UNI PREP: What to Know before Coming to Uni (NUS)

Hi everyone! I’m currently a Y2 Business student in NUS, and I thought of doing this bc Uni apps has started/is about to end. Many people always say “Y1, just play” and stuff.. but I’ll be talking about some things I’ve learnt from my past 2 years of uni! I hope this helps you if you are coming into uni/NUS biz, bc I think some stuff here will be more tailored to NUS biz. Not everyone may agree with everything but I would def have done some things differently haha.. here goes

1. Plan your modules out early

It’s okay not to know what you want yet, but for me, coming into Uni, I already KNEW that I wanted to specialise in Marketing. NUS offers many talks for BBA students in the first few weeks and stuff where they explain how you can plan out your modules. If like me, you already know what you want to specialise in, then search up modules early (on nusmods, mod reviews etc) and try and plan them out (if you want to go on exchange in Y2s2, y3s1, y3s2 etc). Of course also be flexible and keep in mind that plans can change over time, but at least you’ll have a plan/schedule to refer to! This will defo make you less stressed when you bid for mods/plan for exchange/want to intern (taking LOA etc)

2. Know WHEN to do well

This doesn’t mean you can slack off and do badly at anytime HAHA, but what I mean by that is more geared towards exchange. Eg, if you already know you want to apply for exchange in Y3S1, then you have to do better for Y1S2 (or whenever they’ll take your CAP grade from) and so forth. This will help in your module planning as well (i.e. take modules that you can do better in!)

3. Y1 & SUs

People always say use Y1 to play. While that is kinda true bc you’ll get busier over the years, there’s still many foundational mods in Y1 (eg even if I want to specialise in MKT, I still have to take Python mods, Econs etc). All these esp Python will still be useful for intern/work, so do try and pay attention and do well in them! Also take Y1 to figure out what you’re interested in

SUs — You can use up to 5 SUs in Y1, but many people won’t recommend using all 5 of them. The reason is because e.g. if you SU everything and are left with All As, your CAP will definitely drop/be more volatile in the future years if you don’t do well bc you won’t be able to SU anymore

4. Career Planning

NUS Biz makes it compulsory for everyone to take STR1000 & STR2000 mods in Y1 & Y2, and they’re basically mods where you have to do up your resume, go for resume critique and go for a mock interview. Honestly these were very helpful, especially STR2000 where you can talk to the career advisor and ask many questions! NUS also offers free career advisory sessions so do book them if you have questions (especially while it is still free in uni).

5. Internships

Internships are quite competitive in Uni.. at least for Biz.. so do make sure to apply early! I def didn’t apply early enough for summer HAHA but if you have nothing to do while waiting for uni, you might wanna try getting an internship as well

6. Make friends

Be open minded in making friends! Don’t be afraid to ask strangers if you can join their group project, for textbooks etc. If you’re staying in hall/on campus, do try and make friends from your faculty too so that you’ll have people to go to class with! Especially if you have seniors in the same faculty, it’s super helpful to ask them for tips/notes/help. Am rly very grateful for my biz seniors who have helped me out along the way ~

7. Bid for classes with friends

Many biz modules require class part, and some sectionals can be 3 hours long. Going for classes with friends def motivates me to get up and go for class a lot more, and also help me to feel more comfortable while class parting

8. Study CONSISTENTLY

As everyone knows, there’s a difference between working hard and working smart! In uni, you MUST study consistently. Listen in class, take notes, etc. Once you lag behind, you’ll be playing the catch up game for the rest of the semester (speaking from experience). It Is not fun trying to cram everything into the weeks before your exams, because you’ll also be swamped with group projects from all your modules!! This is SUPER IMPORTANT!!!! It is not always easy to study consistently but do try your best :”)

9. Mouse moments

Uni is rly a new stage in life for everyone, you have to expect & embrace change!! There will def be periods of time where you’ll be alone/experience “mouse moments” lol but you gotta learn to be okay with it ~

10. Know your priorities

In a new environment, esp if you’re staying on campus, there will be many jios — to go for supper, go out etc. It’s super convenient to go out since people are right next to you, but just keep your priorities in mind. Be it saving money, a group project for the week, know when to have fun and when to say no

These are some tips/things you should know before coming into uni ~ if you are coming to uni soon, hope this helps a little bit, and have fun!!

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