I haven't thought about this thread at all; it's entirely whimsical, so please excuse its disjointed nature.
But like, I've spoken with a number of people recently just starting uni and, naturally, a large proportion of those people are feeling anxious/down/disillusioned/whatever else.
The first thing I'll say is: know that you're not alone. Walking onto (a big) campus can be pretty intimidating in your first semester. I remember thinking things like, "wow,
everybody knows where they're going but me" and stuff like that. It's just 100% not the case.
I've said it before, but I'm going to say it again:
I absolutely hated my first semester to year of uni. The people were different, the classes were different, the campus was different. Everything was different. My mental health was also pretty shot at the time, which certainly didn't help, and I felt no real
connection to Monash as an institution. It didn't feel like home.
Four years on, I'm now working full-time, and almost pining for the Clayton campus. That'll sound weird af, but over time, Monash
did feel like home. It still does. I became attached to the familiar bus ride, the familiar Campus Centre, the familiar revolving doors, the familiar coffee places, the familiar library spots, the familiar construction work, the familiar social alternatives. Like, everything just became familiar.
That's really the point of this thread.
Uni isn't for everybody, and I absolutely appreciate that. I appreciate that some people fundamentally have shit uni experiences, and will probably read this thread and be like, "pfft yeah, whatever". But to everybody starting out at Monash: if you don't like it now (Week 1), it doesn't mean you won't like it next week, or next semester, or next year, or next degree. I hated it initially; now it's a fundamental part of my self-identity.
If you're struggling, Monash offers some really great services, such as
free counselling. And there are heaps of people floating around these forums who have previously been in your shoes. We know what it's like, so please feel free to ask questions.
It's okay to be lost.
It's okay to feel unsure.
It's okay to ask questions.
It's okay to miss school.
It's okay to not like uni.
It's okay.
It's okay.
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