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University is a big step up from high school. Effective techniques will help you manage your workload, stay organized, and adapt to the new level of academic rigor. New university students often face challenges adjusting to independence, managing academics, finding their social circle, and jobs.
There is some advice given by a former university student who is now the founder and CEO of a reputable online education platform, based on his real-life experience. “If new university students follow this advice from the very beginning, they will be ahead of other students.”
1. Infinity complex:
The university is new for everyone. Its environment, teachers, students, and staff are all unknown to you.
When I took admission to university, I had a fear inside me. For the first 4 months, I thought I was very bad at everything; I couldn’t do anything properly.
If you are suffering from an inferiority complex, don’t think that you’re alone in suffering. Every newcomer suffers from it.
So, don’t be in this fear.
2. Friendships are not fixed:
Friends from the first year may not stay until the last year. We make friends in the first year, but this friend circle doesn’t need to remain forever. First-year friendships happen randomly. By the time you know them, you may change circles. For example, I was in the debate club, but none of my close friends liked debating. So, I had to make new friends in debate.
So, get used to making new friends.
3.The impact of Social Surroundings
People around you will have a significant impact on you. Others’ activities will have an impact on your academic life, both positive and negative. Always cultivate the positive impact in you.
I had a friend who earned more than $2000 by tutoring. I saw he was my mate and he earned money, but I earned 0. So, then I also started tutoring and started earning. If I had not seen him, I would not have started tutoring.
I started a business competition by seeing my friends; I started learning meta-marketing from another friend.
Their activities impacted me. Though I had friends with negative minds, I didn’t cultivate their negativity inside me.
4.Do not run on three legs:
Some students have the fear of missing out. They try to do everything, participating in every event. Like you constantly compare your college experience to what your friends seem to be having, feeling like theirs is more exciting or fulfilling. So, it will be pressure for you.
That’s why run on two legs, not three.
5. Be active in academic studies
Many students idle their time by hanging out with friends and often miss classes. Poor study habits, skipping classes, and neglecting assignments will likely lead to lower grades, failed classes, and potentially academic probation. Falling behind can cause major stress and anxiety as deadlines loom and catching up feels overwhelming.
6. Improve Networking:
Building a network in university is key.
University life is a prime time to build your network, and the importance of this can’t be overstated. Networking can open doors to internships, jobs, and other career opportunities. Networking equals knowledge sharing and best practices in your field.
To improve networking:
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- Get involved in co-curricular activities.
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- Have an online presence.
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- Connect with lecturers/professors.
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- Be approachable.
Join clubs, attend events, and volunteer in your field. Focus on making genuine connections and offering value to others. Expand your network.
7. Secure economic independence
Financial worries are a major source of stress for many students. A student gets enough chances to earn money as a university student. Securing economic independence can alleviate this stress, allowing you to focus better on your studies and well-being.
8.Set your future goal and start working on it:
Where do you want to work? What is your career plan? You might have chosen the subject to get a job in your specific field. Just have a clear aim and write in a diary what you should do to achieve your aimed occupation.
After giving your final exam and if you are not occupied in earning money, then you will be called idle. But if you figure out what you will do after your academic life and start working on it, it will benefit you in the future.
Starting early allows you to make incremental progress and course-correct if needed. You might discover a new passion that alters your goals, and that’s okay!
The first year is a great time for exploration and refinement.
9. University is the best time to become an Entrepreneur
Iindividual wants to become an entrepreneur in life, they must start from the beginning of university life. If you start now, then your opportunity cost will be very low.
What is opportunity cost?
Opportunity cost is the benefit you give up when you choose one option over another. Forf an example, you decide to go see a movie instead of studying for an exam. The opportunity cost is the higher grade you might have gotten if you’d studied.
As a student, you don’t have to support your family, and you don’t have much financial pressure. So start what you want to do. It’s your time to take risks, and the opportunity cost will be very low.
10. Make a study group.
A study group can be a powerful tool for success in university life.
Studying with others can be a fun and social experience, helping you combat isolation and build friendships with like-minded people.
And you’ll see that half of your study preparation will be complete by spending quality time with your group.
11. Utilize every semester break productively
When your term, semester, or year ends, you have a long vacation. Usually, students get more than 3-4 weeks of vacation.
Use it productively. You can do an internship or learn anything new which will help you in your career.
Or if you’re an entrepreneur, then grow your business. Give time to your business, invent new things. Take short online courses like Excel, PowerPoint, or anything. Also, you can start reading self-help books.
Lastly, spend quality time with your family.
Don’t spend time going to clubs or hanging out with your friends.
12. Write your CV
Before going to sleep tonight, write your Resume. You may find your Resume empty. You will just give your school, college, addresses information.
You won’t get a good job with an empty resume.
A proper resume needs,
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- Work experience
- Achievements
- References
- Professional certificates
- Skillset description and many more
And you have to acquire and achieve these for your better professional life. University is the best time to achieve these.
13. Start growing yourself for the interview
I’ve seen many students get nervous during interviews. Many students from reputed universities with good scores. Many of them get nervous or can’t answer simple questions. Also, some couldn’t properly tell their name.
Reasons are that they haven’t worked with anyone outside their academic studies, didn’t build a strong network.
Your communication skill is necessary for a job. Without having proper communication skills, you won’t be able to get a good job.
14. Learn Microsoft Office
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint are a must for your job. If you want to work in this modern world, you must learn these.
I learned PowerPoint first. I could make slides in it, got presentations. I used to do design in PowerPoint. I taught many of my friends, and my academic tasks became easier.
Even I used to make money by making slides for people. I made $150 by making a single slide. Then I learned Excel, Word. These 3 will make your academic, personal, and professional life much easier.
15. Get a Mentor
A mentor is a reliable guide who assists you in acquiring knowledge and growing by sharing their knowledge and experience. Mentors can offer advice on study skills, time management, and navigating challenging coursework. Finding a mentor can be arranged through universities’ mentoring programs or by reaching out to professionals in your field of interest. The key is to find someone you connect with and feel comfortable talking to.
If possible, have multiple mentors in life, especially if you have multiple ambitions in life. It will aid you in maintaining a competitive edge over others.
16. Utilize your university life
This time in someone’s life will pass very rapidly. Utilize this time properly. Because university life has many advantages. As a student, you are independent and you won’t have that much family pressure. You will have the scope to do more, and you will have freedom with less responsibility.
These 3 won’t come in time after university life. So, make sure you properly utilize this time of your life.If you want to make university life better, start following and doing relevant advice from these in your life. Remember, there is no excuse for not trying.
University can be a challenging but rewarding experience. This article offers advice for new students to succeed, including using effective study techniques, finding a mentor, and making the most of breaks by pursuing internships or developing skills. Remember, university is a time to learn and grow, so take advantage of the opportunities it offers!
If you want to make university life better, start following and doing relevant advice from these in your life. Remember, there is no excuse for not trying.
Share with your friends! help them learn and grow too.
