4. Priorities
I overheard how some students were planning their timetable and how a lot of their precious time would be dedicated to their books. Kudos, you are one among many who have made his pledge. What actually matters is how you maintain the momentum. Setting your priorities gives you a sense of direction; a plan of where you are and where you want to be, academically speaking. What most students forget though is the ‘how’ of achieving this plan. Others have a different plan altogether. Live first study later, which not such a bad plan considering the first two years is crowded with common units. They later delve deep into their studies in their last two years. Having a plan gives a you a sense of purpose seeing as typical students’ priorities are money, girls/boys, partying, booze and books in that order.
5. Getting involved
Getting to crisis phase is quite frustrating considering the difficulties that come with one’s mere existence in campus. The phase invokes feelings of ‘this place is not so awesome’ from school mates. You will feel closer home spending time with friends who are in the same position. Cooping yourself up in your room increases depression. Go join a club, go to the chapel and get involved in activities you like, you will be surprised at what you get.
Tip: hanging out with friends from the same place, bitching about how everyone in campus is out to get you doesn’t help. Instead, get a friend from your campus who will enlighten you on the strange ways of the land, getting a better understanding of the environment. Keep a journal, of your experiences its… like therapy.
An open mind, flexibility, curiosity, tolerance and a non-judgmental attitude come highly recommended to help you through culture shock, try it and see.
See also: The ultimate guide to surviving your first year of campus (Infographic)
musembi
June 16, 2013 at 2:31 pm
great article indeed!
Evalyne Awuor
June 17, 2013 at 2:13 pm
thanks musembi