Thriving not surviving

Kiara’s Declassified Survival Guide to making it through the next academic year in one piece. Feature by by Kiara Morris

As the new year commences, we have all had time to re-learn what pre-Covid life was like. This includes socialising for the first time, finally going on campus again and making new mistakes. University was never going to be easy, but that doesn't mean it has to be difficult.

Here are some Dos and Don'ts if you want to survive the year

After a couple of years studying at two famed institutions in completely different fields, I have learned a few universal tips on navigating a new space. Here are some Dos and Don'ts if you want to survive the year. Exercise books out - class is in session!

Kiara (right) chilling in the CSM studios

Do:

1. Learn to budget

For many of us, this is the first time we will ever have complete freedom away from home and a lump sum of money in our bank accounts. Learning to budget will help ease financial stress- it's the last thing you want to add to your plate.           

2. Take care of yourself

Speaking of plates, eat something nutritious! It can be really easy to get caught up in an avalanche of assignments and socialising with new people. Just make sure you have time for you too. 

3. Learn your boundaries

Understanding classroom hierarchies at higher education can be very difficult. It's all brand-new territory that mimics a school system we are actually very used to, but as young adults enforcing a respectful student-teacher relationship is key. I found that the initial intimidation of speaking up lessens, the more you do it.

I found that the initial intimidation of speaking up lessens, the more you do it.

The UAL CULT Chuseok Dinner

4. Work smarter not harder

Everything needs to be handled in moderation and that includes our work-life balance. Stick to a way of studying that is both time effective and doesn't harm your mental health. My approach is to keep a diary where I track my deadlines, work and social life. This ensures a healthy balance of work and play.

 5. Stand your ground

I know this is easier said than done, I know. You gain so much more as a person by staying true to yourself and challenging the people around you than letting them trample your beliefs. Most infamous innovators started out as troublemakers after all.

You gain so much more as a person by staying true to yourself

6. Be an active bystander

Not all educators are culturally competent. As the See My FACE survey shows, minoritised students absorb discouraging and demotivating messages from their white-centric academic environment. Educate yourself on race inequality and if you have it, use your privilege to question micro-aggressions, indirect or direct racism. Read more about the survey here:

Don’t

1. Waste your energy

You will encounter many people who tire you out or who prove to be a counterproductive use of energy. It is best to remove dead weight and toxic people from your circle without hesitation. Your time is far too valuable.

Trip to the Shard

2. Read everything on the reading list

Reading lists... oh boy. These can be drawn out, overwhelming and often useless. Remember that apart from mandatory texts, this list is full of suggestions more often than essentials. It's okay to source your own materials sometimes.

3. Isolate yourself

As mentioned before, self care is your top priority. Try to get out even and make friends, even if it's just at your campus library. Exploring new spaces is a welcome change from your bedroom and will most likely boost your productivity. As we have all learned from solitary confinement during Covid, connectivity is key. Get out there!

Asking for help is perfectly FINE!

4. Be scared to ask for help in any capacity

I learned this one the hard way. BUT asking for help is perfectly FINE! Find out what student services are available at your university as soon as you can; you never know when you'll need mental, academic, or even emotional support.

Late night hang outs

5. Wait

Probably my most important point here: DO NOT WAIT! While patience definitely is a virtue, the last thing you want is to join the statistics of unemployed graduates. Start making connections and networks now so you have less to think about in the future.

Kiara Morris is studying Fashion History and Theory at Central St Martin where she acts as a society president, changemaker for the fashion programme and course representative. She is also a FACE member whose main job is as the project lead for FACE’s collaboration with Christopher Kane’s Platform Magazine. Outside of academic work, Kiara has been developing her own website which includes poetry, articles and much more. Check it out at www.kiaraisnotacreative.com