Beating the First-Year Blues
This is just a natural part of life, and first year law students are no exception to this. Whether it be in your first few weeks of classes, halfway through the semester or even as you are leaving to go on Christmas break, pretty much all first years will at some point question what they are doing, why they are doing it, and who they are doing it for.
Chances are, you're reading this and thinking ‘yeah this is me right now!' Well you’re definitely not alone and lucky for you we're here to help you out! Here are some tried and tested ideas that may prove helpful in overcoming this first-year slump. Give them a go!
Change it up
From experience, change really is as good as a holiday. If you’re feeling like you're just going through the same motions every day, chances are you need to spice things up in your life! Break your routine and give a new sport a try, get in touch with a Monash club or try meeting new people. There’s plenty to do if you go looking!
Set yourself a challenge
One of the best ways to beat the first-year blues is to concentrate on a specific and realistic goal. Not only will you feel accomplished when its achieved, but you can also reward yourself! An example of a realistic goal is trying to do all of the readings for the week. A bad goal however, would be trying to get 100% on your assignment.
See a careers adviser
If you’re really feeling off track and questioning if law really is the right course for you, don’t hesitate to drop in and visit Career Connect at Monash. They provide free course and career advise which can be really handy to point you in the right direction.
Think about your long-term goals
Sometimes when you're feeling down, the best thing to do is to think about the future. We all go through hard times but sometimes you just have to remember the incredibly cliché saying ‘there’s no sunshine without the rain’. Try to think about how your law degree is going to benefit you in the future and all of the opportunities it provides, rather than how much study you are drowning in study - remember this is only temporary.
Talk to someone
Often we feel much better after we have vented all of our worries and concerns to somebody. A good rant may just be what you need. Find somebody you trust, whether that be a family member, a good friend or somebody independent of your personal life such as a counsellor. Sit down and talk with them about how you are feeling. You might not have figured things out by the end of it, but they may offer you the direction or reassurance you need.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you are really struggling to stay afloat, or you feel as though your mental health is collapsing, please please please don’t be afraid to ask for help! Monash has plenty of support practices in place to help you get through this. Whether it be seeking special consideration for your upcoming assignment, or going to visit Monash counselling services, these services are all there for you to utilise free of charge and it is all very accessible.
Hopefully these tips have provided you with some idea of what you can do to smash these first-year blues out of the park! Below we have a list of valuable resources and contacts that may prove helpful in moving forward.
Resources
Monash Careers Connect
For all things careers, Careers Connect is your way to go!
Either pop in to see them on the bottom floor of Campus Centre or call 9905 3151
Monash University Counselling Services
Open 8am-5pm every weekday
Drop in at 21 Chancellors Walk, Campus Centre (Clayton Campus) or call 9905 3020 to book in a free appointment.
Headspace
If you would like to chat to somebody outside of uni grounds headspace is a great resource designed specifically for youths struggling with mental health.
The best way to get in touch is by calling 1800 650 890
Written by Claudia Opie