As the new academic year approaches, we looked back at 2 years ago, when we first started Uni. It was probably the most exciting, yet most confusing part of our lives. We learned a lot and want to share some of that with anyone starting off this autumn!
LUCIJA:
Managing money
This is actually kind of general advice, and that is-be wise with spending your money. If you need to put strict boundaries on everything, like making a budget for food, clothes, going out, school, then make it. And of course, stick with it. The most important advice which I can give you is this: whatever you need to pay for every month or so, do it in the begining. For example, I can pay my rent from 1st till 21st in that month. And I'll usually do it by the 3rd. That way, I know I've done it, I am relaxed about that and there is no temptation. Also, figure out which works better for you-paying with cards or in cash. For me, it's better if I have cash in my wallet because then I have a better feeling about how much money I have and I can calculate better how much can I spend. This is probably the first time you'll be controlling how much you're spending and being responsible about it is really important.
Don't put off boring tasks (errands)
By this I mean stuff like, finding a new doctor (it took me a year), or opening account at a bank or other administrative things. Sure, going to the post office, or bank, or police station isn't a fun way to spend your time, but sooner or later, you're going to have to deal with that. If you cross that off your to-do list soon, you won't have to worry about that and say „yeah, I'll do it sometime these days“ but you're just going to kep delaying it. And that way, you won't have to worry if you did it all on time because on some things, you'll probably have a deadline.
Creating a mind map of your new city
I'm going to be honest: I am really bad at navigating through an unknown area (even if I do have directions). If I am with someone, I'll usually let the other person be in charge of finding a street, or getting us somewhere, or deciding which tram we should take. But, of course, I can't rely on other people for stuff like that. So, this year, I was consciously putting more effort regarding this problem (and, as it turns out, it's definately not a problem). Turn on GPS, write the names of streets and just ask people if they know something about that area (sometimes it's the best way!). And always look for some detalis that will catch your eye so you'll remember that part of the town.
Studying
Unfortunately, there is no list of instructions which says you should do „this and that“ to get As on your exams. I wrote a post about what works for me and maybe you'll find something useful there. Different things work for different people and, luckily, there are plenty of tips, advices and ways of studying. The one thing I feel like I have to point out is this: it is important (and hard) to find a balance. Looking back at my first year, I think that I was either extremely stressed or really lazy (and telling myself that I was relaxing, when in fact, I knew what I was doing). You need to find the golden mean. Of course you'll be more stressed during exam week, but it should not be the type of stress that makes you crying, overeating, not eating enough, and basically questioning your whole life. You need to work hard, but not let go of everything else. Finding a new way to study in college will definitely be a „method“ of trial and error, but that's okay. It takes time. Maybe you'll fail a couple of exams, or even a year, but the important thing is to study frequently, ask if you don't understand everything, and have something you're interested in, besides college. Also, make sure that, when it's studying time, you're really concentrated on things you're reading, because otherwise, you'll spend a lot of time doing nothing .
Everything takes time
This is kind of an extension of note I wrote before, about studying. I wrote that finding a good way for that takes time. And everything else also takes time! Finding new friends, or good places to go out, or just being comfortable in this new situation. And that is okay. Just remember to breathe, relax and, most importantly, have fun!
Managing money
This is actually kind of general advice, and that is-be wise with spending your money. If you need to put strict boundaries on everything, like making a budget for food, clothes, going out, school, then make it. And of course, stick with it. The most important advice which I can give you is this: whatever you need to pay for every month or so, do it in the begining. For example, I can pay my rent from 1st till 21st in that month. And I'll usually do it by the 3rd. That way, I know I've done it, I am relaxed about that and there is no temptation. Also, figure out which works better for you-paying with cards or in cash. For me, it's better if I have cash in my wallet because then I have a better feeling about how much money I have and I can calculate better how much can I spend. This is probably the first time you'll be controlling how much you're spending and being responsible about it is really important.
Don't put off boring tasks (errands)
By this I mean stuff like, finding a new doctor (it took me a year), or opening account at a bank or other administrative things. Sure, going to the post office, or bank, or police station isn't a fun way to spend your time, but sooner or later, you're going to have to deal with that. If you cross that off your to-do list soon, you won't have to worry about that and say „yeah, I'll do it sometime these days“ but you're just going to kep delaying it. And that way, you won't have to worry if you did it all on time because on some things, you'll probably have a deadline.
Creating a mind map of your new city
I'm going to be honest: I am really bad at navigating through an unknown area (even if I do have directions). If I am with someone, I'll usually let the other person be in charge of finding a street, or getting us somewhere, or deciding which tram we should take. But, of course, I can't rely on other people for stuff like that. So, this year, I was consciously putting more effort regarding this problem (and, as it turns out, it's definately not a problem). Turn on GPS, write the names of streets and just ask people if they know something about that area (sometimes it's the best way!). And always look for some detalis that will catch your eye so you'll remember that part of the town.
Studying
Unfortunately, there is no list of instructions which says you should do „this and that“ to get As on your exams. I wrote a post about what works for me and maybe you'll find something useful there. Different things work for different people and, luckily, there are plenty of tips, advices and ways of studying. The one thing I feel like I have to point out is this: it is important (and hard) to find a balance. Looking back at my first year, I think that I was either extremely stressed or really lazy (and telling myself that I was relaxing, when in fact, I knew what I was doing). You need to find the golden mean. Of course you'll be more stressed during exam week, but it should not be the type of stress that makes you crying, overeating, not eating enough, and basically questioning your whole life. You need to work hard, but not let go of everything else. Finding a new way to study in college will definitely be a „method“ of trial and error, but that's okay. It takes time. Maybe you'll fail a couple of exams, or even a year, but the important thing is to study frequently, ask if you don't understand everything, and have something you're interested in, besides college. Also, make sure that, when it's studying time, you're really concentrated on things you're reading, because otherwise, you'll spend a lot of time doing nothing .
Everything takes time
This is kind of an extension of note I wrote before, about studying. I wrote that finding a good way for that takes time. And everything else also takes time! Finding new friends, or good places to go out, or just being comfortable in this new situation. And that is okay. Just remember to breathe, relax and, most importantly, have fun!
MAJA:
Think twice when choosing a room/flatmate
I know that living with your bestfriend may seem like a dream come true, as you’re already spending basically all your time together, sharing values, ideas and desires... but, please, think twice! I’ve been warned about this as well, but guess I had to experience it on my own skin before I believe it. HOWEVER, if you’re smarter than me you’ll give it some thought, consider your habits vs. habits of the person you are willing to live with and get honest with yourself whether you can handle it long term.
Explore and connect
If you are moving to another town make sure to get out as much as you can - especially in the beginning! Take a map or mobile navigation and EXPLORE. I remember it being so exciting for me, getting lost in tiny streets, finding cool new places, cafés, parks, bookshops...basically, all kind of stuff.
Peoplewise, try to connect with people from other places as well, don’t just stick to those that you knew from before because you may miss a lot. You never know who you can meet if you put yourself out there and open up to new connections and experiences. You can meet amazing people in Uni, sure, but don’t limit yourself - get active, volunteer (I met so many nice people by doing loaaads of volunteering when I first got in Zagreb), enroll in interesting courses - there are really tons of ways to expand your social network.
Exercise!
I KNOW that you’ve already heard this one like million of times and you’re probably gonna skip this part. However, I have to say it because it is crucial. Exercise. Regularly, consistently. You can always find that 30mins in a day and it will give you SO MUCH: clarity, better overall sense of self, productivity, better memory, stronger body etc. etc. When you are stressed up and overwhelmed with the quantity of work you have to do - go for a run! (It doesn’t have to be running, you can do swimming or dancing or whatever your thing is, but you get the point.)
If you’re about to say that you don’t have enough money to go to the gym or enroll into dancing class, than I’ll have to disappoint you. There are always various cheap courses made specifically for students that cost really little, so your excuse isn’t actually valid. Plus, don’t forget the room workouts that you can do anytime! ;)
Listen to yourself
By this I mean that you need to always be aware of your desires and preferences. Parties are great, but if you feel like staying at home watching movies from time to time, just do it. If you prefer classical theatre pieces rather than new action movie, go and do your thing. It is pretty easy to lose touch with your inner self when trying to fit in the society’s idea of student and surprisingly, I see many people doing it. As Lucija said: just breathe, relax, have fun, but remember that this is time of growing and your forming as a person. Stop from time to time to ask yourself: Is this the kind of person I’d like to become?
Think twice when choosing a room/flatmate
I know that living with your bestfriend may seem like a dream come true, as you’re already spending basically all your time together, sharing values, ideas and desires... but, please, think twice! I’ve been warned about this as well, but guess I had to experience it on my own skin before I believe it. HOWEVER, if you’re smarter than me you’ll give it some thought, consider your habits vs. habits of the person you are willing to live with and get honest with yourself whether you can handle it long term.
Explore and connect
If you are moving to another town make sure to get out as much as you can - especially in the beginning! Take a map or mobile navigation and EXPLORE. I remember it being so exciting for me, getting lost in tiny streets, finding cool new places, cafés, parks, bookshops...basically, all kind of stuff.
Peoplewise, try to connect with people from other places as well, don’t just stick to those that you knew from before because you may miss a lot. You never know who you can meet if you put yourself out there and open up to new connections and experiences. You can meet amazing people in Uni, sure, but don’t limit yourself - get active, volunteer (I met so many nice people by doing loaaads of volunteering when I first got in Zagreb), enroll in interesting courses - there are really tons of ways to expand your social network.
Exercise!
I KNOW that you’ve already heard this one like million of times and you’re probably gonna skip this part. However, I have to say it because it is crucial. Exercise. Regularly, consistently. You can always find that 30mins in a day and it will give you SO MUCH: clarity, better overall sense of self, productivity, better memory, stronger body etc. etc. When you are stressed up and overwhelmed with the quantity of work you have to do - go for a run! (It doesn’t have to be running, you can do swimming or dancing or whatever your thing is, but you get the point.)
If you’re about to say that you don’t have enough money to go to the gym or enroll into dancing class, than I’ll have to disappoint you. There are always various cheap courses made specifically for students that cost really little, so your excuse isn’t actually valid. Plus, don’t forget the room workouts that you can do anytime! ;)
Listen to yourself
By this I mean that you need to always be aware of your desires and preferences. Parties are great, but if you feel like staying at home watching movies from time to time, just do it. If you prefer classical theatre pieces rather than new action movie, go and do your thing. It is pretty easy to lose touch with your inner self when trying to fit in the society’s idea of student and surprisingly, I see many people doing it. As Lucija said: just breathe, relax, have fun, but remember that this is time of growing and your forming as a person. Stop from time to time to ask yourself: Is this the kind of person I’d like to become?
Lots of love and successful new academic year!! <3
Lucija & Maja
Lucija & Maja