Source: Brett Jordan, Unsplash
Have you ever thought about underloading, but not quite sure if it would suit you? Or, even maybe teetered with the idea, but never took the next step? Well, look no further than this blog post. Here, is my personal experience on what it is like to underload from the perspective of a third year Bachelor of Commerce student.
I started my three-year commerce degree at the beginning of 2020. I was super eager to start my university journey and officially enter the next stage of my so-called “adulthood.” I could not wait to immerse myself in a completely different environment, branching out and making new friends.
All of a sudden, the COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm and completely changed what I thought my university experience would be like. People would always tell me that “university will be the best time of your life.” However, in all honesty, a large chunk of my first 2 years will be remembered learning at home and online through my laptop.
When reflecting upon my university experience up until 2022, I felt that two-thirds of my degree had flown before my eyes. I think everyone can resonate with how fast time has passed due to the pandemic. Joining SAMM in my second year, even though being primarily online, gave me a taste of what it was like to be part of a university community. I had met such fun and talented people, working on some amazing projects for the committee.
Coming to realisation at the start of 2022 that I would be finished by the end of the year, brought up a lot of different emotions. I felt like I was not quite ready to enter the “real world” and that I had so much left that I wanted to accomplish in my final year, that there was simply not enough time to relish in the true essence of being a university student.
In the first semester of 2022, classes were back in person, I was working more regularly at my part-time job, I was a communications officer at SAMM and taking on some extra-curricular activities that I had previously missed out on in the past few years. I found trying to balance my full-time university schedule with my work and social life quite challenging. After trying to stay organised, I was witnessing myself falling behind in my university work and becoming quite stressed.
I had never really thought about underloading as an option. I thought that doing four subjects per semester was considered the “norm” and that there was an underlying stigma associated with underloading. However, I then realised that everyone at university is going down their own career path, at their own pace. Underloading was most-definitely a viable option, as it was going to address some of the thoughts and emotions that were running through my head at the beginning of the year.
In the end, I decided to do 3 subjects and it was the best decision that I had made. I was instantly less stressed and able to focus my efforts more on the subjects I was studying. My grades were better, and I was able to feel more balanced with work, being part of SAMM, joining the Unimelb Tennis Club and catching up with friends. There was truly no rush to graduate, especially if it were at the detriment of my wellbeing and university experience.
I am planning to graduate half-way through 2023 and whilst, I am only planning to extend my degree for an extra six months, it has given me the ability to relax and take on board other activities that I previously wanted to do.
Ultimately, do it for yourself. Do not worry about what others are doing. Comparison is the thief of joy. You are in charge of your own career path, so your parents should not be the ones holding you back from the decision.
Whether it is wanting to take on board an internship during the semester, join a committee or just experience “uni life” a little bit longer, I honestly could not recommend underloading enough. Whilst it may not be for all, I hope my experience can shed light and guidance to those thinking about it. :)
Written By Isabella Papavasiliou
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