Canta’s Declassified UC Survival Guide

Source: nedfandom.com

As we welcome ourselves back to the familiar faces and comforting streets of Ilam, there are a fair few freshers who’ve decided to join in on the chaos for their university experience. It’s scary, but don’t worry – you're not supposed to know how to navigate it off the bat. In no time, you’ll be another festivity-fuelled, anxiety-ridden, DnB-bopping UC breather. How exciting!

Uni is often a relentless juggling act managing social events with due dates while maintaining some sense of well-being. It gets overwhelming, but is equally a beautifully chaotic, fun, and sacred snippet of our lives, so we should try our best to make hay while the summer sun still shines.

According to Nickelodeon's king of advice for navigating school, Ned Bigby: “The key to surviving is whether you’re ready or not.” So, I’ve gathered my own Declassified UC Survival Guide, of tips to help you make the most of – and survive – the spiritual journey of gaining your UC education.

Tip #1

Study doesn’t mean sacrificing sleep… socialising… Or self.

I was told as a fresher that university is 50% study and 50% self. Whether it’s wise advice or not, for me it has proven to be true. We all know studying is the purpose of being at UC and it will occupy most of your time. But when you get that degree, you won’t remember the nitty-gritty of mid-sem tests you struggled on or essays you aced. More importantly, you’ll remember the mates you made and the experience of exploring this vibrant phase of your life while you’re able to do so. That is why the ‘50% self’ is just as important. Self can be defined by social life, flat crawls, BYOs, and dusty morning Maccas. As well as quality sleep, exercise, downtime, and hobbies to fill your cup.

It's crucial to prioritise the stuff that will keep you well enough to thrive. Make time for yourself, get your eight hours, eat frozen veg, make a to-do list to feel like you’ve accomplished something, close your laptop on a Saturday, and get outside to do fun stuff that makes you smile.

Tip #2

Get amongst the club scene!

UC is famous for its club culture. It’s a special part of the student lifestyle here. There are far too many to choose from and they cater to everyone’s niche interests. From the academic support ones to social dogs like CUBA or UCASS, to the small but mighty ones like GuacSoc and OpSoc. The club scene is the best way to meet people outside of your fresher friend group you’ve formed in the halls and the school mates you know you should try to branch out from. Clubs are fantastic for meeting people who care about the same things you do. Whether you bond over your favourite dish in CurrySoc or outdoor activities with CUSSC, there'll be a club for you.

Claim back a chunk of those course-related costs and join as many clubs as your heart desires. One will definitely stick so go to their events, it’s worth it!

Tip #3

Make the most of UC’s support.

Although you will get stressed because of uni, it is important to remember that the university wants to help you succeed. UC has developed all kinds of resources to support students and they actually work!

The Academic Skills Centre is your best mate. The lovely, wise workers at the ASC are saints, who answer almost any question you have to do with your writing. Remember, they’re on your side. Chatting to ASC boosts your grades and helps you learn how to write the way your marker will appreciate and reward you for. I wish I could tell my fresher self how different writing is at uni compared to high school; ASC is there to help you navigate this.

Another trick is getting yourself a V-Plate QR code for generous discounts. Try your best to not lose your UC card, because going to the security office and paying for a new one is annoying.

Tip #4

Go to lectures in person.

Online learning is not the same as going to lectures in person. Not only do you feel more productive and good about yourself, but you also avoid getting behind in multiple lectures and becoming overwhelmed as a result.

With lectures it’s as simple as showing up and doing what you’re told, and you’ll be fine. 

Speaking of lectures: another trick is not to be scared to talk to lecturers. Your future self will thank you when you need an extension, and they will be much more lenient if they know you or recognise the effort you're making to ask questions and banter after class. Being able to chat with your exam marker is not a privilege you had in school externals, so harness this.

Tip #5

Find those secret study spots. 

There’s an abundance of spots around campus to snuggle up and grind out some solid assignments, but it seems to be standard to head straight to old mate Puaka-James Hight, also known as the Central Library.

Don't get me wrong, Hight will be there for any after-dinner study sessions – although expect to be distracted by the sunset – and EngCore’s arms are always open for those who love an all-nighter. But in my experience, finding a spot in Hight is a serious form of procrastination. You avoid your to-do list by spending twenty minutes in the elevators trying to secure a spot. That is why EPS, Haere-roa, and Macmillan Brown are worth the extra steps getting there for a change of scenery, some peace and quiet, and a quality study sesh.

Tip #6

Take a break from Ilam. Explore the city for the sake of your sanity!

There’s no doubt Ilam is the hub for hard-working, drink-sinking, late-teen/twenty-somethings. It can be hard to get out of our sacred space. But Christchurch is the gateway to the stunning South.

Just minutes outside of Ilam are endless numbers of green spaces, from Ric Bush and the Botans, to the holy Hagley Park. We have Sumner and Taylor’s Mistake, the hotspot for any CUBA kid, surfer novice, or thrifting feen. And it would be rude to ignore the Port Hills, the go-to hotspot for any sunset picnic, hills hike, or dusty hook-up. Beyond that, within only a few hours’ drive are some of the most spectacular parts of Aotearoa including Castle Hill, Akaroa, Tekapo, Hanmer Springs, and Mt Hutt.

The final tip to survive uni is to escape uni. Sometimes you need to take yourself away to explore this slice of heaven. We are a lucky bunch being able to call Ōtautahi Christchurch our home base during the uni year. It has a lot to offer, and the memories you make will benefit you much more than another stressful Sunday in the library. When you’re drowning in assignments and feel overwhelmed, it’s important to let yourself have a break and explore outside the borders of lovely little Ilam. You’ll be better for it.

So, kia kaha my friends. I hope 2024 will be far too much fun for us all. Let’s survive this together.