29 Jun 2020

I bet you’re sick of people telling you that their time at uni was ‘the best years of their life’. Unfortunately, I am no different.

Amidst the blur of parties, a new coffee addiction, events, campus clubs and societies and meeting tonnes of new mates, my uni experience was unforgettable because I tried everything I possibly could.

If you wanna make sure you get the most out of the university life, then here’s some things you definitely need to try whilst you’re at uni!

1. Hang out around campus

Nothing yells ‘student’ more than lounging around on the campus grounds with a group of mates, spreading out your textbooks on the grass and soaking up some rays.

On campus there are plenty of awesome places to hang out, whether your looking to get some quiet time in the library meet a bunch of new people in the university’s cafés, restaurants and bars. Definitely make the most of all the different facilities while they’re on offer (and don’t forget to nab yourself some student discounts).

2. Join a club or society

Try getting amongst campus life. Join the footy team, live out your High School Musical dreams in a theatre society, help organise musical festivals, markets and trivia on campus. Try it all, have a laugh, meet some friends.

3. Visit all the tourist attractions in your uni town/city

With a change of scenery for uni comes a tonne of new tourist attractions. Whether it’s an iconic cinema, a famous café, an incredible hike in the mountains… Use that student card of yours to get cheaper admission to museums, galleries and shows and get accustomed to your new home (and if you didn’t move for uni, be a tour guide for those who moved to your hometown).

4. Volunteer

Giving back to the world is good karma. You’ll feel unreal, meet new people and gain a broader perspective. Selflessly volunteer for charities and companies. Volunteer your time by attending protests. Make your voice heard and help the world be a groovier place.

5. Dabble in the world of business

If you’ve got any revolutionary business ideas, now is your time to start them! Network with students, lecturers and tutors and become the next Mark Zuckerberg who created a little thing called Facebook as a uni student.

6. Get active

Lots of unis have amazing sports facilities on campus, so best make use of them while you’ve got easy access! Gyms, swimming pools, even rock climbing in some cases, plus you can join sports teams if you feel like getting a little more competitive and meeting some new people along the way.

7. Be an audience member

Getting a glimpse of other university faculties can be so fun! Watching a play from the aspiring actors, a concert from the musos or supporting your uni footy team at a match is a viiiibe. You’ll meet new people who might support you in the future.
 

If you want the ideal uni experience, look no further than University of New England (UNE). UNE is one of Australia’s most respected universities and has been awarded 5 stars for Overall Experience 14 years in a row… so it’s kind of a big deal.

Not only do they have a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research, they encourage you to balance your study with an active lifestyle outside of the classroom with their vibrant campus community. Plus, their smaller class sizes means that they can offer you more in-depth, tailored support and staff that truly care for their students. With residential colleges, tonnes of events, plus clubs and societies, you’re guaranteed to have the best years of your life as well.

Aaaaand UNE are currently guaranteeing Year 12 students an offer into one of their courses in 2021, so suss out everything here if you’re keen to have the ideal uni experience.