Stages of Uni life

University, apart from the obvious getting a degree part, is also a time for you to meet new people, gain new experiences and maybe sometimes do something stupid. Because if you won’t do it now, then when? Not when you have a 9 to 5 job. 

We all hate to feel like we are missing out on some exciting events; however, in order not to get both kinds of FOMO, both academic and social, you need to find BALANCE.  So in this article, I have gathered some of my favourite tips on staying organised and not getting burned out. 

First of all, I have recognised three very different stages of the uni experience. That being the three different years. 

Stage 1 aka Year 1

In Year one, everything is new: the surroundings, way of doing things, being on your own, and of course the many new people. At this point (in my opinion), it is ok to prioritise your social life. For many courses, Year 1 does not count towards the final grade, so it is advised to take risks, try new things and do something a bit dumb once or twice. However, it would be best not to forget that the main reason for going to University is its academic aspect. Therefore you should also spend some time studying. The first thing I would do is look at your timetable and write your social life around it. Find the time for study dates in the library and the numerous nights out. Also, you should squeeze in time for your hobbies or maybe a part-time job?

Basically, you can take things less serious. 

Stage 2 aka Year 2

Here things are getting a bit more serious. The routine you have created in year one should switch its focus towards the academic aspect of your life. The nights out won’t be as frequent, but don’t worry, they will now be replaced by the more fun house parties with the friends you have made in year one. During this stage, it is also ok to say no to going out. You are more than welcome to stay in or have a movie night with your housemates. Don’t feel pressured to say yes, if you know that you won’t be able to commit, it is better to say so from the start than adding the later stress of coming up with an excuse. 

Stage 3 aka Year 3

As I still haven’t experienced Year three, I cannot speak from experience. Therefore I will tell you my plans for my final year at Warwick. Sadly my social life will have to hide behind the shadows of my academic life. Kind of like now, I will spend most of my time in the library, but I will probably stay there a bit longer than I do currently. However, I do not plan on not going out at all; it will be just less frequent. In my opinion, to thrive academically, one needs to create a balance for also having fun. Because without giving yourself the time to think about something else, you won’t be able to focus on your studies. I strongly believe that the friendships I have made in year one that stayed with me in year two will help me get by in my final year.