I worked really hard through Year 12, devoted a lot of time to study, got into a university course I was interested in, started university, and then very nearly dropped out in my first semester.

It’s a common experience. Making the transition from high school to university can be really challenging for any number of reasons. In the end, I didn’t drop out in my first semester - I finished the degree, in fact. But on reflection, here are three things I wish I did differently when I was going through a tough time in my first semester.

Lose the ego

I graduated as dux of my high school, and - to speak quite frankly - a fair bit of my high school identity was wrapped around academics. Things felt quite different when I landed at university, just one of many faces in a big swarm of first year students, going into unfamiliar environments and classes.

Because I was used to doing relatively well, I wanted to continue that, and struggled to admit that I had no idea what I was doing a lot of the time. I didn’t like admitting to tutors or lecturers that I didn’t understand, because a) I wasn’t used to doing that, and b) I thought I’d look silly.

Of course, that was an error in judgement. I acknowledge that it would have been really hard for me to do at the time, but I wish I could go back and strip back some of that ego - the part of me that didn’t want to ask for help because it was so much easier not to.

(As an aside, universities are very aware that this is a common challenge for new students. It’s very likely there are services in place designed to help you make the transition more seamlessly - it’s worth digging around your university website to see what’s available!)

Ask for help

In a more general sense, I also wish I’d sought help more quickly outside the realm of academics. I was struggling to adjust to the transition of high school → university, and speaking about it (at a later date) with a health professional was very useful. I think doing this earlier in my university life would have given me a better chance to enjoy uni from the get-go.

If you’re not sure where to start, a GP is a great place to get the ball rolling!

Put marks to the side

This feels a bit contradictory, because I’ve always tried to get good marks, but on reflection, my grades were absolutely not the most important thing during this phase of my life.

People value or desire ‘good’ grades for a multitude of reasons, which is fine, but at some point you have to ask yourself why you’re at university in the first place. Is it to learn? If so, you might then ask what version of you will have the best chance of learning effectively. The answer is probably a version of you who is happy, content, and healthy - so if you need to put your marks to one side for a little bit to find that version of you, it’ll probably be a pretty good investment in the long-run.

If you are feeling distressed, you can contact beyondblue at 1300 22 4636, or visit their website at http://www.beyondblue.org.au/.