Dear Fall 2020’s cohort. Welcome to AUI! I know you have probably been hearing this sentence a lot more than usual. The reason is: you are most definitely the most special cohort that has ever passed the Main Gate since 1995! You are numerous, facing unprecedented circumstances, and I’m sure, very excited to be here. As a matter of fact, all AUIers went through this transition. We all at least once felt like saying “In what am I embarking in?” and you know what? That’s extremely healthy and normal. Unfortunately, as Al Akhawayn’s campus is only hosting 50% of its students (graduating seniors, Mentors, Ambassadors, RAs ), you will not have the opportunity to interact with all AUIers. However, and as sharing experiences is one of the most crucial steps in the Freshman year, here is a sincere Survival guide at AUI that will hopefully become one of your first sources of guidance.
1/ As if you are navigating in an unknown sea, expand your horizons!
Stepping out of your comfort zone always feels challenging and overwhelming. For many students, this is their first time living outside of their safe environment -“Home”. Consequently, the vast majority either prefer to stay in their own little bubble, too afraid to step ahead and get to meet the different personalities on campus, or they prefer hanging out with the people they already knew before coming to campus. Whether you are an extrovert or an introvert, you will surely find one person or a group of people to be friends with. If you are not able to find your “group” right away, that’s okay! Take your time!
2/ Don’t see your college experience through someone else’s eyes
It is extremely important to experience everything on campus. It is your responsibility to forge your own opinion. You might want to take your elders’ or friends’ opinions, but that should not blind your judgment. Whether it be: campus activities or academic matters, we all experience things differently.
3/ The three As in Akhawayn stand for Accomplishment, Achievement, and Autonomy.
Yes, independence feels great, the campus is amazing and the activities are remarkable. But that should not overwhelm your schedule and over loop your academic life. Use the facilities offered: Book that CLE Tutoring session, knock on that Professor’s office, start that assignment two days before the deadline. The “Cs get degrees” and “If I’m not getting a 4.0 GPA I’m not good enough” are two extremes that you should avoid as much as possible. Do your best, attend, and take notes. Try to avoid procrastination as much as possible especially during Midterms/Finals period!
4/ Save money as much as possible
SPOILER ALERT: You will spend too much just like everyone else! Oops!
Money Management is an essential skill that you will learn to acquire during your college experience. Both your cash wallet and allowance should be preserved as much as possible right from the start of the semester. For example: Taking too many items from the Shop at the beginning of the semester might leave you with only Indomie to eat at the end ( Typical AUIer “end of the semester” meal ).
5/ Stressing is never ever the best way to burn calories!
“I’m not following my degree plan to the letter”, “I won’t pass this class”, “I have no idea what to minor/concentrate in”. This is just a small sample of the things that most AUIers start stressing about starting their first semester. Don’t stress out a lot if you get a bad grade at the beginning of the semester, and don’t be overconfident if you get a good grade. A “C” can become an “A” and vice versa. There will always be a solution to your problem and an entity to ask for help.
6/ Take time for yourself and choose your friends wisely
Surround yourself with kind and hard-working people that will see potential in you, answer your questions, and encourage you to be the best version of yourself. Don’t underestimate how much you could be influenced “Pfffft I’ll NEVER do that. I know myself.” No, you don’t. Friends can either be your biggest supporters or a hole sucking your positive energy away. Don’t force yourself to be anything that you are not, your mental health worths so much more than any grade, professor, or toxic surroundings. Always prioritize yourself. Don’t skip a meal, a well-deserved nap, or a good night of sleep. Workout and exercise as much as possible.
7/ Enjoy your time as much as possible
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