Stories of the First-Year Experience

Student: Faculty of Engineering

I began studying Environmental Engineering in 1999. Unfortunately my transition into university was a very bumpy ride. My first year has taught me many lessons that I would like to pass on to you as a first year student. It is important to keep in mind at all times that university life is much different to high school. There is much less pressure and it really comes down to keeping yourself motivated and exercising self control.

My first downfall at university was the freedom and adult treatment you receive. Don't get me wrong, this is a great thing. I just could not handle the lack of pressure. Turning 18, getting my license and going out to nightclubs with new Uni friends did not help either. I also work 15hrs (FRI, SAT, SUN) and being at uni five days a week was a bit stressful with work as well. There was not enough time for study and just a day to not do anything. I began to fall behind with work and was fooling myself by thinking that it would all be under control by exam time. Was I wrong! I underestimated the amount of work that needed to be done. As a result I failed a subject that I had to repeat.

Second semester seemed a lot brighter at the beginning, but I was too lazy to continue with work. It became tradition for some of us to miss the 4-6pm tutorials or the late afternoon classes and this put me further behind in my studies. I did not learn from first semester and again I failed ... not one subject but three!!

The summer break has been a good time for me to think about my future and just how serious I am about it. The fact is I don't want to end up without a degree. I want to be an Environmental Engineer. For me to have any hope in improving my results I have to review the last year and determine my weaknesses. I am now going to repeat my failed subjects. I will not be doing classes with my friends and will be a semester behind. The following points emphasise what I have learnt. I hope you find them useful:

1. Always do the work that is set for you. Even if you don't have to hand it in, it is set for a reason. 
2. Read all the handouts you are given. It is easy to just put them anywhere and forget about them, but lecturers don't photocopy notes just for fun!! 
3. University is a great place to meet people and have a good time. I guarantee you will have fun but you have to find a balance. 
4. Go to the tutorials. It is the best time to ask questions and to keep yourself up to date. 
5. If you have any problems during the year, do not let them grow. See the Academic Advisor and you will be guided on what to do or who to speak to. This is what I wish I had done at the start of the year. 
6. Join the mentor scheme. I did not take advantage of it. Make it a point that you speak to your mentor and gain as much knowledge as possible. A mentor has a lot of experience.

Don't let university deceive you. There is always more work than what there appears to be. You are only fooling yourself if you attend lectures and think you are fine. Homework is one of the keys to passing.

I would like to wish you the best of luck in your studies.