I have been in the university for 2 semesters. 2 semesters are not really a very long time that but I do get some experience as to how to survive the life there. I said "survive" not "excel".
If you still trust your high school teacher that university is heaven, the 1st thing you should prepare before going into the university is to get that mind set out of your mind. That thing is just a myth.
Yeah, university life can be heaven, but it can be hell too.I have had my darkest moments in university that's why I know.
Here are my 10 rules in surviving university:
Rule 1: Do only what you are capable of.
There are plenty of societies and activities going on within the campus and off the campus. They all offer fun and experience. It's a great news if you like socializing. University is a great platform. However, I would also like to mind you that your priorities in the university is still studying.
Join whatever activities you like, but from time to time, you should ask yourself this: "Can I handle this? Have I given my highest priority to my studies?" Once you realize your answers are: "It's too much for me.", "I feel like I am under too much pressure.", "I think I am lacking behind my studies.", "I just got myself a D for my midterm test". Those are the signals that you are not doing what you are capable of. It's time to start making priorities again. Quit those activities that you regret joining and those that offer you nothing but pain.
Okay, if you don't care about studies and all you wanted in university is just fun and experience, go ahead then.
Rule 2: Don't mess with relationship
Choose your circle of friends wisely. You can have wide range of friends. You can be Mr/ Miss popular in the university. Even so, make sure you have one or two quality friends. One or two that you can go to when you have trouble. They will be your family in the campus.
Do not start any relationship just for fun because when the breakup comes, it won't be fun no matter how shallow the love is or how openly you can accept broken heart.
Avoid major quarrel with your best buddies, if not you will find yourself miserable eating alone in the cafe.
Rule 3: Beware of ambitious people.
If you have to chance to participate in any big events or happened to become a committee in a program, you will know what I mean by "Beware of ambitious people."
University is where all the talents gather around. When there is a project, many people will speak up. You will be amazed by their big plans and their powerful speeches. They are the great leaders of tomorrow.
You know what they do best? Yes, making empty promises. That's what they are most gifted in.
They never hesitate to volunteer themselves to be the project managers of any kind. But when the date is nearing, and situations come up, they also never have a second doubt on quitting.
What is next? You will be pushed to take up the job as the project manager to solve the severed puzzle.
Well yeah, you can quit too right? But guess what, your ego doesn't allow you to.
In the end, you will be all screwed up; too busy saving the project and so messed up with your study.
If you are so unlucky to have become a committee in such program, don't be afraid to become the intimidated ones. Question them, "When are you going to do that?" "How are we going to make that work?", "Are you sure that is even realistic?"
There is no need to be too polite with people as such. Be polite and save those questions, you will find yourself in hot water one day.
Rule 4: Kick the lazy habit butt
Do not accumulate your work; be it your homework, assignments or your project work. Make sure you finish them as soon as possible before the timeline. Procrastination is the old friend of ours. We know what kind of disasters he can bring to us.
"Work before fun". Easily said than done. It would still be good if you can do "Fun before work". Never let it become "Fun and no work".
It is best if you can read ahead before every lesson. If that isn't possible, at least finish your homework and tutorial questions before the discussion. THIS IS IMPORTANT. Get them done no matter what. Even if you have to scarify your sleeping time.
Sometimes we don't really get what the lectures are teaching in front of the lecture halls. That is still okay.
But it will be really bad, if you don't understand your tutor and stop trying to understand what is going on. That, I would symbolize as "end stage cancer", which means, no hope, death in definitely.
Rule 5: Study is your own business and it's nobody else's
You have to take 100% responsibility towards your own success in study. University is no high school. Lectures are not paid to make you study and get an A. You will meet all kinds of lecturers. Some fantastic ones, some not so fantastic and some even evil.
If you have the slightest thought that if you get bad result and your lecturers' careers are ruined. You are hell wrong. They will still get good salaries every month to pay for their luxurious car that they are driving.
To survive university, to pass your exams, you have to be 100% committed to your studies. Do whatever you can do to make sure you understand the syllabus and the knowledge that you will be tested on.
Also, no parent will be by your side to tell you when to study. You have to know by yourself when to start revising for exam and stuff.
Rule 6: Find your sacred study places
Your room might not always be the place you can study best. Invest your time in trying out some of the places around the campus until you have find at least 2 places where you can actually sit down, focus and study. At least 2, so that you don't get bored and also the other one serves as a backup when the original one is unavailable.
They will be your hiding places when the exam is around the corner.
Rule 7: Find a study partner
If you enjoy studying alone, that's fine. However, if you like motivation, I would suggest finding someone to study with you. He/She mustn't be of the same course, just find a friend whom will actually study with you and not be talkative when you are in the study mode. If you can get the right person, it helps to boost motivation.
Rule 8: Do not waste your Saturday and Sunday
I know you want to have fun during weekends. But also remember, weekend is the best time you can catch up with your homework and studies.
You can have fun. Nothing is wrong with that. Just remember rule 4. Don't ever get behind schedule.
Rule 9: Choose to live healthy
Yes, I said "choose" because it is something you can decide. You can choose to sleep at 10pm or 4am, that's your choice. You can decide to eat pizza over salad as afternoon snack, that's up to you. You can choose to smoke and do drug or you can make up your mind to exercise very afternoon and live a happy life. It is your life. Good health, bad health; you choose, you decide.
I believe we can study better if we have a healthy body.
Rule 10: Find your own de-stress methods
Don't always be too hard on yourself. It is very unhealthy. Academic achievement is important but don't let it gets into your head that scoring a B instead of A means the end of the world.
For me the whole point of studying is learning how to learn. Result is only of second important.
Go on vacation once a while. Your study totally deserve a well rested mind.
There they go. My 10 rules to survive university. Experience and experiment with university life yourself and then set your own rules.
Good luck.
