Ever wish you could learn from the mistakes, trial & errors, and wins of a recent graduate? Well, you may just be in luck. 2023 Yak graduates Gemma Hawkins and Sophie Jaggers discuss what they’ve learnt from uni, the dos and don’ts, and what lies ahead. 

What have you learned from uni? 

Gemma: The most important thing I’ve learned while at university is self-motivation and being proactive. Blah blah blah, right? But seriously, you miss 100% of the chances you don’t take. So, raise your hand in class, join a club, and take as long as you need.

Sophie: It’s a cliche for a reason – but your university experience is truly what you make of it. There are a lot of opportunities outside of your scheduled classes at uni. Getting involved, attending your classes and being open to opportunities make a massive difference in your enjoyment and value of uni. Take advantage of the opportunities and benefits at your disposal (I know I’m really going to miss those student discounts). Without sounding too old, it’s a rare stage in life that you get to study an area that interests you alongside a cohort of like-minded peers. Make the most of it while you can! 

The dos and don’ts  

Do: 

Turn up to class: Even if you haven’t done the reading and attendance is not mandatory, there are so many benefits of showing up each week. From getting to know your tutors and interacting with your peers, to gaining a better understanding of key course material, you really get your money’s worth by attending your classes. G 

Join a club: We may be biased, but you’re missing out on the full uni experience if you don’t join a club. Student clubs are a fantastic way to be a part of a community, gain experience relevant to your degree and meet other students! S 

Give yourself a break: Plan something fun each week or in the breaks, give yourself something to look forward to when in your darkest moments. This can be a catch-up with friends, a walk in the park or a new recipe. G 

Take advantage of university resources: There are so many student supports that exist to help you, like Academic Learning Support, Accessibility, the Careers Service and UNSA (have you checked out the Guilds?) Use them! G

Learn from your assessments: For most of my uni experience, I was preoccupied with getting assessments in on time and getting a decent mark. However, assessments are designed to, you know, actually further your learning. As tricky as it can be with competing deadlines, I found assessments far more enjoyable when I focused on the activity’s value, rather than just aiming to submit something on time (which is also important!). S

Look into opportunities: It wasn’t until my last two years of uni that I fully realised just how many opportunities and experiences you have available to you as a student at UON (this sounds hyper sponcon but is 100% genuine!). Look into overseas experiences and scholarships, extra-curricular programs, and free services provided by the uni or even explore one of the bushwalking trails we have on campus (check out the Don Morris walk – a second-year discovery). S

Find out what works for you: University life and study is not as straightforward and intuitive as I first thought it would be. You go to class, submit your assessments on time and try and balance a social life, right? However, after four years at UON you realise that everyone has a different way of doing things. Finding your groove and a schedule that works best for you is perhaps the most beneficial thing you can do to help your study. S 

Don’t:  

Skip orientation: Who doesn’t want a free sausage sizzle and pen with the University of Newcastle logo on it? G

Forget to put assignment dates in your calendar: Often students are juggling multiple courses on top of work, family and maintaining personal well-being. Do yourself a favour and put your assignments in your calendar, it’s so much easier to stay on top of things when you have a visual overview of when things are due. G 

Don’t be afraid to change your mind: Lots of people change their degree halfway through or decide they need a break from university. Take the time you need to find the best path for you and use university support resources! G 

Assume you have to do it alone: There are so many support services available to you at uni, whether you need academic support, career advice, or counselling services, you don’t have to do it alone if you’re struggling. S 

Be a stranger to your classmates: As a confessed introvert this one took a while, but getting to know my classmates, especially in the final years of my degree made my uni experience a lot more enjoyable! There’s nothing like some comradery to motivate you to come to class and get to know students who have the same interests as you. S 

Neglect your health: Again, it’s a cliche for a reason but we’ve all been there – you’ve got four assessments due this week and no time to cook anything other than 2-minute noodles let alone exercise. But prioritising breaks and looking after yourself during busy periods is essential to performing your best and maintaining balance. S 

What lies ahead?  

The end of your degree comes with unique pressures from all sides. Your tutors, peers, and everyone at Christmas lunch will be asking what lies ahead. Everyone has a different journey, whether it’s further study, travel or a schmick grad program, there’s no right or wrong way, and plenty of time to discover what path is right for you. 

Shape your university experience to suit YOUR needs, not the other way around. Get out of your comfort zone, engage with your surroundings, ask questions and, most importantly, have fun!  

Feature Image by Yak Media, images provided by Sophie Jaggers and Gemma Hawkins