Getting your academic back on, after it’s been so long…
Did you start your degree after a gap year? Maybe you took a two or a three year gap. Perhaps it’s been a decade since you’ve written an essay. However long you were away, don’t fret! There are others just like you.
Immediate school leavers, fresh from the HSC, explore University campus come week one of semester one. But there are those in the crowd who had elected to have some of life’s experiences before venturing into University life. Between the teenage school-leavers and the mature aged-students finding classes on their first day, are the gap-yearers, or rather- the ‘in-betweeners.’
One student in this bunch is 21-year-old Veronica Thomas-Frost, who began studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts this year, following a two year break between school and university.
“In that time I had a full time job at a law firm and I moved out of home, but now I’m back living with my family and studying full time,” says Veronica.
While office work would have its own set of challenges, Veronica says that getting back into study mode has not been hurdle-free.
“It’s mostly been the routine of coming in to uni and having the pressure to attend classes. Also, taking assignments home with me and having to meet deadlines instead of being able to leave work and have fun. It’s something I’m still getting used to,” she says.
Veronica thinks it’s often a challenge for the ‘in-betweeners,’ as they often haven’t had to think analytically or felt the pressure to advance their learning for quite some time.
“I had to start thinking academically again. This semester I’ve been getting used to writing essays and paying attention in lectures,” says Veronica.
However, the artistic student says there is an up-side to starting university study after a couple of years of life experience. Fresh out of high school, Veronica says she was enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts Degree because she wasn’t sure whether Fine Arts would be for her. Now, she’s glad she waited and chose the right degree for her.
“I like my degree because I’ve had the time to realise what I value, what I’m interested in and how to make the most of my time at uni. Exploring new ideas has been a highlight; so has meeting new people with similar interests who are going through the same things as me.”
Veronica has advice for school leavers who are considering taking a gap between school and university, or in between studying a degree-
“Use your gap year wisely if you decide to take one. Try to travel and learn something. Don’t waste it.”
So, whether you need a break from study, want to get some work experience under your belt or intend to do some travelling, there are loads of opportunities out there and it’s important you do some research and planning to make the most of your time out from studying.
If YOU are feeling stressed and overwhelmed from the pressures of entering into university life and getting back into study mode, here are some amazing tips on everything you need to know about balancing life, university study and your health.
