Let's rewind to mid week 3. I had just found out about this blogging opportunity and was trying to think of some clever, creative entry to submit. Alas the answer came from an unlikely source - my dad. He just turned 50 and one of the presents he got for his birthday was "Zombieland" on Blu-ray. So we decided to watch it that night and amidst the laughing and snacking the idea came to me...
Columbus' rules for surviving a Zombie Apocalypse can be applied to university life.
I know you're thinking WTF, but bear with me.
For those of you who for some unknown reason are yet to see this hilarious movie, here's a brief synopsis from the movie's IMDB page:
"The horror comedy 'Zombieland' focuses on two men who have found a way to survive a world overrun by zombies. Columbus is a big wuss -- but when you're afraid of being eaten by zombies, fear can keep you alive. Tallahassee is an AK-toting, zombie-slaying' bad ass whose single determination is to get the last Twinkie on earth. As they join forces with Wichita and Little Rock, who have also found unique ways to survive the zombie mayhem, they will have to determine which is worse: relying on each other or succumbing to the zombies."
From various zombie experiences, Columbus creates a list of rules on how to avoid becoming a "human happy meal".
When you really think about it, these rules can be applied to not only his situation but also everyday university life.
So in saying that, here's the list:
Rule #1: Cardio
Unfortunately for us, both university campuses are rather large and so you find yourself having to go from one end to the other to get to class and if you're at Kelvin Grove then you know how much of a pain this can be with "the hill". Although it is fairly obvious, exercise and keeping fit can massively make a difference to getting around campus. I know myself 1 year ago and 16 kg's heavier the 5 flights of stairs from the bus stop weren't the easiest things to conquer but now I'm finding them 10 times easier and it makes a massive difference.
Rule #2: Double-tap
No, I'm not talking about this in the movie sense - owning a firearm is not only dangerous but illegal. I'm referring to your assessment. I have heard dozens of stories about students losing marks for not taking the extra time to double check their work and making silly mistakes that might not have happened had they had another look.
Rule #3: Beware of bathrooms
You may be wondering - what's so bad about bathrooms? All I'm going to say on this topic is that they're used by hundreds of students every single day and you don't always know how hygienic the person before you is. Plus there are a lot of germs in bathrooms and being sick at any time during the semester really isn't fun and your work and therefore your results suffer.
Rule #4: Seatbelts
This one doesn't really apply to university but it's just a good general safety tip and if you've seen the movie you'll know why I'm mentioning it (remember the scene with the mum and the little girls?). Make sure you and your passengers always wear one. It's illegal not to.
Rule #7: Travel light
There's nothing worse than having to lug a heavy bag around university, especially if you're there all day. If there's a text book you don't need to bring, then don't bring it. Do you really need your laptop for this tutorial? Plus the people on the bus will thank you when your bag isn't occupying a seat.
Rule #8: Get a kick-ass partner
Having a friend or two in your course is always good. If you find your friend isn't doing the same subjects as you that semester then don't be afraid to make friends with someone who is. They're feeling exactly the same and it'll help both of you in the end. Makes doing assignments and group work a lot easier.
Rule #15: Bowling ball
I don't mean take a bowling ball to uni and just start a game on the lawn with your friends in your break but more the general idea of just having fun. Don't let university assessment take over your life because in the end you won't really be having a life and you don't want to look back at these years and wonder why you never enjoyed the other aspect of university - the social part. Get together with a few people after a lecture or tutorial and just relax and unwind. Doesn't matter what you choose to do for fun but make sure you put aside the time to do it.
Rule #17:
Don't be afraid to raise your hand and answer a question in front of a few hundred or so strangers, even if you think it's wrong, you can only learn from your answer and the ones that are sure to follow. Contributing to discussions gives you a better idea of the topic and will help you with other things associated with it.
Rule #18: Limber up
Much like rule #1, being limber is somewhat important, especially when climbing those five flights of stairs or "the hill". You sit for hours listening to other people talk so when you have the opportunity to move your body you should. Maybe take the stairs instead of the elevator - get your heart pacing just a little bit faster. Every step helps.
Rule #22: When in doubt, know your way out
The transport system can be a little daunting, especially in the first few weeks. I have found myself at a different stop or five in previous semesters. Don't panic. Most phone plans now include internet so just use yours to look up a solution. If you can't do this then either ask someone or go back to the very beginning, the very best place to start...sorry, this is an entry about zombies not Maria and the Von Trapp family.
Rule #32: Enjoy the little things
Whether it's a funny mishap in a lecture or getting your first 7 on an assignment or exam, especially one you worked really hard on - enjoy it. It's these little things that make up the best memories of our years at university and the things you don't tend to forget. Ask your parents about their time at university and they'll tell you about all the things they did with friends (well maybe not everything), the memorable lessons with their favourite lecturer's or the semester they spent abroad or doing work experience and travelling the world.
One last thing before I complete this post - don't be afraid to talk to other students or to teaching staff - they're not man-eating zombies!
- Beth
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