By Tayiba Ahmed
Every year millions of students all over the world, transition from being high-school students to becoming a university students. The change, although exciting, can be intimidating for some. Becoming a university student is the first step into entering adulthood, where you get an idea of what is expected of you as an adult, and how to faces challenges that might be new to you.
Here at American University of Sharjah (AUS), we are excited and look forward to welcoming all new students who will be joining this prestigious university this Fall. We know that for you too, adjusting to this new phase in life can be a bit difficult one, so here are a few things you can do that might make it easier for you to adjust into university life:
- Familiarize yourself with your university
The best thing to do when in a new environment is to explore it. Do not assume that you can take it easy in the first semester; if you want to do well, you need to start early. Familiarize yourself with the different aspects of the university. Try to get an idea of what your professors are like and what they expect of their students. Also get an idea about the different clubs and organizations on campus; it will give you a chance to know what activities you would like to be a part of in the future. Befriending peers senior to you would be of great advantage too, since they can give you a better idea of what to expect.
- Do not be afraid to approach new people
It can also be intimidating when you find yourself surrounded by people you don’t know, and that might belong to different cultures and backgrounds. However, remember that no matter how confident they seem, most of the people in your classes are going through the same experience as you. So do not be afraid to approach people and make friends. Moreover, if you attend some of the club events, there’s a higher probability for you to meet like-minded people which might make it easier for you to make new friends.
- If you’re having troubles, approach your professors and advisor
If you feel like you need help in your courses, you can always approach your professors. Do not be afraid to ask questions; it’s part of the learning process. Also, each student at AUS is assigned an advisor. If you feel like you’re having too many difficulties in your courses and nothing seems to be helping, you can approach your advisor. Let them know what difficulties you’re having and they might be able to help you out. Remember that there’s no harm in asking for help when you need it.
The university also have some other avenues to help you with your academic development. There is the Academic Support Center, Writing Center, Math Learning Center and other Student Support services.
- Organize a routine
It is important to figure out what routine works best for you, and sticking to it. Although you will feel a sense of freedom, it is important to know how to manage time and not get carried away. University life requires individuals to be well organized and make best use of their time. Think about how much time you need to spend on academic work and organize your routine accordingly. AUS Academic Support Center also offers students workshops on time-management that you can attend if you’re having trouble with balancing academics with your leisure time.
- Expect it to be different from school
A common mistake new students make is that they underestimate the amount of effort that is required of them to put into their academics. Most students are not used to the amount of pressure and workload that exists at university level. They mistakenly assume that like high-school they’re going to be spoon-fed and that they can relax the first few semesters. In reality, university life is just a small glimpse of what life, as an adult, would likely be. In university, students are expected to be able to work in a dynamic environment and quickly learn and adapt to the new environment. Unlike school, there’s no room to fall back at university.
- Don’t stress
Although you need to work hard from the start itself, it does not mean that you have to stress yourself out. If you continue having trouble your first year at university, remember that there are others facing similar challenges, and that there are several things you can do to improve. You can attend the different workshops offered by the Academic Support Center. Apart from asking your professors for additional assistance, you can also make use of the other centers at AUS that are there to aid students who require help; these include the Math Learning Center and the Writing Center. It is also important that you take time to relax and destress yourself. You can make you of the AUS Sports Complex and the facilities it offers in your free time, to get your mind off things.
- Get you free copy of the First Year Experience eBook
To help new students transition smoothly into university life, American University of Sharjah has a free eBook on How To Survive Your First Year At An American University In The MENA Region. This book is an excellent tool to guide you through your first year at AUS or any other American styled university in the region. So download your free copy, read it well and apply the guidance provided in the book.
Tayiba Ahmed is a student at American University of Sharjah.
Visit www.aus.edu for more information about American University of Sharjah
