BIS HCMC alumni share their top 8 wellbeing tips for university

In the last week of school 12 BIS Alumni from the Classes of 2015 to 2022 visited us in the hub to share their stories, experiences and advice with our secondary students. And they did not spare us any details! From universities in Japan, Ireland, the UK, the US and Australia, our alumni gave a great overview of their university experiences, and how they may differ, depending on where you study. Read on to find out their top 8 tips for surviving the IBDP and your first year at university.

1. Ask your teachers for support if you need it!

On giving advice for students who are starting their IBDP or are making their way into their final year, our alumni shared some great pearls of wisdom including “don’t slack off”, “don’t be too harsh on yourself” and “go at your own pace, don’t compare yourself with others”. Another piece of advice was to make use of your teachers, they are there to help you, so ask them questions when you’re struggling and they will support you through the process. Our world class teachers are specialists in their fields and provide academic and personal support to each student, going above and beyond to provide enriching learning experiences. 

2. Tell your story

3. Be adaptable but stay consistent

At BIS HCMC our students have a set timetable with the same teachers,, they pick their subjects at the start of the IBDP and they then generally know what is expected of them throughout the school year. At university, schedules, classes and professors change regularly and one alumni shared how she found this was a difficult transition, that one term she might have all classes in the morning, and the next term they would all be in the evening. So you have to be both adaptable but also consistent. “You may have more freedom, but don’t lose your focus.” Keep a study schedule and stay on track of your deadlines. 

4. Don’t forget your shower shoes!

Great advice for any student who will be sharing a bathroom in their dormitory. Our alumni did not hold back on how gruesome some university bathrooms can be after sharing them with 20 others on their floor. Top advice - don’t forget your own toiletry bag or caddy and shower shoes, unless you want “some kind of fungus!”. Whilst this may be a little extreme, the reality is that many students may be sharing bathrooms for the first time with other students. On our school residential expeditions, students have the chance to become more adaptable when sharing bathroom facilities and living in less comfortable conditions. Camping or staying in accommodation without air conditioning and electricity help to prepare them for a different way of living than they are used to. However, the reality day in and day out is that university bathrooms may not be as clean and tidy as you would like them to be!

5. Set boundaries and respect others 

One word that came up a lot during our panel discussion was “boundaries” - set them and respect them. This was a consistent theme when talking about living with others. When should you set your boundaries? At the very start! Have those conversations at the start so that you know what is expected of you and vice versa. While it’s important to make close connections with people, it’s inevitable that there may be times when you just don’t get along. Having those boundaries in place sets a precedent for all future interactions and helps you maintain your peace of mind. Let your roommates know what time you wake up, what’s important to you and how you can divide cleaning duties between you. 

6. Join clubs and societies

Joining these extracurricular activities not only gives you a chance to let off some steam, and improve your overall wellbeing,  they are also a great opportunity to meet people that have similar interests to you. It may be that you become BFFs with your roommate and never look back, but many many need a different setting to make those closer connections.  So why not join a club to meet those who you are bound to have more in common with? One alumni also shared how having a roommate really helped her extend her social circle as they’d meet each other's friends and form closer bonds together. It’s also important to have an outlet at times when you may feel overwhelmed. University it is a big adjustment, learning how to live independently, managing your finances, taking care of yourself, staying on top of your studies and navigating social circles can be a lot sometimes. It's important to have an activity that centres you and allows you to unwind and release tension. Sports are a great way to release some of your stress, just as the arts may give you the creative space to express how you are feeling. Work out what works best for you personally. 

7. Find your support system and make time for each other

“I think one thing that people don’t talk about at uni enough is having that support system around you”. It’s a huge transitional time in your life and it’s important to make deep connections and rely on one another when you’re struggling. So how do you go from Hockey club members to besties? “Make time for each other” one alumna shared; “at secondary school you see each other all the time, but at university you may have different schedules, it is important to work around our schedule and make time for one another.”

Another alumna shared that soon after meeting someone, reach out to make plans, don’t wait for them to contact you. Be proactive and you will make stronger connections. 

8. Have those difficult conversations when they arise, don’t endure it

If you’re having a problem with your roommate not doing the dishes, or being too loud when you’re trying to sleep, have the difficult conversation when it arises. One alumnus shared “don’t endure it, keep open communication”. You never know what might happen in the future and it’s best to deal with these problems head on, tell them how it affects you and work out how you can compromise together. 


We think our alumni did a great job at expressing their university experience! To all of our fresh graduates taking up places at universities across the world this academic year, and to all those in Years 12 and 13 starting their preparations, we hope you can use these little pearls of wisdom to make your transition a little easier! Good luck on your journey and #DontBIStrangers, in a few years time we want to hear your advice!