At the end of first year, a graduating friend told me, “take advantage of all the opportunities offered in university and have no regrets because you’ll graduate before you know it.” Instead of simply regurgitating this advice, I’ll go one step further and tell you what opportunities you have, and how to take advantage of them.
Academics
When you reach a period of two or three tests in a few days, always get a sick note from a doctor. That way you can concentrate on doing well in one test, and write the makeup for the other test later on. Come down with something that has few visible symptoms; I like headaches and insomnia. They make it “hard to concentrate.” I can’t recommend any clinics, but you’ll always find a good doctor downtown. Think of this as resourcefulness-a skill employers love. If you still don’t fancy the idea, remember that everyone is sick all the time, at least to some degree. The degree limiting your coherent ability to write a test is very subjective.
There are high minimum CGPA requirements for entrance into undergrad and post-grad programs (3.0 is usually a minimum cut off), so work hard. If that fails then drop classes with poor marks. Even if you’re going to barely pass, the poor mark has a dreadfully depreciating effect on your CGPA. It hurts to lose the cash and the time invested but the benefits far outweigh the costs. You can always make that money back but you can’t delete a poor mark from your CGPA. Having better marks also increases the likelihood of obtaining scholarships-compensation for your lost pesos.
As for studying; the best way to get ready for a test would be to read the text, read the notes, and do the practice questions. You’ll probably procrastinate, so let’s be realistic. The best way to spend cram time is to do practice questions and old tests. If not handed out in class, the U of T website has links to old exams, and the student groups affiliated with your course will have a library of old tests.
Finally, attend your lectures. Hangovers and laziness cause you to miss valuable pieces of information usually announced in class like test time changes. As well, classes, especially tutorials, are a great way to meet people.
Social
The best way to get over our anti-social campus is to get involved. Joining something has huge benefits in the way of networking and resume fluffing. Make friends here. Most of these people will achieve some element of success.
Volunteer experience in leadership positions is an excellent way to showcase your potential to any good employer. Make your mistakes in these organizations and learn from them because in the real world you’ll get fired.
Even if you don’t join a club, join their mailing lists. Every day, somewhere on campus an organization is having an event with free food and an open bar. Find them!
There’s also money out there waiting for you to enhance your academic and social opportunities. I’ve received thousands of dollars through scholarships and grants, and I’m not an “A” student. Visit the Office of Awards and Admissions to see a huge collection of applications from various external organizations. I even received a grant to conduct a research project in Mexico for my SOC200 class. That was a sweet Christmas vacation.
Aside from post-grad programs, extracurricular activities are far more important than marks. You’re paying several thousand dollars to come here so make sure that at the end of the day you don’t leave with just a diploma. Think about what you can do in a playground this size. Now I’m graduating, and the most important piece of advice I have learned here is to take advantage of all opportunities presented, because if you don’t, you’ll regret it.
Best of luck U of T!
