A Freshman’s Guide to Common Myths About University Life - What to Know

June 29, 2019

Although being a freshman may sound tough, it’s still an exciting and fun experience at the beginning of your university life. After the getting-used-to period, it becomes easier for students to navigate through the different ins and outs of the campus.

During that time, however, students may hear about common myths that are passed from the senior students to the newer ones. With that in mind, you may be wondering, are there truths in these myths?

To help you plan and prepare for what lies ahead, here is a freshman’s guide to four common myths that may or may not hold some truth. Keep on reading to find out more.

Myth #1: “It’s all right to have an average grade.”

Many students want to believe that it’s normal to have an average mark on their subjects. They prefer to reach for passing grades, instead of acquiring the best grade that they can achieve. As pressure and difficulty starts to become more apparent on students, they find the reassurance that it’s all right to have mediocre grades, as long as they pass the subject.

Instead of thinking that “average is enough,” learn to take advantage of good grades to help you propel faster and further in your educational careers. Know that excellent grades will provide you with better access to scholarships or study opportunities, such as foreign exchange opportunities or postgraduate grants.

Myth #2: “Teachers don’t teach during the first day.”

One common mistake of fresh students is that they skip the first day of lectures because they think that teachers don’t usually teach during the first day. This, however, is not the case since there are many important things that happen.

Contrary to what many students may think, the first days are not always for nothing. In fact, it’s the time where the teacher discusses the most important points of the subject, such as their grading system and their syllabus. By knowing what the teachers expect from you, these details are the keys to staying on track and making the most out of your assignments to achieve better grades.

Myth #3: “Being a university student means constantly struggling financially.”

There are many ways to enjoy student life without struggling financially. Although it may be true that there are many expenses to worry about as a student, you should see these struggles as an opportunity to earn instead of an excuse to slack off.

Use your educational status to find part-time work related to your courses, such as being a research assistant or an intern. Several government agencies or non-government institutions even offer special programs that give allowances for students. It’s only a matter of finding the right resources to start earning a few bucks even before graduating from the university.

Myth #4: “Projects are better done with the pressure of cramming.”

The pressure you face at times is good, but it must be a positive type of pressure, not the toxic ones. Many students have a preconception that they can finish projects quicker and better with the pressure of cramming in the last minute. However, cramming should be avoided at all costs because it can actually be counter-productive. In fact, it’s best to start with a project ahead of time––two to three weeks when working on a long paper.

Final words

By following the right advice to keep track of your studies, you can have the upper hand in maintaining good grades for better self-improvement. If you need further assistance and information about what to expect in university life, find a dedicated service team that offers excellent resources and a great learning environment.

If you’re looking for mentors to help you prepare for university in Australia, get in touch with Young Growth Academy in Perinth to see how we can help.