The uni experience is more than just classes and coffee. There are so many ways to make the most of your time at university, and a lot of them don’t even take a lot of effort.
But by saying yes to every opportunity you’re given, and making use of every experience available, you’ll be on track to make your time at uni some of the most memorable years of your life. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Join clubs and societies
Joining a club is the easiest way to inject yourself into the uni culture that everyone idealises in their head. Whether it’s group study sessions, campus concerts, or coffee catch-ups to kill an hour or two in between classes – being part of a club can make these things happen. If you head to O-Week, you’ll be able to check out every single club and society that you can join at UTS. If you can't make it to O'Week, you can check out and join clubs on the ActivateUTS website. From programmers to mountaineers, there’s a club for your interests where you can meet like-minded people.
Use the resources and facilities
Unis have some of the best facilities going round. Whether you’re getting your science on at UTS’ one-of-a-kind Super Lab, recording music in the Sound Gallery, or taking a nap in a sleeping pod, you might as well make use of the facilities you have access to! Other resources like tutoring, mentoring and workshops are all super worthwhile. There’s so much valuable information you’ll be missing out on if you skip out on the free learning resources you have access to.
Engage in your classes
While uni culture is super fun in itself, don’t forget the reason you’re there in the first place. If you’re always sitting at the back of the classroom and not paying attention in your tutorials, you’re not going to get much out of your experience at uni. You have dedicated time with expert tutors, sharing the knowledge they’ve picked up from years in the industry you’re trying to enter – so make the most of it! Participating in classes can be pretty daunting at first, but engage in your class as much as you feel comfortable with, and you’ll find it gets a lot easier over time. Plus, if you pay attention to your tutor and they see that you’re making an effort to learn, there’s every chance they’ll be willing to give you a recommendation for jobs in the future.
Play sports
Having a guaranteed means of exercise each week while you’re studying is a must if you want to have the best possible experience at uni. Breaking up the study with a sport you love is the perfect way to clear your mind and keep your brain fresh and ready to absorb all that important info you’ll need for exams. While you’re at it, you’ll also be meeting a bunch of new people without the awkward ice breakers that everyone dreads at the start of each semester. You can join one of the many competitive UTS teams competing at a high level, or play Futsal, Basketball or Netball in one of the social sport teams organised by Activate. Or, if you prefer to exercise on your own, you’ll also have gym access at a discounted rate if you study at UTS.
Be open to exchange
Going on exchange at uni is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. You get to experience a whole new culture in a way you wouldn’t have the chance to as a tourist. Plus, you get to travel while you knock a semester off your degree. It’s honestly a win in every way possible. So check out the UTS exchange program, and if you have the opportunity, take advantage of it!
Turning up to your classes and passing assignments will get you your degree, but if you want to have a memorable experience at university, taking part in extracurricular activities and making the most of every opportunity is a must. So join some clubs, explore all the facilities/resources UTS has to offer, and don’t say no when a new experience presents itself to you. You will likely only go to uni once, so make it count!