Here’s a reality check: university is hard. Try as you might, no amount of preparation will prepare you for the inevitable stress and anxiety felt once you arrive on campus. As fun as university can be, there will come a time when a tidal wave of responsibility comes crashing down and you’re faced with decisions you don't feel prepared to make. But fear not freshmen to be! For unto you we bestow this freshman first aid kit – a collection of stories to help you climb those hurdles and get back to enjoying your time at Western.
House Hunting Horrors — Nora
Even though I had just moved into Saugeen-Maitland Hall residence in September, I was already looking forward to next year. Specifically, house hunting, — a term many first year's shudder to hear. It seems crazy to start thinking about where to live next year when you have barely even settled into your current living situation, but looking back as someone who has since signed an early lease, all I feel is a sense of relief.
Luckily, I already had a head-start in terms of finding a house thanks to my roommate. Before first year started, her wise older brother advised us that we would need to be on our house hunting game right away. We took his advice and began checking Western’s off-campus housing website nearly every day.
Midterm season started, and during that time, we toured several houses. Despite the stressful period our house tours were very therapeutic, as they provided a nice walk in the warm fall weather, where all we had to focus on was arriving on time to our destination. Some places we liked, some we didn’t, one was rented as we were walking to the viewing, until finally, we found the one. It is important to trust your gut when you decide on your house, as just because a house is “nice,” does not mean that it’s the right fit for you and your group. On that last viewing, we all exchanged knowing smiles; this would be our future home. We signed our lease at the beginning of November.
Some groups signed early, and some are still figuring it out, but it’s paramount to start early! Even if you don’t sign right away, your group can get an idea of what you want your home to look like . I promise that signing, or at least starting the house hunting process early, is both a huge relief and a ton of fun. My group and I have grand plans for our house and are so excited for the memories we will make in the upcoming chapter. Happy hunting!
The Ultimate Academic Comeback – Anusha
Between the chaos of a new friend group, living situation and everything in between, the last thing you need is for your grades to suffer too. As discouraging as it is, heading into university with realistic expectations for your grades is one of the best ways you can prepare yourself for the journey ahead.
I can still remember panicking after my first midterm had been marked. I had received a grade that my high school self couldn’t even imagine in her nightmares, but I have now discovered that your first humbling grade is a rite of passage as a new university student. More importantly, it can become a catalyst for change; that midterm grade prompted me to reevaluate my study habits as my high school methods would no longer suffice. I began to attend office hours religiously, plan out my study sessions and utilize active recall study techniques. With my improved habits, I was able to receive marks that my high-school self would have expected.
University classes are far more self-guided and are dependent on uncovering study habits that work best for you. Your courses will likely be structured differently by including weighty assessments and demanding more effort. It's uncomfortable to accept at first, but your grades hinge on your initiative and willingness to adapt. You are more than capable of discovering what method of learning works best for you and earning a grade you can be proud of.
Although your marks will probably look worse than what you’re used to, it’s important to remember that ‘bad’ mark is not the end of the world. Setting a foundation of strong study habits from the very start and learning to navigate the challenges university presents with tenacity will ensure your academic success. The best part of university is how many opportunities for growth there are as your best is yet to come.
Oh, and one last piece of advice: do not skip lectures. Even that 8:30am.
The Freshman 15 – Rowen
Everyone will warn you about the freshman 15. That supposed 15 pounds you’re going to put on by eating away your stress during exam season. Or maybe you’ve been warned about the 15 pounds of weight you’re going to lose because you skipped lunch in favour of a precious nap. But that’s all wrong — the real freshman 15 is the balance you’ll find on your meal plan before the year is even halfway over.
It’s not real money, right? I mean, when you swipe your student card through the residence cafeteria scanners, you don’t feel the acute economic impacts of your meal nearly as much as you would at a ‘regular’ restaurant. It’s so easy to throw your meal plan at ice cream sundaes and slices of cake, but by the end of your sugar feast, not only will you be breaking out harder than a prepubescent teenager in a candy shop, but you’ll find yourself calling home asking for a top-up on that dear old meal plan of yours.
I know that feeling well. As a varsity swimmer, I consume boatloads of food. We’re talking four or five meals chock full of carbs and protein, all to try and fill the seemingly never-ending void that is my stomach. By the time fall reading week had rolled around, my initial $2,000 meal plan now stood at a meagre $7.90. Hardly enough to sustain an athlete, let alone any human being – at that point, you’re probably better off trying to arrange a trip home so mum and dad can feed you. After all, there are no card scanners to drain that meal plan in the home kitchen.
The meal plan is a trap. It sits in the background, none intrusive and unimportant until suddenly you’re rushing for a refill while buying a coffee to sustain your caffeine addiction before your 8:30am class.
As easy as it is to swipe that student card and call it a day, remember that it’s still real money. You’re not beating the system by keeping the credit card in your pocket. There will come a day when you will also be faced with $15 left to get you through the last week of exams. That’s the real freshman 15.
O-Week: Friend or Foe – Esra
As human beings, it’s in our nature to seek out social connections. Each of us chooses a university with our own personal reasons and goals in mind, but it’s an irrefutable fact that for most of us, one of our top priorities is to make new friends.
I can still recall my first day in residence after moving in. To my misfortune, I fell ill and curled up inside my room for the entire day while my roommates went out to the events and bonded. A sense of impending loneliness fell upon me as I convinced myself that there was only one chance to go out and form friendships, and I’d missed it. SPOILER ALERT: I didn’t miss it and there is no such thing as the “perfect" time. Five months into the year and I couldn’t be happier and more grateful for the friends I’ve made.
Coming into university, you will be told a million different things to mitigate your expectations. The most common being, “everyone you meet in O-Week, you’ll never see again!” Such discouraging words of wisdom, am I right? But contrary to popular belief, that was not the case for me nor for many others.
The reality is every single person’s experiences, paths and timelines are unique. There is no one opportunity you’ve missed that will determine how the next four years of your university career will play out. The beauty of friendship during this time is its spontaneity. The unplanned moments are what lead you to form true connections. One day you could be standing in the cafeteria line complimenting a girl’s Croc jibbitz, and the next, she’s your future roommate for years to come. Slowly or instantly, friendships will form in the ways you least expect them to.
The university experience is a social hub. From your residence halls to enormous lecture rooms, you’re going to meet countless people who you can choose to surround yourself with. So yes, the grandeur of it all is intimidating, but remember – you’re just as nervous as everyone else.
Break out the streamers, balloons and get ready to celebrate – you’ve made it! A whole new life awaits you past the gates on Richmond Street and it’s up to you to make the most of it. Sure, there will be curveballs and speed bumps that will meet you along the way, and chances are that you’ll feel out of place at some point during your stay. But you’ve earned your place, and it’s time to reap the rewards. Just do us all a favour and don’t freak out so much; you’re a lot more capable than you think.
Oh, and one more thing; Give mum and dad a call every so often. They miss you too.