Hi to everyone that is new this year, and looking to make this their best study semester ever. Hello also to all those who are in their second year and still feel there is room for improvement – welcome :). I thought about writing this blog because I personally feel that my first year as a Master student at LiU was the best year of study I’ve ever had. As a someone who has previously completed three years of Bachelor’s studies, I think that says a lot. But let’s break down some of the things that I think made this year so good, and maybe that can help make it your best experience too.

Okay, this point will seem totally trivial, but when you get to Linköping buy a bike, ASAP! At the beginning of the semester, there are so many events and get-to-know-you meetings that are much easier to get to by bike. Everyone will be out and about by bike, and you don’t want to be left out. Especially in late summer/autumn, people will still feel like going on trips to lakes or exploring Linköping, and cycling is the ideal way to do that. You can buy bikes second-hand in shops, via facebook or telegram to save some money.

A year ago, when I bought my bike!

Another must-have is the Mecenat App. Download the app to verify as a student as soon as you can, it will not only give you discounts for various things but it is often required to verify you as a student to get into student parties! If you want to travel at student prices by bus or train, you will also need to show your student card in your Mecenat App, to be verified as a student, your LiU card will not suffice for this!

Now that we’ve got those little things out of the way, let’s move on to the bigger things. I think the most important thing is simply to branch out! The best memories usually come from moments when we have tried something new, stepped out of our comfort zone a little and grown from new experiences. Attend a range of ISA and ESN events, try to meet new people and don’t be disappointed if you don’t connect straight away. This kind of thing can take time, but if you’re open-minded and put in a bit of effort, you’re sure to make great friends who will make your year that much better. Also consider attending events that you might not otherwise feel drawn to. A new environment gives you the opportunity to connect with different people and make great memories.

In general, I think this is also a time to say yes to more things. Don’t get me wrong, of course you should make sure you’re comfortable in the environment you’re in and don’t over-exert yourself trying to participate in everything, but I think often we fall into the trap of telling ourselves that some things are too much effort or too much to plan for, and then we miss out on some really great moments. I think it can be really satisfying to put more effort into being active and social, even if sometimes we feel like we have so much to do already. I’ve learned that being more outgoing is really healthy for me because it helps me balance the workload at university. When you go out with friends, explore or just hang out, it’s easier to let go of the work tasks in your head, so the next time you sit down to work, you’re recharged and more motivated to keep going. I used to think that if I was really busy with uni work, I wouldn’t have time to go out, but in reality I would just waste time procrastinating and then feel miserable about it. The next time you think you are “too busy”, just say “yes” to a fika, a walk with a friend or exercise and experience how good it feels to bring variety into your day and try new things.

Saying “yes” to more things can be applied to many situations. Take advantage of great travel opportunities during your stay in Linköping, explore Sweden, make the first move and be social, and I am sure you will make great memories out of it all. Apart from that, I think it’s also important to manage your time. I know this is really hard, but try not to put off your university work and plan your assignments so you don’t fall behind, so that you don’t feel crushed by school work and on top of that trying to be social and outgoing. It’s important that you take the time to plan your schedule thoroughly. Sit down at the beginning of each week and plan out your tasks. This will help you estimate how much time you have left for extracurricular activities without falling behind nor missing out on being social.

All in all, a great time at LiU can depend on a positive attitude towards a new experience. You’re in a new place, you can try new things, rediscover yourself and there’s really nothing that can stop you from having  a great term. It is really cheesy but sometimes it is really just the way we approach things that can make all the difference. Anyways, I hope your terms have started with a bang and that you will continue to have the most amazing time! Talk to you again soon, M.

 

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