Issue 8 Hotch Potch - University of Ballarat

Uni is back. For some of us, includingmyself, it’s become routine;second, third and fourth year studentshave a good idea of what toexpect. But like every other year, awave of new first timers will breakthrough the campus.Any sort of change or transition isdaunting; moving out of home isprobably one of the biggest onesof our young adult lives. Being fullyindependent is scary, but fantastic.However, there is a major differencebetween moving across townand moving across state. Many ofyou would have left your family, sothere is no option of raiding yourparents’ food when you’re low oncash or taking your washing homefor mum to do; you will be throwninto the adult world and all the excitingnew chores that come withit.Whether you live on Res, in a sharedhouse or by yourself you will soonlearn how difficult it is juggling theeveryday tasks of cleaning, cookingand possibly working, with Uni;and I know you will be rolling youreyes at this next word—time management.It has pretty much beendrummed into our heads sinceVCE, but at the end of the day weneed to do it. Unfortunately thereare not enough hours in the day,and if you’re anything like me procrastinationis something you aremost skilled at; but don’t let thingsget on top of you. Bills need to bepaid, studying needs to be done,rooms need to be cleaned and funneeds to be had—not necessarilyin that order. When written downit all seems too much, but don’tstress, it can be done.Write out a studying timetable,incorporate everything else youneed to do and try and stick to it.Trust me, it will make things easier.Take advantage of the supportservices at the University, don’trush into town to see a doctor, justmake an appointment with theone on campus. If you need helpfinding a job the Student Career-Hub can help you get some dosh;or if you need someone to talk towhen it all gets a bit tough thereare counselling services available.The Uni also makes available simple,everyday items that you mightbe running low on, and they’refree, so don’t freak out if you havesuddenly ran out of toilet paper.With all of this though, rememberto get out of the house, don’t getstuck in a rut. Take advantage ofthe O-week festivities and meetsome new people, talk to the peopleyou share your tutes and lectureswith. Don’t become isolated,your years at Uni are supposed tobe the most exciting of your life,the place where you will meetsome of your greatest friends.Have the best time!By Courtney O’NeillNews & ViewsDo you like having power?Do you want to meet new people?Do you want to become more involved inthe University?If you answered yes to one or more of theabove then you should think about joiningthe Student Senate. This is a relativelynew endeavour but you can alreadysee the difference it is making. It givesstudents a chance to have their opinionsheard on: how the Student ServicesAmenities Fee is spent; UB’s policies andprocedures in regards to student life; andthe physical, cultural and technologicalenvironments of UB.Students are voted into the Senate andnominations open Monday, 18 February.Make sure your nomination is in by3pm on Thursday, 7 March or it won’t becounted. Nomination forms can be foundat www.ballarat.edu.au/student-senate3