INCOMING UNI FRESHMEN, read this!!! 🎓

since you've clicked into this post, i'd assume you're waiting for uni to start!!! congrats on surviving Poly / JC! 🎉 having gone through Y1 of uni, i thought i'd share my thoughts on some points stated in the cover~ 😄 i'm from NUS Business Administration but i'm sure it's applicable for the majority of the unis across SG 🇸🇬

1️⃣ 𝗙𝗢𝗣𝘀

i believe it's FOP season now! as someone who isn't that interested in camps, i thought i should still join at least 1 so i wouldn't start my actual schooling life not knowing anyone... 🥲 did i regret it? no. did i enjoy it? so-so. this was a 4D camp that required a payment of $80... a hefty sum indeed (welfare was amazing though! so i guess it's reasonable considering it included all meals + accommodation if you choose to stay overnight on campus) i would say, pick and choose 1/2 camps to attend & go in with an open mind! i personally did not make any close friends out of this 1 camp but it was still nice getting to know people from various backgrounds! 👍🏻

2️⃣ 𝗖𝗖𝗔𝘀 (𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰)

i'll be splitting this point into 2 parts! in uni, there are various student-run clubs & societies to choose from! i would suggest you to join one that aligns with your interests. be it entrepreneurship, investment, or volunteering, etc. most unis have such clubs that will allow you to find your own community of people, as well as enhance both your academic & professional development. in my opinion, taking up roles in such CCAs allow you to pick up practical skills that you're able to apply anywhere else! plus, they look pretty good on your portfolio too. with my interest in start-ups, i joined NUS Entrepreneurship Society under the Marketing & Communications division, whereby i got to design marketing collaterals for their socials! 🌈👩🏻‍💻

3️⃣ 𝗖𝗖𝗔𝘀 (𝗻𝗼𝗻-𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰)

now, for the CCAs we are more familiar with, the ones that promote physical, emotional, social, & intellectual growth by encouraging students to pursue their interests and hobbies LOL i'd suggest you to check on commitment requirements & training days, especially for sport-related CCAs as they can be quite extensive... for me, i joined NUS Climbing Club & even had the chance to be part of their planning committee for an event! 🤩 really enjoyed being in this CCA! a wholesome community + it entitled me to discounts at climbing gyms HEHE 🧗🏻‍♀️

4️⃣ 𝗙𝗢𝗠𝗢

now, let's talk about FOMO — an inevitable feeling that you'll encounter in uni... 💀 there are all sorts of people in uni; those who mug all day & night to clinch their FCH, those who spend every single summer & winter break doing internships, as well as those who are barely scraping by & just doing the bare minimum to pass, & guess what? there is no right or wrong!!! there will always be people better than you, so no point in brooding over such negative thoughts 😅 this is your last few schooling years before becoming a corporate slave (at least for me lol) so make the best out of it! 🍀🍀🍀 learn to prioritise & do what makes you happy! just because someone is doing more than you doesn't make you any worse of a person~

5️⃣ 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿/𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗿

not sure about other unis but in NUS, we're able to make use of our unrestricted electives (UEs) to take up another major/minor! ✨ each course usually has an introduction module you can take before affirming your decision to take up a particular major/minor. most people take up something that complements their main degree (eg. BIZ + CNM, CS + BZA etc.) but it all boils down to what you'd want to pursue in the future~ majors usually require you to complete 10 related modules under their programme, while minors require 5!

6️⃣ 𝟱.𝟬 𝗚𝗣𝗔

grades are important but they're definitely not everything! ❌ GPA, or more commonly known as CAP, is something that many still prioritise in uni, especially in more competitive specs such as Finance or Economics. i would say it's important to know the field of work you're in, & set your goals accordingly! personally, i'm interested in Marketing so in this case, experience>grades! don't be too hard on yourself but if you're academically-driven by nature, that's great too! 👍🏻

7️⃣ 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀

arguably the most important thing in uni!!! or at least for Business schools... 🥲 internships are great because you're able to try out different job roles & figure out where your passion lies! plus, most internships only require a 3-6 months commitment so even if you end up hating your time at a particular company, it's still experience gained! i had a terrible 1st internship & was scarred from it LOL... told myself that i'd never want to intern ever again but it's just a matter of time... as much as you're afraid of journeying into the unknown, go in with an open mind & step out of your comfort zone! 😬 adding to your portfolio / resume while earning some extra money is never a bad thing~ might do a separate post on internships along with the struggles of securing 1 TOH

8️⃣ 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀

personally, i don't stay on campus but i know of many friends who do! it's definitely very different living on your own with fellow students so i'd say it's definitely a unique experience! 🏠 for NUS, there are various types of accommodations so do your research before deciding! although it's convenient to stay on campus, i prefer to be closer to family & friends outside of uni so... decide for yourself! no harm trying for a semester or two! 😄

that's all i have! apologies for the lengthy post but good luck with your uni endeavours everybody!!! 💯 check out a day in my life as a Y1 student here!!!

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