After a year of doing stupid things in university, it’s come to my attention that many of my fellow Australian students are totally missing the fun at uni… Here’s how to fully embrace the lighter aspects of this dreaded place, along with my experiences.
1. Actually talk to one of those people out the front handing out brochures… make their day. Do it.
When I did this, I spoke to a third year Arts student who was doing a bit of work for the uni for some extra cash so she could save up to buy her car, get drunk, save the world etc. etc. etc. Before I left her, she genuinely thanked me for coming to say ‘hey’, even if you are in no way interested in what they’re saying, it can be your good deed for the day.
2. Wear pyjamas to uni… I’m not going to lie, this was possibly the best day of my life. I combined my favourite thing – pyjamas – with my most hated activity – study. And it was totally worth it. (BTW, Peter Alexander sells some excellent non-pyjama-looking-pyjamas online. Check it out.)
3. Spend some time on campus at night… I did this because I thought I left my textbook in the ‘quiet garden’ (I did), and had to drive back after my lecture. Who knew uni could be pretty!
4. Buy a day’s food supply at the lolly shop… (lolly=sweets/candy etc.) I don’t think I even need to justify that. I mean, come on.
5. Turn up to a random lecture that you’re not enrolled in… I don’t really know why I did this, but hey, free psychology lesson.
6. Have a nap on campus… I do this on a regular basis, and evidently, so do many of my peers. But you wouldn’t believe the amount of first years that judge me for napping in the garden. Don’t judge, have a nap. (My mantra)
7. Convince a total stranger you had a minor role in a movie… Again, totally pointless, but it was really amusing to see him genuinely excited that he knows someone who “was in Harry Potter”…
8. Attend the annual toga party… I’m not sure about you all in the UK, but in Australia, it’s somewhat tradition to have an annual toga party on campus at the beginning of a new year. SO MUCH FUN! But take note and learn from my mistakes – please, please, wear something sufficiently modest underneath… Vodka + a bed-sheet wrapped around your body = a really unfortunate collection of party photos.
9. Get pizza delivered to a tutorial… You will be the most loved person in your tute if you do this. Unfortunately, I’m not nice enough (or willing to spend my money on food for other people) to do this for my class, but I wanted to kiss the guy that did this for our tute. Guys, if you’re looking for a girl – the way to the heart is through the stomach. No lies.
10. Go to uni! I have had so many friends enrol in a university and then decide to leave because they got bored. University not only gives you the foundations for a promising career, but it is honestly the best time of your life! Have fun, work hard, eat pizza and wear your pyjamas. You know you want to.
– Maggie Fowler | TW: @maggiefowler