TABLEtalk - Survive or Thrive

This week we were a little fewer in numbers, as some weren't feeling well and The Famous Five are on holiday!

We began our evening with a NASA survival exercise and I have to say this group did the very best of any group of students so far ...  well done!

Then our two groups of new students worked on brainstorming what they need in place, to not just survive this time but to THRIVE, both academically, and holistically as a person.

Here's a list of some of the things they came up with:

❤  Socialise  ❤  Manage your money and your time well  ❤  Find some good traditional food  ❤  Take care of your physical health, get good sleep & rest, and stay warm  ❤  Be adaptable  ❤  Work on your skills acquisition  ❤  Be active, play sports  ❤  Work on your resilience  ❤  Be flexible  ❤  Seek out academic support 

Whilst our returning students and alumni, were given the questions (a) what worked well for you, when you first arrived, and (b) if you could go back in time, what might you have done differently?

Part A  ❤  Network well, build a good friendship base  ❤  Try new things  ❤  Step out of your comfort zone  ❤  Use all the Library resources

Part B  ❤  Don't overthink things  ❤  Accept things as they are  ❤  Embrace what you have  ❤  Plan, plan, plan  ❤  Be wise about your relationships

Several phrases jumped out for me ...

Don't over think:  I have met many a student who has worked their way into a downhill spiral by overthinking and catastrophising certain situations.

Remember your WHY:  Remember why you chose this path and all that you have achieved to get to this place.  Standing firm in your 'why' will help you the weather the storms.

Don't give up:  Well, that is what it is  ...  persevere, keep going