ATAR Notes: Forum

Uni Stuff => General University Discussion and Queries => Topic started by: happycat on May 06, 2015, 04:14:09 pm

Title: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: happycat on May 06, 2015, 04:14:09 pm
I've a uni student for 3 years now and for me it has been mostly an assignment factory. Seems that there is never time for anything but getting assignments done by the deadlines. Anyone else feel this way?
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: brenden on May 06, 2015, 04:22:15 pm
I certainly feel a lot more free than a slave but I definitely feel like there's lots of assignments, too!

Edit: I made a joke out of this post not remembering that I have an essay due at 11.59pm tonight and another assignment due at 12pm tomorrow and I haven't even started the second assignment and I'm nowhere near finishing the first. O, Irony. Thou art a cruel mistress.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Joseph41 on May 06, 2015, 05:34:28 pm
Not really. I feel like there are more deadlines to meet but I actually feel very free. A lot more than during VCE, at least. If I don't want to go to lectures, I don't have to. I feel less social obligation to feign enthusiasm. I can come and go as I wish.

I agree that the assignments are more numerous, but if anything, I felt more of a 'slave' (I heavily dislike using that word in this context) during VCE.

EDIT: Third year Arts, which might explain it a bit.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Mieow on May 06, 2015, 05:46:41 pm
Ugh yes. I'm pretty sure the last time I had a full night's sleep was like last year or something. I feel myself become more and more neurotic each day. I think I might become a zombie really soon. But I guess that's just Biomed for you
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: heart on May 06, 2015, 06:04:34 pm
same here and got another 4 years if I get into graduate studies  :(
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: sjayne on May 06, 2015, 06:06:16 pm
yes. add transport and I'm a walking zombie
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Stick on May 06, 2015, 06:53:51 pm
Yes, I too feel this way, although I don't get that many assignments (the workload predominantly comes from making sure I learn the content that has been presented to me). That being said, I think this is more an issue with myself than it is anything else, because plenty of people have demonstrated that it's more than possible to make time for other things if you really want to. This is just something I personally struggle with and that can take its toll after awhile. When I feel like this though, I ask myself what I'd rather be doing with my life - and every time, I agree that the path that I'm currently on is the correct one. I think this highlights an important point: even if you're following a path that you want to go down, you're going to have times where you don't feel that passion and enthusiasm that you once may have felt about it. That's why it's important to constantly re-assess, and make sure that you're not at the point where you absolutely resent what you're doing, or that you'd rather be doing something else with your life.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: happycat on May 06, 2015, 07:07:53 pm
I could say that I have more freedom these days until I have assignments that is. Its kinda strange how even if you like learning stuff you still resent uni which is rather ironic. My guess would be that because of how the uni system is run, the fun gets taken out of learning. I'm doing zoology btw.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Orb on May 06, 2015, 07:09:38 pm
Is uni really this bad? :o
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: brenden on May 06, 2015, 07:16:35 pm
Is uni really this bad? :o
It's less "cushy" than high-school but blatantly more preferable imo. Less cushy, but in some weird, paradoxical way, less depressing.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Russ on May 06, 2015, 07:19:47 pm
Not really, people just like to complain :P Uni is a sweet deal, you'll enjoy yourself
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Joseph41 on May 06, 2015, 07:43:57 pm
+1. I absolutely prefer uni to school on the whole.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Stick on May 06, 2015, 08:01:42 pm
Is uni really this bad? :o

No, not at all. It's more intense but I too prefer it to school for the reasons others have mentioned. And yes, people (including myself) don't mind a whinge every now and then. :P
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Alter on May 06, 2015, 08:17:39 pm
As a VCE student, this thread makes me want to reconsider going to the University of Melbourne and instead go back to my dreams of completing an apprenticeship in tupperware containership.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Mieow on May 06, 2015, 08:32:06 pm
Is uni really this bad? :o

Honestly I bring the stress onto myself so no it really doesn't have to be as bad as VCE. Like Stick said, Biomed just really needs you to learn the content as well as you can for your MSTs and exams, and there isn't gonna be a teacher around to tell you what to do and when to do it like in VCE. I'm about 5 lectures behind in Chem but honestly if I was organized from the get-go uni could've been a lot more relaxed. Oops ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: keltingmeith on May 06, 2015, 11:26:38 pm


Like Stick said, Biomed just really needs you to learn the content as well as you can for your MSTs and exams, and there isn't gonna be a teacher around to tell you what to do and when to do it like in VCE.

This is DEFINITELY not specific to biomed.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: thushan on May 07, 2015, 09:44:08 am
I will say I kinda have it lucky!

We don't have many assignments - only about 4-ish for the entire year, but I guess the bulk of the workload is remembering the years' worth of content. But I may be telling a different story next semester...
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: hobbitle on May 07, 2015, 10:13:18 am
Damn people.  Uni is an incredible lifestyle and you will never get anything like it ever again.  I work really hard at uni but still fit in work and social time, it's all about balance, and balance is way easier to achieve with the relative flexibility at uni than in the work force.  I worked for 7 years before going back to studies and whilst it has it's downsides, it's so so so much less depressing being at uni.

Just my opinion, everyones different, but I think we can all agree that whilst uni may feel like a grind, it's certainly not akin to slavery.... in fact the freedom is amazing.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: sjayne on May 07, 2015, 01:39:30 pm
I must be doing things wrong because I don't seem to have any freedom tbh

For me, uni really is that bad
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: happycat on May 07, 2015, 02:19:39 pm
So most people are okay with the first week or two of uni...

Then you get an assignment, then you fall behind on class trying to focus on finish this assignment on time, then you force yourself to catch up because of a quiz, then you get another assignment, then you fall behind again, then you force yourself to catch up because of the mid semester test, then another assignment hits you, and the cycle repeats until you are in SWOTVAC and cram everything in at once and (hopefully) pass!

Still better than school though.
Yep I can relate to this, as soon as an assignment is finished I end up falling behind and needing to catch up on what I missed.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Russ on May 07, 2015, 04:23:25 pm
I must be doing things wrong because I don't seem to have any freedom tbh

For me, uni really is that bad

You are probably doing something wrong then, yes. It's understandable if you're in your first semester though, as you gain familiarity with the entire process, you'll start realising how to improve your performance and routine. A lot of people feel this way early and it usually gets better. At the end of the day, you get at least 20 weeks of holidays a year, so it can't be that bad :P
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Shenz0r on May 07, 2015, 04:47:58 pm
If anything I think high school makes you feel more like a slave because you're forced to do things you sometimes just have no interest in, and you have to attend every class even if you think you might be better off studying on your own.

Of course, it's nowhere near as intensive as uni but I feel that at uni I genuinely want to learn, while still having the freedom to make my own decisions on lifestyle etc.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: ~V on May 07, 2015, 05:30:15 pm
So most people are okay with the first week or two of uni...

Then you get an assignment, then you fall behind on class trying to focus on finish this assignment on time, then you force yourself to catch up because of a quiz, then you get another assignment, then you fall behind again, then you force yourself to catch up because of the mid semester test, then another assignment hits you, and the cycle repeats until you are in SWOTVAC and cram everything in at once and (hopefully) pass!

Still better than school though.
This is uni in a nutshell, well for me at least. well written.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: hobbitle on May 07, 2015, 05:36:49 pm

This is uni in a nutshell, well for me at least. well written.

Yeah it's pretty accurate for anyone with a semblance of a social life. It's possible to stay on top of everything all the time if you study/attend classes 12 hours a day every day... but srsly.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Reus on May 07, 2015, 07:26:26 pm
Yes, it does.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: happycat on May 07, 2015, 07:32:47 pm
The strangest thing I've noticed is the way I am focusing more on getting stuff done by deadlines such as assignments and the like and less on the learning. This seems to leave me with very little time if any on learning so the way uni courses are run seems to totally take the enjoyment out of learning. I'm doing zoology and NOT biomed like people have assumed. It seems really bizarre how I should hate the very thing I enjoy most. Oh the irony of it all. This is largely a result of how my course is been run.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: hobbitle on May 08, 2015, 06:28:44 am
If all your girlfriend wants of your time is a coffee on Sunday you're doing... well? Pros and cons of that one haha.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: thushan on May 08, 2015, 02:12:08 pm
If all your girlfriend wants of your time is a coffee on Sunday you're doing... well? Pros and cons of that one haha.

Depends I say. An alternative is a study sesh together instead of coffee on that Sunday morning. :P
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: slothpomba on May 08, 2015, 04:48:53 pm
Like Joseph i felt more like a slave during VCE. Part of the definition of slavery is being "unfree" and "forced" right? I feel like there is significantly more of that in VCE.

For starters you *had* to attend school every day. You don't need to go to uni at all (but if you miss enough labs/tutes you will fail). You don't have to do your homework, you just might fail. There is no uniform or mostly set times.

Uni comes in waves. At high-tide its pretty bad, around the time all your assignments are due but as long as you pace yourself, it isn't so bad and low-tide (so to speak) is even better. If you pace yourself and spread your work out over weeks, it is way more cushy than VCE i reckon.

First year for most disciplines is particularly bad. There is often a learning and adjustment curve and you know none of the "tricks". In first year science, its normal to have 3 lectures a week (3 hours for each subject) along with a 3 hour lab and sometimes a tutorial. In second year onwards, most subjects only have 2 lectures. An hour less doesn't sound like a lot but it makes a huge difference in terms of content to learn, exams and how often you need to go in (1/3rd less!).

If you feel like a slave or like you have no free time, you are either a first year or you are doing something very wrong in my opinion. Uni is glorious compared to school. I only need to go in 2-3 days a week, when i do go i work my arse off but still, i get a massive weekend. All my stuff still gets done to a reasonable quality because i start it a week before its due often.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Reus on May 08, 2015, 08:59:41 pm
Well that's reassuring Sloth! Thanks! ;D
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: nino quincampoix on May 09, 2015, 08:34:01 pm
Is uni really this bad? :o

I enjoyed school (probably because I never really gave into the idea of competing against everyone for an ATAR), but I enjoy uni much more. But as the OP said, there'll be times at uni when you'll just have to put in the hours at the assignment factory, particularly during assignment season. These are real things - trust me! But it's a really good experience, and you meet some really interesting people. Put simply, with the added bonus of really long holidays, it's not a bad gig.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: ShortBlackChick on May 09, 2015, 08:39:27 pm
I guess some people adapt differently than others. For example, this is my 4th year at uni and I can unashamedly say this is my first semester at uni where I have handed in all my assignments on time. I'm actually rather proud of the effort I've put in this semester.

But to be fair, this is probably the first semester where I've actually got my head in the game, and honestly for me, its a sign of maturity. But on the other hand, I'm unemployed atm, so I have had a lot of time on my hands to do my assignments.

tl;dr I think its about your maturity along with your time management skills. I was pretty slow on the uptake.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: MagicGecko on May 09, 2015, 08:50:18 pm
Nope im on top of my game. If anything University is my slave.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Seige on May 12, 2015, 06:49:43 pm
mmm not really? But I guess so.
University makes me feel like a slave...but with clothes, and my own bed, and some degree of freedom.
VCE made me feel like dobby, pre-clothes.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: happycat on May 13, 2015, 06:51:06 pm
Uni has made me feel quite miserable and I feel that doing lab work which I have no intention of doing and I prefer more out in the field stuff. I've noticed that my course seems like very inconsistent e.g. two weeks ago it was about working with animals and very next week it turns into something that looks like a crash course in chemistry and physic all over again like back in first year or VCE. I sometimes feel like I might drop out and do an apprenticeship. I've naively thought that things will improve and get better but no. I'm starting to think maybe I might've made a mistake because I've probably wasted a lot of time and I haven't been getting great grades either.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: alchemy on May 13, 2015, 07:21:08 pm
If uni makes you feel like a slave, what does school make you feel like?  :o
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: kensan on May 13, 2015, 07:57:01 pm
Totally agree with sloth, first year maybe, but after that you're in control.
It's really important to do other things that aren't course work related, that way you'll always stay on top of all your commitments. In first year all I had to do was study and since I knew I had time I'd leave it for later and waste time. Now I'm really busy with other stuff too but am finding the whole experience a lot more enjoyable. Also I stopped going lectures and just watch them online now, much more efficient imo. Also having a strong friendship circle helps too  :D
 I think it's all about your mindset and asking yourself what you want to get out of your university life
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: sjayne on May 13, 2015, 09:30:28 pm
Uni has made me feel quite miserable and I feel that doing lab work which I have no intention of doing

Glad I'm not the only one feeling this way
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: happycat on May 15, 2015, 06:28:54 pm
Now for some good news, I feel like I'm starting to get back up on my feet. Seems things have improved a little that is.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Stick on May 15, 2015, 07:13:53 pm
I'm really happy to hear that, happycat. :) I've noticed that I've started feeling more positive as well - I usually have been in regards to my studies, but weeks 7-10 of the semester have been a bit rough having a very demanding subject to contend with every single day and dealing with content that's not always the most engaging. I've found that it's really important to talk to someone about how you're feeling - not just any casual conversation, but a true heart-to-heart. A lot of the time, it makes you realise that you're not alone.

I hope this good vibe continues for you, and best of luck for your upcoming exams. ;)
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: happycat on May 16, 2015, 02:34:04 pm
One annoying characteristic of mine, whenever I do assignments I seem to have a lazily short attention span after about an hour or so I phase out. Wow, not bad for third year.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: pi on June 13, 2015, 11:29:43 am
If you're feeling like a slave you're either probably not doing something you love enough, or you're not approaching it the right way. Try mixing up your study routine, get involved in more things inside/outside of uni, purchase Netflix, etc etc :)
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: sjayne on June 15, 2015, 01:12:04 pm
Just wanted to pop in and say that I no longer feel like a slave! I'm actually starting to enjoy what I've been studying, and maybe it just took me a little while to adjust. I feel like I've learnt so much already and it's great!  ;D
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: happycat on April 11, 2016, 05:40:09 pm
Now I'm starting to appreciate what I do more as I'm more motivated, but this could because the course I'm doing has a structure that I like better than what it was last year.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Seņor on April 11, 2016, 05:50:31 pm
It makes me feel like crap when i procrastinate
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Orson on April 11, 2016, 07:42:27 pm
No. Because I'm doing it because I want to do it. Sure, it gets a bit boring and tedious, but there is an end goal in which we all have to focus on.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Aaron on April 11, 2016, 09:54:07 pm
It makes me feel like crap when i procrastinate

You'll procrastinate more as you move through your degree. You can't be consistent forever :)

No. Because I'm doing it because I want to do it. Sure, it gets a bit boring and tedious, but there is an end goal in which we all have to focus on.

and I think this is really important. You tend to have a more positive attitude towards the work in your degree if you're seriously interested in that field.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: rosecookiie on April 12, 2016, 11:03:43 pm
Just a question, how much more different is Uni from school and VCE?
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: pi on April 13, 2016, 12:16:28 am
Just a question, how much more different is Uni from school and VCE?

I think you'll find that everyone has their own answer to that question. The general consensus is that, obviously, it is different. The main differences surround the freedom people have in uni: you can study and as little as you like and no one will really care much, you are 18+ (likely) and can now attend a larger array of events, you start to do things because you want to and not because you have to, etc.

Is it better? Again, individualised responses. I really enjoyed my schooling, but even then, I think uni is a bit better :)
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: happycat on April 20, 2016, 07:04:08 pm
I'm much happier now, I dunno what was going on a year ago bt something kinda made me feel depressed but that feeling is gone now.
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: tashhhaaa on April 20, 2016, 09:19:09 pm
I don't really feel like a slave to uni but rather a slave to PTV (the commute is a bitch)

2 - 2.5 hours each day in total spent getting to uni and going home :S

naturally this takes up a huge chunk of my time (I don't have a day off either due to a lame timetable)
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: heart on April 20, 2016, 09:43:57 pm
I don't really feel like a slave to uni but rather a slave to PTV (the commute is a bitch)

2 - 2.5 hours each day in total spent getting to uni and going home :S

naturally this takes up a huge chunk of my time (I don't have a day off either due to a lame timetable)

try listening to podcasts they really kill the commute time :)
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: pi on April 20, 2016, 09:53:32 pm
Sleep on PTV. Allows more time for study/parties/procrastination deep into the night! :)
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: odeaa on April 20, 2016, 10:13:34 pm
I don't really feel like a slave to uni but rather a slave to PTV (the commute is a bitch)

2 - 2.5 hours each day in total spent getting to uni and going home :S

naturally this takes up a huge chunk of my time (I don't have a day off either due to a lame timetable)

read books, i have read probs 2 books in the last 5 years but have started again on the bus. get through 1 or 2 a day now, helps to soothe the mind while still being productive (unlike playing piano tiles or going on facebook etc)

sleeping is another alternative that is just as productive
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: tashhhaaa on April 21, 2016, 12:21:42 pm
thanks for the advice everyone :)

probably won't sleep since the line I take can be a bit dodgy for about half of the stops hahahahah

any suggestions on what to read? I haven't read for fun in years but I want to broaden my horizons a bit  8) I don't have a genre preference, anything is fine
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: Seņor on April 21, 2016, 12:30:27 pm
thanks for the advice everyone :)

probably won't sleep since the line I take can be a bit dodgy for about half of the stops hahahahah

any suggestions on what to read? I haven't read for fun in years but I want to broaden my horizons a bit  8) I don't have a genre preference, anything is fine

Did you by any chance mention that you wanted to do Law? If so John Grisham in my opinion is the best legal thriller author out there. His books can also be a double-edged sword in regards to your view of studying law. It doesnt hide the stress, long hours, depression that lawyers have. But he does create superb cases and will keep you at the edge of your seat. If you arent exactly fond of reading about stress or the negative side of being a lawyer, check out the book The Partner. I dont have words for this. You simply have to read it. The level of detail is incredible and this is coming from someone who reads history textbooks for fun. The plot twists and its ahhhh so good.

You can read classics like:
How to Kill a Mockingbird
Great Gatsby

Other authors i would vouch for:
Frederick Forsyth
Tom Clancy
Michael Connelly


Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: tashhhaaa on April 21, 2016, 03:03:24 pm
Did you by any chance mention that you wanted to do Law? If so John Grisham in my opinion is the best legal thriller author out there. His books can also be a double-edged sword in regards to your view of studying law. It doesnt hide the stress, long hours, depression that lawyers have. But he does create superb cases and will keep you at the edge of your seat. If you arent exactly fond of reading about stress or the negative side of being a lawyer, check out the book The Partner. I dont have words for this. You simply have to read it. The level of detail is incredible and this is coming from someone who reads history textbooks for fun. The plot twists and its ahhhh so good.

You can read classics like:
How to Kill a Mockingbird
Great Gatsby

Other authors i would vouch for:
Frederick Forsyth
Tom Clancy
Michael Connelly

I may have at some point but I don't remember, either way that sounds like a great read

Thanks heaps :)
Title: Re: Does university make you feel like a slave?
Post by: odeaa on April 21, 2016, 06:08:09 pm


any suggestions on what to read? I haven't read for fun in years but I want to broaden my horizons a bit  8) I don't have a genre preference, anything is fine
Sherlock Holmes man, can't beat some vintage conan doyle