University is the most fun you will have in your life.
For those who arrive fresh-faced and eager straight out of high school certain of what they want to do, the advent of suddenly not being so sure can be shocking. Then there are things such as personal matters and illness that can leave deferring as the only option. I had to defer my course in my second year studying journalism due to serious illness. I didn’t think much would change but, boy, was I wrong.
1. You don’t know if there’s a closed Facebook group for students.
There is ALWAYS a private Facebook group but once you’re in third year it’s too late to be invited to the party. This forces you to actually read the course guide and painfully try to work out assignments by yourself.
2. You are sure you have done this assignment before.
Wait a second … didn’t I do this in second year? This is especially the case when, the year you were away, the school changed the entire course and you are left feeling like the star of Groundhog Day 2.
3. The entire course changed.
Watch everybody scramble and the Charlie Foxtrot you have just created for them. Admin explodes, everybody freaks out, teachers bump from person to person. I just want to graduate, OK? I have 24 credit points left. Come on, people!
4. The lecturer honestly hasn’t bought shoes or clothes in, like, five years.
Seriously, not that I mind but I have been here, like, five years and I wish I had shoes that lasted that long. I either lose them or they break. Note to self to purchase shoes that don’t cost $10-$20.
5. David Beesley is still a tech.
Living legend and resident techie. Some say he is part vampire and that’s why he doesn’t age.
6. The techs not only know your name but your shoe size and political affiliation.
If you haven’t hung out with the techs and befriended them you are seriously missing out. Not only are they genuinely nice guys but they have probably taught me more about the equipment than the tutors have.
7. You know registering with the DLU is actually worth the paperwork.
If you need them, the Disability Liaison Unit (DLU) are amazing at making your life so much easier if you have disability or chronic illness. They help communicate with staff for you and assist with getting extensions and exam provisions, so you should make use of them.
8. You can upload a blank file on Blackboard and know that your lecturer will have to come to you for help to fix it. Days of penalty-free extensions.
Back in my day we had to submit hard copies. Now there are e-submissions things got a lot simpler. Don’t tell your lecturer I said this.
9. You have that feeling of the first day of school all over again.
The moment you walk into the first lecture with a new group and you think they are picking you apart with their eyes they really aren’t. Once you get over initial shyness, you realise this group isn’t so bad after all.
10. You would have given anything to graduate with your mates.
This is the sad one! Two years with some amazing people I get to hear about doing wonderful things and couldn’t be prouder. Though I will graduate with some super people I will have pangs of sadness on the day knowing it isn’t with the class of 2014.
