Getting the most out of your student years

Getting the most out of your student years

If you think that being a student is all about hitting the books, take comfort in knowing that this is far from the truth! While there will definitely be times when you need to wave goodbye to your social life, your student experience is much more than essays and exams. And although it won't always seem like it, your days as a student will go very quickly' even too quickly, some might say. So how do you make sure you get the most out of your studies before you graduate?

1. Set yourself some goals

While this probably isn't the most fun you'll have as a student, what better way to get motivated before classes start than by making a few (realistic) goals? It might be as simple as vowing to improve on your results from the previous semester or to try every eatery on campus with your friends. If you don't have specific goals in mind, start with the basics. Being on time to class and taking note of exam and assignment due dates are both great examples.

2. Avoid doing the bare minimum

Being a student isn't just about showing up to compulsory classes or making an appearance in tutorials every couple of weeks. Try to attend all your classes (no matter how early in the morning they are scheduled), keep up with the workload (including course readings before each class) and don???t leave assignments or exam study until the very last day. If you need to miss a class or don't think you can meet an assessment deadline, it's best to have chat to your lecturer or tutor so that they can provide assistance, but remember to do this ahead of time, not within hours of a due date or compulsory class.

3. Choose subjects that interest you

The beauty of post-school education is that you choose what you study and have a say in the types of subjects you take (depending on your course structure, of course). The best tip is to choose subjects that interest you and to avoid making your choices based on your other circumstances (your desire for a bludge subject or a Monday morning sleep-in, for instance). Look for subjects that challenge you or allow you to further develop an area of interest, and don't be afraid to explore those outside of your immediate faculty. Why not take on a philosophy elective as part of a science course, a music class to break up your law degree or add a language elective to a business degree?

4. Get involved on campus

Graduating students often regret not getting involved on campus. While this doesn't mean you have to set up your own club or chair a society, you might want to consider submitting an article to the university magazine, volunteering to show new students around campus during O-Week, signing up to help organise the faculty ball (or at least buying a ticket) or perhaps joining a student society or sports team. There's more to student life than sitting in lectures, so look for opportunities to get involved from day one.

5. Take advantage of work experience programs

Many of the skills you'll need once you graduate aren't taught in a lecture theatre, which is why many students seek out work experience while they are still studying. Not only does this look great on your resume and help you make industry contacts, but it can also give you a better idea of the type of work you want (or don't want) to do. If your course doesn't include a work-based program, have a chat to your course coordinator or the career service on campus for assistance. They will be able to point you in the right direction, and may even be able to put you in touch with industry contacts that are willing to take on a student placement.

6. Consider a study abroad or student exchange program

What better time to experience the world than as a carefree student?Most institutions offer students the opportunity to study overseas for part of their course. Opportunities come in all shapes and sizes, from short study tours as part of a subject to a full semester or year completed abroad. Overseas study gives you the opportunity to travel, experience a different way of life and make new friends from all around the world. If you choose to study in a non-English-speaking country, you can also expand your language skills. Of course, there is also the opportunity to add life experience to your resume, something that many employers value from graduates straight out of uni. See Study abroad and student exchange for more information.