Debunking University Myths

I get it. Going into university is a very exciting time, but it can also be scary. You have a bunch of people giving you advice, trying to help, and you don’t know what to expect. I was told a lot of things by teachers, older students and parents about university that when I actually started school ended up being completely false. First rule: everyone's university experience will be different, so go into the school being yourself and everything will work out.

I’ve written five university myths that I’ve debunked, and I hope you keep them in mind when starting school!

FALSE! This is one of the biggest myths I hear often, and I know that the majority of my friends were worried about it when starting school. Making friends in university is one of the easiest things to do as there are so many opportunities. Talk to the person next to you in class, ask someone a question, plan study groups and do homework with classmates, join student clubs, sports teams and/or go to events planned by the university. There are so many different ways to meet people, and you will spend the next four years meeting new people all the time. This should be the least of your worries as it will happen naturally, and you’ll look back and laugh at how worried you were before.

Partially False. While there is an obvious difference between high school and university, the jump wasn't as drastic as I remember my high school teachers saying it would be. At the end of the day, the work given at university is manageable and interesting as it's related to the program you picked. The biggest difference would be the independence students now have. No one is tracking you down to get your work done and meet deadlines. It will now be your responsibility to stay on top of school and actively know what's going on, get help and clarification if you need it and meet deadlines. There’s a lot more freedom in university, and from my personal experience and what I hear from others, it’s great! You have a lot more control over when you do your work and how you do it. There’s added responsibility in university, but it’s nothing to be worried about. You just have to stay on top of your work and have self-discipline and time management skills.

False. Like I mentioned before, once you’re in university, you’re an adult, and professors treat you like one. In my experience, my professors have been super understanding and engaging in class. I remember in high school we were told that professors just speak for three hours and leave but personally, all my classes have included professors who lecture but also encourage participation. Professors love when you're engaging in their class and ask questions. My biggest tip is to visit during office hours and chat with your professors if you need help, clarification or just a better understanding of the class. I’ve had some insightful conversations with professors, and they've all been super supportive, engaging and encouraging.

Partially False! Okay, there's this huge pressure on students to “find themselves” in university. We’re taught this while growing up and are expected to graduate university fully knowing who we are. Yea no, that doesn't happen. You will spend the rest of your life discovering who you are, and that's fine! That’s the beauty of life. Yes, you will spend time at university learning a lot about yourself. It’s a time to make mistakes, take risks and step out of your comfort zone. You will learn a lot about who you are, what you like and the things you hate. That doesn't mean you’ll “discover yourself” but rather learn a lot more about who you are as a person. You have your whole life ahead of you to “discover yourself”. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, be open to making mistakes, enjoy every part of the experience and try to make the most of it!

FALSE! While the degree that you choose will lead you on the path of where your interests are, you have your full undergrad and even afterwards to discover exactly what you want to do. I promise you, you will change your mind a million times. The classes you take and the experiences you gain will shape who you are and the path you’ll take. Don’t rush things and don’t stress about them. Many people end up graduating with a wide list of careers as interests. Spend your undergrad trying out classes in areas you like, do an internship and learn about all the paths you can take. Again, university is all about you and learning about yourself. Take the classes you enjoy, discover your passions and interests and see where you fit best.

I hope I helped debunk these five common university myths (Mythbusters, step aside, you have a new member!). The common theme in all of them is to enjoy university, try to make the most of it and come in with an open mind. These next years are going to be filled with experiences and you have the power to make them whatever you want them to be! Go out there and crush it!

XOXO - Eva Oseen