We sat down with TikTok influencer Amanda Round, to get her thoughts on all things post-secondary and how she balances life with her academics
Do you have any tips for incoming students on choosing an academic institution?
A very basic but effective tip is to consider your likes and dislikes. For example, do you like being in the city or prefer being on a more centralized campus? What academic subjects do you prefer, and which schools have programs that will allow you to keep pursuing them? Do you like being able to come home on the weekends, or does having an adventure exploring another province seem more appealing to you? For many, finances play a key role in the decision-making process, so make time to research the many scholarships and grants available at different institutions!
Often, with a little work, it is possible to cover many expenses so that your choice of university isn’t wholly based on budget restrictions. I always recommend enrolling in a co-op program if that is an option, as it is the best way to expand your network, gain professional experience, and help pay for school.
How do you balance student life with academics?
Balance is probably the hardest skill to master in university, and like most things, it is a process. A good starting point would be to take a day to identify and record what tasks drain you and what tasks make you feel re-energized and motivated. Doing assignments, re-writing notes, running errands, and studying for tests are the most draining for me. On the other hand, playing piano, cleaning my space, working out, taking a quick cat nap, or chatting with friends makes me feel ready to take on anything! My rule of thumb is to balance the “good” and “bad” tasks throughout the day so I don’t get overwhelmed.
What piece of advice do you have for incoming students?
Not everything is going to go smoothly, so it’s important that you keep a healthy perspective. Your time in undergrad is important; however, it will not necessarily be the major determining factor of your life trajectory. Things will go wrong; you will fail tests, miss classes, and at some point, you may hit a wall. However, as you will soon learn, life is not linear, and failure is necessary for growth. Take time to reflect on these failures and know that they do not determine your worth
