How to Become Your Own Best Friend at University
Whereas you will have a support system at university (including your academic advisors, professors, friends, and even family back home), you will need to learn to be independent. It’s up to you to ensure you stick to a schedule to keep up with homework, maintain your living space, and stay healthy. To succeed with all these things, you may find it helpful to become your own best friend — here’s how.
1. Prepare for the Move to University
You’ll need to start preparing for university even before you arrive. For instance, you should begin packing to avoid forgetting anything. This means buying items you don’t own, writing a list of what you’ll need to bring, and figuring out how you’ll acquire textbooks — you can purchase them new, buy them used from other students, or use a rental service.
2. Think Carefully About the Classes You’ll Take
Creating the right class schedule for you is important now and for the future.
Right now, you need to ensure you have a balanced schedule — a mix of classes to keep you motivated and enough free time for your other activities. However, you need to think about the future to make sure you’re meeting the requirements for your major and taking enough classes to graduate within the timeframe you want.
3. Stay Organized
A big challenge for students starting university is suddenly being responsible for every aspect of their lives. Unlike at high school, no one will remind you to complete your papers by the due date, check that you’re attending classes, and make sure you attend the extracurriculars you signed up for. If you work a part-time job, you may also need to keep a note of your shifts.
All this requires staying organized. You’ll need to find a method that works for you, whether that’s a digital calendar, physical planner, or organization app. Trying to remember everything in your head, though, is a recipe for disaster.
4. Commit to a Healthy Lifestyle
Before university, the likelihood is your parents made sure you stayed healthy. Now, it’s up to you to be disciplined — by eating a healthy diet, sleeping enough, and staying active. As a result of a healthy lifestyle, you’ll see improved academic performance, have more energy, and be less likely to fall ill.
5. Stick to a Routine
Having a routine is also a great way to stay healthy. It can ensure you stick to a bedtime, eat at regular intervals, and make time for daily workouts. Other advantages of a routine are that you’ll stay up to date with assignments, avoid arriving late to class, and always have time for relaxation and fun — even when you have a large amount of homework.
6. Decide Where You Want to Live
It’s completely up to you where you want to live. Although students often start their time at university living in a dorm, this is far from your only option. In fact, you’ll be more comfortable if you live in off-campus housing where you have your own room and much more space. It also tends to be much more affordable, especially when you factor in the lack of a meal plan.
For Ontario Tech University housing, you won’t find a better option than 17Hundred. Our all-inclusive rent includes utilities and WiFi; plus you’ll have access to some great onsite amenities, such as a yoga studio, TV and games room, and dedicated study spaces. Join the waitlist to secure your spot as soon as units become available.