Exposing the Truth Behind 5 Widespread Misconceptions About University
Every year thousands of young people enrol in universities around the world. They write personal statements, they revise, revise and revise some more before sitting exams that will help them get the grades they need. With all of this preparation comes feelings of excitement and anticipation. There are also plenty of myths about universities – perceptions created by pop culture and previous generations’ experiences. But in this blog post, we’re here to debunk five of the most common university myths, so you can have a better understanding of what university life is really like.
Every Night is a Party – You don’t have to party every night and many don’t!
This myth is probably the most common one associated with university life. While some students might wish this was the case, late nights dancing and drinking are not obligatory. More often than not, students are too busy studying, working and socialising to be slamming shots three nights in a row.
The key is balance. You can work and party, plus universities often have a diverse range of extracurricular activities and societies, ranging from sports, charity work, music, and more, there really is something for everyone to sink their teeth into.
Freshers flu: What you need to know!
As you embark on your university journey and venture away from home, it’s common to encounter new germs and viruses. This can leave your immune system wide open to the infamous freshers flu; a set of cold-like symptoms that can make you feel a bit under the weather.
While healthy choices might not be a top priority as you throw yourself into all the festivities of freshers week, it’s important to look after yourself to avoid the dreaded lurgy. Tap into university services that offer an array of opportunities to protect yourself and promote well-being. For students who live at Exeter University, Verney Street offers an on-site gym as does Portobello Point in Sheffield. Or why not join your university gym or a sports team? Incorporating daily exercise into your routine, and maintaining a balanced diet, will arm you against any whiff of the fresher’s flu.
Another top tip? Make sure to get plenty of fresh air and take walks outside. Fill your lungs while on a march around the block or to your local park and if the sun’s out, recharge your Vitamin D levels.
It might sound simple but don’t forget to wash your hands. Whether you hold onto a rail on the bus or you touch a surface in a communal kitchen, it’s good to get into the habit of giving your hands a quick scrub afterwards.
When sharing a space with new people, it’s important to be considerate of others and avoid germ-spreading. Make sure you shower regularly and keep surfaces at your student accommodation clean, especially the bathroom and kitchen..
Project Student’s accommodations for students are designed to make cleaning and staying sanitary as easy as possible. Every student rental accommodation building features onsite laundry facilities for bedding and clothing and we provide a weekly cleaning of communal areas.
You need to have loads of money to get through university – Living on a Budget: Navigating University without Breaking the Bank
Funding your university career and lifestyle might seem like a daunting and expensive prospect. However, more often than not, help is available in various forms. Students from low-income households have access to financial assistance and student loans are a great option when you need to borrow money. Scholarships are also available for those eligible students who excel in their chosen subjects. While university might pose a financial investment, help is out there if you need support. Many students also choose to work part-time around their studies as a way to help fund their student lifestyles.
Are Your Job Prospects Limited by Your Degree? Think Again! – Your Degree Opens Doors to Diverse Job Opportunities!
Some students believe they can only pursue their chosen career once they’ve earned a degree. Your academic direction doesn’t limit your choices. There are loads of professionals from graphic designers to project managers to strategists, who have educational qualifications outside their field of work. University is a fantastic opportunity to gain transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving and critical thinking that you can apply to all sorts of disciplines regardless of what you choose to study.
You don’t need to study in your first year? – Cultivate good habits and build a solid foundation of knowledge
While it’s usually easier to hit those higher grades in the first year, it’s important to keep in mind that they’re not to be underestimated. Every year at University contributes significantly to your overall success and future opportunities. That’s why it’s important to build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills right from the start. By saying, “You don’t need to study in your first year,” it would be misleading because dedicating time to your studies during this time will ensure you have the foundations you need to progress and will set you up for success in years 2 and 3. Additionally, hitting the ground running in your studies during your first year helps cultivate good habits that will carry you through the rest of your university years.
Conclusion
Graduating from university demonstrates intellectual endeavour, as well as personal and professional growth. Any amount of myths that surround university education can’t damage the benefits that come through pursuing your studies and furthering your knowledge of a subject you love. It’s important to remember that your degree doesn’t necessarily limit your choices concerning your future career. University is a chance to develop valuable skills that apply to life and work. Debunking these five widespread misconceptions about university goes some way to giving you a better understanding of what to expect.
Posted on August 1, 2023