"University is all about chill"-- an old adage we all seem to believe. Probably it is due to the perpetual hope our parents have provided us since junior school, the promise of perpetual escape from daily homework, or the fragmentary image of early adulthood that drew us to this trap. Many feel the same as well imagining stepping into a life with no more stressing over grades, only going on trips with friends, and no longer having to be the Cinderella rushing home as soon as the first hint of evening falls. So, how does the first year of university life truly look? Let's see what some current sophomores from different universities say about their freshman-year experience.
"Sometimes, I felt like I wouldn't make it to the finish line and wished to give up, while on other mornings I felt like I was meant to go through this," Fahima Sultana Ananya from Cumilla Medical College shares. She recalls one of her teachers' benevolence in taking time out of his busy schedule to take her item (certain themes from any chapter) exams separately, without which she would not have been able to sit for her card (a chapter) exams. She believes it is important to cultivate compassion to move forward with everyone instead of the mentality of climbing alone to survive medical life.
Although there is a lot of mental and academic pressure at first, the goal of saving people's lives keeps them going. Rubaiya Tasneem from Chadpur Medical College explains why she always tries to participate in various events of her institution, "No matter what, one must keep some time for oneself; otherwise, it is very easy to break down on this tough journey."
Mushfika Tasnim, from the Department of Architecture of BRAC University, had a difficult first year because her grandfather was hospialised due to Covid-19, she was diagnosed with health difficulties, and her long-held desire to join the military academy was shattered. Studying architecture meant embracing an unfamiliar lifestyle, where there was no fixed time for the project-works, meals, or even sleep. Nevertheless, all the struggles and sacrifices didn't go in vain; they gave her the confidence to fight through any difficult situation in the future. One of her fondest memories is the TARC programme, a three-month semester away from the hectic city life, where they were able to make meaningful connections and cultivate a sense of compassion and respect for our society's overlooked, hardworking souls.
Kohinoor Sultana Elora, hailing from the CSE department of BRAC University, says, "People used to say that once you get into university, it's smooth sailing from there on, that it's all about having fun and not "having to study". Well, that was a complete lie. " However, the university's open credit system did make things easier by allowing her to set her own pace while enjoying her chosen subject. One thing she learnt during her first year is that it is always better to have company for a hearty laugh rather than doing things alone, even when it is possible to do it all by yourself.
The first year is about learning new things, meeting new people, and adjusting to a life that is completely different from our simpler, easier college life. This rookie year not only brings forth the harsh realities of life but also helps us grow as individuals.
During these uncertain times when you are submerged in innumerable changes, a little guidance and seemingly small perks can make things way easier. Sadat Shahriar from BUP BBA General explains how even the simple facility of having water filters everywhere made his undergraduate experience so much easier, while Adila Ahsan Prita, from BUP Management Studies, describes how the friendly senior-junior interaction helped her get through the challenging days. "My seniors are more like my mentors; they are always happy to help in every possible manner," says Adila. Things may appear intimidating at times, but we must seek out those who provide a safe haven and always strive to raise us.
Having a true love for mathematics, Anika Tasnim Oni from the Department of Mathematics, Dhaka University, exclaims "Imagine joining the department with the expectation of working on exciting math problems, but instead finding yourself penning lengthy theories that often conclude with 'Hence there is nothing to prove'." Then comes the sudden absence of accountability that compels you to become self-dependent.
Nevertheless, the curriculum is not the only place where you'd have major changes. Whether in your lifestyle, friend circle, self-image, or personality, change will be a constant companion this year.
Your beliefs and perspectives will be challenged at university, but you'll learn that encountering these varied viewpoints helps you grow as a person. "Meeting new people with widely diverse personalities helped me become more patient and empathetic towards people," says Ishrat Jahan Tahmin from the Department of Philosophy.
With the hope of being a 'free bird', Jannatul Adnin joined BUET. After completing her six-year-long cadet life, she expected to have restriction-free time to spend with her books and to embark on adventures like Tintin every now and then. Alas! She found herself engulfed by never-ending projects and quizzes in her first year.
Now don't be so disappointed. Even though it never really gives you an eternal escape from homework as promised by our seniors, what university life does offer you is a free environment to build your own opinion. "It is important to learn to stand up for yourself and seize your own opportunities because no one else can do that for you," says Rushmiah Labiba, a sophomore at IBA.
Unlike in schools, where everyone is expected to tread the same path, universities provide ample opportunities to forge your own unique path and shape your life. "Watching others work so passionately for divergent goals motivates you to step up your game," says Syed Mahin Irtiza from IBA at Dhaka University. It depends on you to make the best use of the resources at hand.
The first year is more like a bridge binding the gap between our unrealistic expectations as high schoolers and the realities of adult life. Each one of the sophomores here went through a range of emotions and hardships and sometimes it felt as if the whole world was against them. However, in retrospect, it was, indeed, the struggles that molded a stronger, more sensible, responsible, considerate, and confident version of them.
As you are challenged again and again to tackle situations on your own, to collide with the varied perspectives and opinions, and to take responsibility for your own life, you learn to stand up from your falls. Eventually, the struggles and pain become hazy what remains are the lessons we learnt, the experiences we built, and the individuals who stuck by our side during this incredible journey. Certainly, what we know about university life is only a half-truth, but it is a worthwhile experience.
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