Writer's note: These tips I ought to type in are of experience and may be best relatable with those who are studying architecture, or studying in UiTM.

It is about a semester and a half into university life and I am doing all well despite things are being slightly, a wee bit bitter more than sweet at the time. I believe my dearest juniors are ought to receive their college intakes results soon, so I wish you the best of luck and I hope you find my tips and tricks helpful some day.

#1 Befriend Everybody

Befriend as much people as possible. Start off slow. Of course, you'll befriending your own roommates, so start with those you stumble upon orientation day. Don't stick to your roommates- You'll have plenty of time to get to know each other later. Sit with other students as well. Ask their names, where they are from and what course they ought to study. Pretty basic, right? Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy.

When in class, also, befriend everyone. Don't just pick those who merely seem interesting. Remember- don't judge a book by its cover. I ended up befriending those who I find uninteresting initially and in fact, they're the best bunch I never had and those who were seemingly interesting- most 'meh' bunch I ever came across. Like mentioned, ask their names and where they are from, and to make things more interesting, ask them why they joined the course. Sounds boring but, in my case, 24 people tells 24 different stories.

And if possible, make allies with students of other courses. Who knows if you're lucky enough, maybe they would help you with assignment of subjects they master, and vice versa- it's good to get to help others, isn't it?

#2 Get Organized

Amongst all those nearly 10 subjects in total, there would be half the number of assignments you won't remember. Get a journal with planners. Bring it to every single class. Jot the assignments' instructions- you'll remember better, and the due dates into the planner. Try your best to not simply take photos of the instructions, you'll forget it as soon as class ends.

Always be on time. This might be the biggest lie you utter upon yourself but please aim and strive to never do your assignments at the eleventh hour- It never ends up well, and always be punctual upon class. Punctuality makes the best impression especially when its your first semester. Think about being late or even skipping class in later semesters. ;)

#3 Get Enough Rest

Despite the endless amount of assignment or the free 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. Internet promo, sleep is one of the best gifts after a high C/GPA and successful loan in uni life. Try your best to do as much as you can for your assignments. Go all out, and at least have 3 to 5 hours of rest before (morning) class. Don't sleep in late too much, it won't do you justice for morning classes. Only stay up when it's necessary, or should I say "if/when you are an architecture student"? The Real-Life Walking Dead, we are.

And if you are an architecture student. On submission weeks, if short naps can't do you any good, start fresh at the beginning of the week and go insane for 48 to 72 hours- I mean sleepless for 48 to 72 hours, and only then go to sleep. And when you do, die for a moment- 12 hours would do you so good, you would want to continue your work immediately, once you've woken up. Not that this is the real deal, but this is what works best on me, and there is no harm in you trying it out too.
I guess that is it for the most important tips you need to hold onto upon going through college/uni life. I hope you kiddos, do well because this is the next leap of faith towards a good future. Don't break the rules, instead defy all odds.


Salam UiTM di Hatiku.

Kahkah,