As P-pop girl group BINI said, “‘Wag mag-alala, buhay ay ‘di karera.”
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College in itself is daunting. It’s the last frontier before adulthood. So, it’s normal if you feel like moving up to the last stage of education (for some) in a new city with a bunch of unfamiliar characters is one of the most nerve-wracking life experiences you will ever have. Can you imagine doing all that, but as an irregular student? I don’t have to imagine.
As you’ve probably already heard other people say– college is not a race. Your perception of a linear college journey may not become true nor is it necessarily the path some people may take. But that is 100% okay. Plans can get pushed back, trains can get derailed. This is what happened to me.
I entered college in the second semester of the school year then transferred to another university AND changed my program a year later. As you can imagine, this led to a lot of complications with my courses and their credits. This scary (but necessary) decision pushed my journey back for two more years. But, that doesn’t stop me from having an amazing college life.
So, from one irregular student to another, here are five tips to help you navigate the complexities of uni life ✨ as an “irreg” smoothly.
BEFRIEND OTHER IRREGS
If you, like me, have lived your life thus far as a shy and reserved person before entering the higher education arena, college might become a bit of a challenge. This is especially true if you are an irregular student. Being an irreg means having classes in various year levels, even in different programs. But the good thing is, you will not be alone. Being an irregular student is a pretty common case, and befriending other irregs will benefit you tons.
In most cases, you will probably encounter some students who share the same program as you, also looking to fast-track their way to becoming a regular student (yes, this is possible.) So, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and ask other irregs for an extra ballpen, or notes, or even a study session, which might lead to a friendship. Seeking a fellow irreg friend can mean taking the same classes as them, which will make the process of being in a whole different section so much easier. This can also extend to befriending regular students in your other classes. Goodbye anxiously walking into class, say hello to being excited to enter the room.
JOIN ORGS OR DABBLE IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
One surefire way to have fun in college even as an irregular student is to join orgs or partake in extracurricular activities. While it is the core of college, don’t limit yourself to academics. Go out there, and live the pulsating university life! Whether it be the school paper, the mountaineering club, your program’s official org, or joining contests, it will be worth it. Just make sure you’ll know how to budget and balance your time and priorities.
I myself joined our department’s quiz bee team, and not only did I end up meeting spectacular people, I learned so much and experienced what camaraderie under pressure feels like. I also joined a creative writing workshop which has led me to meet like minded people in my big university. So come on in, the water’s fine.
KEEP A CONSTANT CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
While making new friends and connections is vital to a healthy irreg student life, having a constant circle of friends will feel like home. Let’s admit it, you won’t always be up to thrilling experiences and the unknown. Sometimes, all you’ll want to do is sit down at a café and debrief how awful your last class or exam was. A yapping session is healing, truly. So, it is highly recommended to keep a core college group which will keep you sane in the ever-changing landscape of college.
My friends have saved me from multiple breakdowns, especially in my third year, which has been thus far the most challenging. And trust me, this PG group will likely still be there even after you toss that cap in the air and walk head-on to the world of adulting.
BE ORGANIZED
Ask anyone who’s been a college student and they’ll tell you how hectic it can be. This chaos amplifies if you are an irregular student with timelines that have as much twists as the roads in Baguio. As previously mentioned, you will have classes in your year level, below it, above it, and even perhaps crossing the threshold into other programs and even departments. This can quickly become confusing. If you want to stay on top of all your quizzes, exams, and requirements, being organized is a must.
You can use to-do lists, trackers, and organizational tools to stay on top of your game. One particular helpful website is Notion, where you can keep track of everything: your schedule, schoolwork, and even your extracurricular activities. Not only is it useful, you can design your workspace into whatever you want!
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
The university life, while fulfilling, will inevitably have its lows which can feel draining and exhausting. As irregular students, the stress can be doubled, as we feel pressured to finish this journey on the same timeframe as our friends and batchmates. But, refrain from putting the weight of the world upon your shoulders because being kind to yourself in this time of your life can be one of the greatest gifts you can offer yourself.
While a degree generally only takes four to five years, going more than that (or less) is not an indication of failure. Don’t force yourself to go past your limits and prioritize your well-being. College will always be here, but you only get one shot at how you live your life. So don’t fret the timeline, and be kind to yourself.
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