Beginning of the University studies

When I first applied to University, I knew it would be difficult and it would not be an easy job to graduate. I made a vow to myself that I would work really hard and spend my spare time doing school work, after all I did not know anybody from my University before going there. Kas Sa teadsid, et ülikoolis saab õppida ka juba keskkooli ajal? Selleks on Õpilasakadeemia, mille kursustele registreerimine kestab 16. oktoobrini. Lisainfo: tlu.ee/akadeemia. / In case you have Estonian friends who would be interested in studying in a university already during their high school studies, suggest them our Student Academy. More info: tlu.ee/akadeemia. #tallinnuniversity #tallinnaülikool #õpilasakadeemiaDuring the first week when you meet new people and get new friends, you learn that maybe there is more than studying in the university.

It was so easy to make new friends in the university, after I realized that almost everyone else was in the same situation as I were, nobody knew each other. But there is much strength in friendship, because the people you do your courses with have to do the same work, and university is a journey that you all travel together. It is great to discuss with your friends about the difficult tasks and interesting subjects you learn during your lectures. You form new opinions and get smarter by hanging out with your friends.

When the exam period started after the first semester, I realized how fast the semester had went. I did not work as much as I originally planned with the university, and got a lot of stress from that. That taught me to make things right with the second semester. Now during my second semester I have even more work than before, and even thinking about it makes me nervous. I’m trying my best to think one assignment at a time. I don’t want to end up in the same situation after every semester, so when I advise new university students, I advise myself.

I got one advice from a friend who studies in University abroad, which is that; do not study for the degree or “because you have to study” but instead study for yourself. Try to make yourself as smart as you can and absorb all the knowledge you get from the professors. Because after the studies, when you’re applying for a job, it is vital that you can prove yourself, and show your knowledge that you’ll be hired. I try to think this every time the university work seems difficult and overwhelming.

Author: Paavali Koivula, Politics and Governance bachelor student.