High School Vs. University Part 3.

The last thing I want to talk about on this topic is the University lifestyle. It is probably the greatest difference between high school and university that you will discover. If you're heading to university straight out of high school then you're probably turning 18 that year, which brings you even more freedom than what you had back in school. I didn't turn 18 until November of my first year, which was a little annoying, but the only thing I was restricted from was the tavern.

Ahh the tavern... it is the single most greatest thing about your new university experience. The ability to drink at school. It is the ultimate hangout between classes, way better than the school cafeteria. Then again, speaking of cafeterias Murdoch's is pretty darn awesome. Back at school I didn't get to choose between Chinese, kebabs, muffins, or chips and gravy every day. There's also several shops on campus that are sure to please. I'm a bit of a stationery fiend so I got a little over excited when I discovered the book shop on campus stocks an awesome variety of stationery. There's also a second hand book store which stocks packets of lollies and a ton of other every day needs. You'll even find a travel agency on campus, yeah not weird at all actually it makes a lot of sense. A lot of students choose to travel between semesters, and at Murdoch they have the luxury of planning their escape during study time.

There's also the many different people you will meet. They will come from different countries, different backgrounds, different suburbs (I live in Mandurah and having friends from Perth is a big deal), and different age groups. Never underestimate mature age students, you will learn a lot from them. Meeting international students is also a ton of fun. You'll learn about their cultures and what they're countries are like, you might even make a friend for life!

So to wrap things up, yes university is completely different to high school. But you shouldn't be scared, the best thing to do is embrace the change! I have enjoyed my last 2 years at university more than I enjoyed my 2 years of senior high school. It's an awesome experience that keeps on giving.

Jess.

High School Vs. University Part 2.

One of the greatest things I learnt before going to university was that I didn't need to study TEE. If you don't think you can handle the pressure of TEE studies then talk to someone at your school and ask them what your alternatives are. I think it all depends on what you want to study when you reach university, as some courses may require you to do TEE. These no harm in asking, though. Instead of studying TEE in year 12 I compiled a portfolio of references, my proudest work, and a cover letter explaining why I wanted to study media.

One thing teachers tried to scare me with as well was the fact that students who studied TEE would be more prepared for a university workload. I think that this comes down to the individual. I used to cruise along in high school with a few B's here and there and a heck of a lot of C's. At university I'm achieving higher grades than I ever did at school with several D's (Distinctions, equivalent to a B) and a couple of HD's (High Distinctions, these are equivalent to an A). I've also heard several stories of students who studied TEE dropping out of university because the pressure was too much. So don't worry if you think the workload is going to be too much to handle, and try not to listen to teachers scare tactics too much. A lot of the time they don't even relate to you, and you'll do a lot better than you might think.

So don't get too bummed if your not performing exceptionally well in school, I never did and I continue to surprise myself at University.

Jess.

Oh, and one more reason why university rocks. You get to do cool things like this in your break and no one cares:

High School Vs. University Part 1.

The other day a couple of my brothers friends came over on their lunch break from school to hang out. They ended up sitting with me asking questions about university. One of the girls is interested in studying the same thing as me, which is pretty cool. The main thing they were concerned about is how different university is going to be, so I thought I would do a mini-series on this topic. One of the biggest things I noticed when I got to university was, that no matter how hard school will try to prepare you for the experience university offers, you will still find it incredibly different.

They both attend the same high school as I did, so I understand what the time tables are like. When I was there we used to have classes to 5 o'clock on Mondays and Tuesdays, we would also have free periods. The reason for the late classes and free time is to prepare students for what classes at university will be like. I've only ever had one class that finished late in the day. Next semester I don't have a class that starts before 11am and they all finish before 3pm. So just remember that your uni timetable will still be quite flexible and its not as daunting as your teachers might make it out to be. I know mine used to scare our class all the time!

If you have any questions about the difference between school and university, let me know :)

Jess.

7 Hours without the internet.

It’s true how they say “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone”. I rushed home from work today eager to jump on-line to check my e-mails, and of course facebook. But there was just one little problem... the internet wasn’t working. The internet had been down for most of the day, and we couldn’t access it at work either. I must admit I was a little shocked; turns out I rely pretty heavily on the internet these days. I don’t even spend that much time on the computer, now that I’m on uni holidays. But the afternoon is the time of day I like to check my e-mail and facebook updates, you know... before MasterChef starts at 7:30. When I think about it there is a million other things I could be doing right now, it’s not like we’ve lost power. This would be the perfect time to finish that first book from the twilight series that I’ve spent the last 6 months trying to get through, yes it really is that painful. I could spend some time with the numerous game consoles we have in the house playing Mario Kart (Wii), Guitar Hero (Nintendo DS), Whirly Word (iPod touch), or the Sims (PC). I could even learn a new song on the keyboard or guitar, maybe even bake something. But instead I’m sitting at my computer writing a blog post, a digital journal entry that will later need to be posted on-line.

Murdoch now offering Mid year enrolments!

In the spirit of Murdoch offering mid year enrolments I've been asked to write about the topics that some people find daunting about university. A couple of weeks ago I wrote about student budgets and how tough they can be. I can't believe its been that long since I last wrote a blog! Lets just say that things have been pretty hectic lately. So I think now is a good time to describe how time consuming a University degree can be.
I have always had a job while I've been at uni, except for a couple of months last year. The strange thing about this was that I received better grades in the first semester while I was working, than I did in the second semester when I wasn't. I think I became so used to juggling two commitments at once, that when one went I away I became a little lost. This past semester has been my busiest in 2 and a half years. I was studying two units on campus, one off campus as a work placement unit (intern-ship at Sunset Events), a casual job at Michael Hill, managing this blog, and starting a website for the youth of Mandurah. Even I'm a little amazed at how I juggled these things.

Attending university can be a bit of a time-eater, but it should't mean you need to miss out on a social life or work. As I mentioned in my last blog having a job will help you to cover the costs of your daily life on campus (There's nothing worse than craving caffeine and being broke!). It probably isn't ideal to work full time and study full time, if you do this please leave me a comment telling me how the heck you manage that. (Seriously!) My best friend works part-time and studies full time. She seems to handle these two well. I have a casual job, so some weeks I only work 2 days. I think its the ideal set up as I can attend uni on campus, work a couple of days, and still have a day for study. Some weeks I don't always want to spend my day off studying so instead of hanging out with friends in between classes I'll go to the library and catch up on readings.

At Murdoch you can study full time, part time or externally. If you have a bunch of commitments that prevent you from studying on campus then external studies is a fantastic option. For more information on flexible learning options check out the Murdoch website here: http://www.murdoch.edu.au/Future-students/Domestic-students/Deciding-what-to-study/Flexible-learning-options/

A university degree will always be daunting at first, and I must admit there are times during the semester when I get a little freaked out. But the experience is worth it. On campus life is so rewarding as is meeting like minded people studying the same thing as you. So if you can, give studying on campus a go!

Jess.

Students + Money = Tough Times.

This is probably a topic I would love a lecture about, actually make that a unit. (There really should be units providing guides on "How to Survive at Uni") I'm probably the last person in the world who should be giving financial advice. For example, Currently I just received a very small pay check for last weeks work, I have been given no work shifts this week, and I will not be paid for next weeks work until the week after. So it is safe to say that by then my funds would have well and truly dried up. Do I do anything differently? No. Today, as usual, I went to the ANZ ATM and took out $20 for lunch. I won't spend that $20 solely on food, but it's no longer in the bank... it's in my wallet. The last place money wants to be is in my wallet, because it won't stay there long.
For the benefit of you ,and myself, I've knocked up a list of the things we could do during our daily routine at University to save a bit of cash. (Also, my mums a financial advisor so I may of received a little help...)

• Pack lunch - I cannot stress to you enough how much money you will save by bringing lunch. I usually pack my lunch for the first half of the semester and succumb to buying lunch in the second half. Do not give into temptation!
• Use a pencil case - Pencil Case's ensure that our pens and pencils have a home. When we are finished with our pens and pencils, they return to their home. If they don't go home, they are lost... forever. Think now of all the pens you've 'misplaced' in the past year. Yeah, and how many have you bought? That's what I thought. We're more likely to lose a pen than use it until it runs out of ink. Therefore, buying a pencil case is good for the economy. (Well, you're economy at least).
• Use Public Transport - It's good for your wallet and the environment! Plus, Murdoch is so close to the train station it's not funny. Seriously. On that note, if you don't have a smartrider - get one! We're entitled to student fees and sometimes I even score a free day! I have no idea how it works, I just know its worth it.
• Don't carry lose change - Keep it in a piggy bank. It's way too easy to walk past the vending machine and buy that block of handsome looking chocolate... so delicately wrapped by cadbury... just begging to be eaten... No!
• Get a job - You may hate the idea, and it's a little bit of extra stress on top of study, but its well worth eliminating the stress that will come with being broke.
• If you live out of home, shop wisely - This one's from mum. She recommends buying the specials and all those '2 for 1' deals. She also thinks you should 'make a budget and stick to it' - like that will ever happen, but you can at least try =]

While I was writing this my friend just came back from the printer in the library. "Jess! Someones fallen asleep". I asked her to take a photo for my blog - she said that would be weird. I agree. But as you can see, the semester has definitely taken its toll.

On that note, I best get back to study! Good luck with exams!

New Timetable webpage.

Huzzah!

Murdoch are indeed brilliant - and I think sometimes they can read our minds.

Check out their latest invention which helps compile a timetable for all your units. I don't know about you, but every semester I always plan to make a coloured time table so I always remember my class times. It never happens, but now! I might just have a fancy timetable =]

http://timetables.murdoch.edu.au/teaching/