As my third year of university is slowly coming to an end, I have been finding myself reflecting on all the things I’ve learned. It’s been an intense journey filled with experiences, setbacks, and victories that have made me a more self-reliant and intelligent person. Let’s dive in to some of the things I learned in my first year of university of TRU, especially within the Architectural Engineering Technology Program.
Academic Perspectives
One of the most important things I have learned is how valuable time management is. I have had to find ways to manage my schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and social life as I have a greater workload compared to high school. Using time management tools, setting times for activities, and developing a regular study plan were all a crucial part of meeting academic grades and standards for my program.
I have also come to appreciated the importance of active learning. Not only are class notes, labs, and seminars important, but the studying that happens outside of class can at times be more beneficial. Discussions, group projects, and practical exercises have all helped me better comprehend and remember the content.
Individually Growing through the Year
Beyond the classroom, the university has sparked personal development. I have collaborated with people from diverse backgrounds, gained leadership responsibilities, and ventured outside of my comfort zone. I have been able to make connections with individuals I thought I would never have before. Putting myself out there helped me secure a summer internship and show my work ethic to be a great asset to the company I worked for.
Making friends and acclimating to an unfamiliar environment were two of the most difficult things I had to do. But I quickly came to see that trying new things out of my comfort zone like joining groups and going to social gatherings was essential to creating new lasting relationships I am happy to have still till this day.
Managing Money
Although it might be intimidating, learning how to manage funds as a student is essential. I now have better knowledge of responsible spending, saving, and budgeting. I have made measures to guarantee financial security, such as keeping track of spending and having a part-time job. Of course, it is okay to treat yourself every now and then however, maybe putting some funds away for something in the future can also be beneficial overall.
Well-Being & Self-Care
Setting self-care as a top priority is crucial since school responsibilities may be quite demanding and get in the way of real-life things. I have discovered just how crucial it is to take pauses, engage in mindfulness exercises, and ask for help when I need it. I have found that self care, whether it be via hobbies, exercise, or just spending time with loved ones, has helped me keep a healthy work-school-life balance.
Looking Ahead to Years to Come
I am overly excited and full of happiness as I am so close to finishing my program. I have been able to look back on all the tips and tricks over the years to finally say I enjoyed my time at TRU. Of course, it was stressful at times, however, in the end it turned out to be very much worth it. In addition, I am excited to take on new chances, push myself, and keep developing personally.
Overall, my first year at university was an incredible experience, it definitely made me the person I am to this day. I have learned the value of perseverance, flexibility, and having an optimistic outlook. I am appreciated of the experiences, both positive and negative. I hope TRU will become a good place for you and consider it a new chapter of your life; you will not regret it.
Written by Future Student Ambassador, Karolina Rogowicz (2025).
