Surviving The Beginnings of IBL: The Realistic Way

From a bright, warm summer to a fall full of assignments, deadlines and new faces! This is the reality every first-year business student must face: a completely new environment in a new school surrounded by strangers. It sounds like a nightmare, doesn’t it? However, there is no need to fret because I have you covered! I am Faye Zaldivar, a freshman IBL student, ready to help new IBL students out!

1.      Study. Like Seriously.

How to survive studying in university? The most obvious answer is to, well, study! However, studying is different for each person. Everyone learns differently. Hence, use the beginning of your studies as an “experiment period”. Look back into your previous studies and ask yourself what has worked for you in the past. Try different study methods and techniques: e.g. pomodoro, entering study groups, listening to relaxing music (I recommend Lo-Fi!) or study with “study with me” YouTube videos!

There are tons of workload in university—it is important to schedule and plan. Separate your activities into different days! This way, you will not feel overwhelmed towards the heavy workload handed by the school. As much as you can, try not to procrastinate. It really does not help. Practice the exercises given by your lecturers, listen to and participate in the lectures, improve on the areas you are lacking and take things slowly. It is only the beginning; you will learn as you study.

2.      Communicate With Your Peers!

Communication is a key skill in the business world. As early as you can, improve your communication skills. You can start with your classmates. Remember that you are not alone. You have your classmates with you. Indeed, it is scary to approach other people. However, it is inevitable in the business world. In order to survive, you must communicate. No man is an island, as what they say.

Your classmates are probably on the same page as you. There is no reason to be afraid. It is better to share the same experiences with other people than live through them alone, based on my experience. University is not only for studying. It is also for making connections. Who knows, these connections may last a lifetime!

3.      Ask For Help

It is never wrong to ask for help. Sometimes, people want to be independent. As a business student, though, you need to ask for help. Everything is new in the beginning. Inevitably, you will struggle and feel confused.

This is where lecturers and classmates come in. Ask them for help! Lecturers exist to teach students—this involves answering their questions. They will understand if we ask for help. I assure you, when you get help from lecturers, it feels like a big weight if lifted from your chest.

Your classmates can also help you when you need it! Some classmates learn faster than the rest. You can always ask them for help. Teamwork makes the dream work, remember that!

4.      Take Time to Relax

Lastly, take care of yourself. Relax, prioritize your mental health and take some time off from studying when needed. Everyone has different ways of relaxing. Do what you think is best for you to relax. Yoga, sleeping, eating, going to the gym or playing games. Whatever works for you! However, relax in a moderate amount of time. You still need to remember your responsibilities as a student!

University is not easy, but you need to remember, you have survived a lot in the past. You can do this! I believe in you. We will survive together.