7 Lessons University Taught Me

There’s something intimidating about the word ‘university’. Maybe it’s because you’re leaving everything you once knew— home, familiar faces of friends, a set routine— and stepping into a new, sometimes rigorous, lifestyle. 

Going into university I assumed that the process would be rather straightforward. All I had to do was choose a course, get admitted, study and graduate with a degree. Little did I know that those four years would teach me lessons that went far beyond just my books. 

University is a unique experience for everyone. For me, university shaped me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. Here are 7 life-changing lessons I learnt from my university experience.

1. No one has it all figured out 

I found it both funny and eye-opening when I realized that over half of my classmates, just like me, had no clear idea of what they wanted to do after finishing our course. When I first started university, I believed everyone knew exactly what they wanted, when they would achieve their goals and the steps they needed to take. Meanwhile I felt like an oddball with no solid plans, unaware that I was just one of many still figuring out what the future had in store for them. I learned that while it’s good to plan and be prepared, it’s okay to not have it all figured out. Leaving enough room for wondering where life takes you and exploring the unknown can eventually lead you in a path that you never expected and may end up loving. 

2. Independence and self-reliance 

Another important lesson I learned in university was becoming truly independent. In the beginning, being away from home and the safety net of family members shielding me from the harsh realities of life came as a shock. The heavy realization that I would have to take care of myself when I was sick, make my own major decisions and ensure my own safety set in slowly. I had to come to terms with the fact that my parents weren’t there to shield me the way they once did. I had the responsibility of managing my own time and navigating challenges on my own. I was able to learn that independence isn’t about being alone without others supporting me, it’s about trusting myself to do the right thing and provide healthy solutions to my problems. 

3. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there

One thing I love about university is the plethora of activities it affords its students. There’s always something to do! At first I was hesitant to join clubs and societies because I thought I’d be too busy studying to dedicate time and effort to extra curricular activities but I couldn’t have been more wrong. It was only when I started participating in events and joining clubs that I found energy and renewed strength to replenish all my tiredness from studying. Participating in events— in my department, my church or in my school at large— helped me draw lessons like how to communicate and express my ideas with others, showing up and being committed even on days I didn’t feel like it.

4. Save your money! 

For the first time in my life, I had access to my own money. To me that was a major perk of being a student in university. I didn’t need to ask my parents for money each and every time I wanted to purchase something. But with the blessing of having easy access to money at my fingertips came the curse of squandering it on things that didn’t last or matter that much. During one of my classes, a lecturer of mine expressed to us that one thing she wishes she did as an undergraduate was save up her allowance instead of spending it on a whim. I took that as a challenge to start saving money and it was one of the most beneficial lessons I learned. Out of my allowance I set aside a certain percentage I wasn’t allowed to spend and even though it was hard, it taught me self control, wise spending and discipline.

5. Invest In Yourself 

While I was focused on my primary course of study, no one had really told me that just learning what was required for my degree wasn't enough. It took me a while to realize that today's world is changing at a fast pace and unlike before, just having a degree isn’t enough to set me apart from the thousands of other students who have degrees as well. To stand out, I had to look beyond my classroom and actively build my skills and experience. Investing in myself didn’t just entail taking online courses but also gaining relevant knowledge and skills that matter to employers around the world. 

6. Take Care of Your Mental Health

In my early university days, I used to stress a lotttt. I felt like if I didn’t ace every test or if I turned in my homework a minute late, it would be the end of the world. Of course, acing tests and meeting deadlines are important, but I wish I had known sooner that it's okay to go at a steady pace. It’s okay not to rush everything, and it’s okay not to put so much pressure on myself. I learned that doing my best didn’t mean constantly forcing myself to be perfect. I was able to learn that constantly pushing myself beyond my boundaries would only result in extreme burnout. My mental health mattered so I made the decision to take regular breaks, hang out with friends more and enjoy simple things like watching light hearted movies. I came to the realization that I could only give my best when my mind was at peace.

7. Not Everyone is Your Friend

My university experience was no doubt shaped by the company I kept around me. I noticed that when I hung out around certain people I felt drained and I complained a lot, when I hung out around another set of people all I wanted to do was study because they were studying hard. Another group of people made me laugh for hours on end. With relating with others, I learned that not everyone has to be called a friend. It’s a seemingly simple yet impactful principle to follow; categorizing people into boxes they fit and roles they play in your life. It’s not bad to have two close friends you can share your struggles with, three study buddies, ten acquaintances and so on. By doing that I knew who to trust with what and how much I could give of myself to others. 

As the saying goes, every good thing must come to an end. Four years looked like forever when I started university but one semester at a time I overcame battles with stress by taking care of my mental health, I made real friends, I joined a program coordinating department at my church, I volunteered for events and saved a certain percentage of my allowance each month. Looking back, I can confidently say that my university experience was setting the stage for my life. 

I take everything those four years taught me everywhere I go and apply them to real life with gratitude. Which of these lessons can you resonate the most with?