The Five Most Common University Myths Debunked
There are popular myths about university study some of which are:
First year uni doesn’t count – False. At most universities, first year results contribute to your final grade point average (GPA). Your GPA is of interest to future employers. Furthermore, your first year GPA (if good enough) can be used to be competitive for entry to your preferred course if you didn’t get straight into it from school. You can apply for scholarships once you get to Uni and your GPA is important when applying for these scholarships.
I’ll be paying off my HECS-HELP debt for the rest of my life – False. The HECS-HELP loan scheme helps you pay your part of the cost of the course you are studying (called ‘Student contribution’). You begin paying it through the Australian Tax Office as part of your income tax once you have completed your course and are earning a threshold amount ($51,957 for 2018-19). You don’t pay interest on your debt but it is indexed each year to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index.
I’ll never find a job after graduation – Competition for jobs is high. However, you can increase your employability while you are studying by gaining work experience in the field in which you want to work. This not only looks good on your resume, it gives employers a chance to see what sort of worker you are. Don’t wait until your final year at uni to start looking for jobs. Access the uni Careers and Employment services and programs early during your studies.
If I don’t make friends during O Week, I never will – For those who don’t know, O Week is Orientation Week which is usually the week before lectures begin. This is an important week as the information you receive will introduce you to the support services and other activities available. You will have many additional opportunities to make friends during your uni studies. If you’re not particularly comfortable starting up a conversation with a random in class, get involved in a university club or two.
Lectures can be skipped – Yes and No. Lectures are usually recorded and made available online, so technically, you don’t need to attend in person. However, there are a few reasons why you should get in the habit of going to every class. Attendance might form part of a percentage of your final mark. You’re paying to sit in that lecture theatre, so you might as well show up and enjoy it. Lectures provide an opportunity to make new friends and of course, impress a lecturer or two. Lecturers are great contacts for future employment.