t be afraid to find a new group if the one you’re in isn’t beneficial to you.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Know where you study best, whether it be the library or at home, just make sure you know.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Be aware of which time of day is best for you to study. Just because your friends study early in the morning doesn’t mean that’s the right time for you.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Cut distractions when you’re studying. You can download apps that block websites and they also time your study sessions and tell you how much you did for the day.[/naviga:li]

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Assignments/Coursework  

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[naviga:li]Be sure you are clear on what you need to do. Best person to ask is the lecturer.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Write down all your deadlines somewhere where you’ll see them often. Remember that the deadline is closer than you think.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Start early. Sometimes something that looks easy takes way more time than you’d imagine. [/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Do your work in sections. It’s less overwhelming, trust me.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Put effort into it, the grade you get on these can make the difference between a pass and a fail.[/naviga:li]

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Clothes

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[naviga:li]    Don’t worry, a t shirt or a camisole with jeans will suffice.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]You’ll need a sweater or cardigan. Lecture theaters can get pretty chilly.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Please wear comfortable shoes, you’ll be surprised how much walking you’ll have to do.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Become BFFs with a cap and sunscreen.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Don’t be afraid to repeat clothes.

Ah your clothes.[/naviga:li][/naviga:ul]

Food

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[naviga:li]    Don’t be afraid to carry lunch.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Just because your friends are buying junk food everyday doesn’t mean you have to.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Carry your own water, save a little money.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Don’t make a habit out of skipping meals. It’s not good for you.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Campuses have a ton of food places, take time finding one you really like.[/naviga:li]

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Campus Life

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[naviga:li]Join a club or a committee.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Don’t be afraid to make new friends even if all your high school friends are there with you.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Network, network, network.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Be careful on campus, protect yourself and your stuff. [/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]HAVE FUN, you don’t have to be studying all the time. Go to a party or two. Make ‘time management’ your middle name.[/naviga:li]

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