Living on campus: a survival guide
Living on campus is a rite of passage for many university students. While Australia may not have the frat houses or sororities of overseas institutions, university colleges or halls of residence offer similar alternatives. From the social opportunities to the convenient location, life on campus offers a number of great benefits — but it also takes some getting used to. Read on as we list five tips for on-campus living.
Attend events
Social events and parties make up a huge part of college life. These events include everything from formal dinners, college parties and nights out at a local bar to annual balls and weekends away. They provide a great opportunity to get to know everyone at your college and offer a nice break from your studies. You’ll find that the first week back at college (O-week) is particularly busy, as everyone welcomes the new residents and catches up with old friends. Don’t forget to attend university events as well, such as enrolment sessions and campus tours.
Take advantage of services and facilities
Living on campus means you have access to all of the services and facilities available at your university. Need a quiet space to study? Why not head to the library? Need to talk to someone at the university? Well, they’re just a short stroll away. It’s also likely that your accommodation will have services and facilities of its own, such as tutoring or recreational facilities.
Keep on top of your studies
When you’re constantly surrounded by people and have your social calendar planned out for the whole semester, staying on top of your studies and assessment can be a bit of a challenge. It’s important to make time each week for your university work and to keep your attendance up — after all, there’s no excuse for missing class when you live only a short walk away. As an extra incentive, many colleges or halls of residence save the best rooms for the highest academic achievers!
Know when you need some time to yourself
While living in close proximity to your friends has many benefits, it can also be overwhelming at times and it’s only natural that you’ll want some time to yourself every now and then. This could be as simple as keeping your door closed for the night or going for a walk. You could also head to a quiet spot on campus, such as the library or a study lounge, or, if you have friends or family nearby, consider staying with them for a couple of nights.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle when you first move out of home can be really tricky — no matter what accommodation you choose to live in. Students living at college are likely to have all their food provided for them, which can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to keeping a balanced and nutritional diet. While residents benefit from not having to rely on quick, cheap and easy meals, it’s also tempting to eat a lot more or worse than usual — especially with ‘luxury foods’ that you’re not used to having at home or the convenience of having a snack bar around the corner. With a busy social life, it’s also common for college students to drink alcohol on a fairly regular basis. Aim for a healthy balance by integrating exercise into your weekly routine, getting a decent amount of sleep, having an alcohol-free night every once in a while, and eating a well-balanced diet.
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