Lessons from My University Journey: Mistakes I Made and Advice for Future Students
Make the most of your university years by learning from my experiences and avoiding the common pitfalls
Introduction
I started my university life on January 18, 2022, with so much excitement and hope. However, no one guided me on what to do and what not to do during these transformative years. Through trial and error, I learned a lot, and today, I want to share the mistakes I made and the lessons I wish someone had taught me earlier.
Let’s dive in and learn together!
Don’t focus too much on university studies — While academics are important, prioritize learning real-world skills like programming, or other areas of interest alongside understanding key concepts.
Help your classmates, but prioritize yourself — Helping others is great, but set boundaries to ensure you focus on your own goals first.
Don’t waste time staying late at university — Manage your time wisely. Save your energy for skill-building and personal growth activities after university hours.
Choose friends wisely — Surround yourself with people who uplift you and share your career ambitions. Emotional intelligence will help you identify who genuinely supports you.
Plan your budget — Enjoy university life, but maintain a budget. Strike a balance between spending and saving for the future.
Don’t skip classes — Attend classes and take notes to make exam preparation easier and less stressful.
Be disciplined — Develop the habit of working consistently, even if it’s just an hour or two daily. Small, regular efforts lead to big improvements over time.
Learn to say No — Set priorities and don’t feel guilty about saying no to activities or requests that don’t align with your goals.
Don’t take university friendships too seriously — Build friendships, but don’t let them compromise your mental well-being.
Start preparing for exams in the end — Begin studying seriously at least a week or 10 days before exams to avoid unnecessary stress and achieve better results.
GPA matters — While skills are vital, a good GPA (3.0 or higher) can open doors to top companies. Balance GPA maintenance with practical skill-building.
Don’t be disheartened by bad marks — Trust the process and keep working hard. Everything happens for a reason, and setbacks are part of the journey.
Build a strong network — Actively network and attend events to create connections that will support your career growth.
Learn skills from the start — Begin building programming and logic skills from your first semester to set a strong foundation for your career.
Avoid comparing yourself to others — Focus on your own growth and learn from others’ progress instead of feeling discouraged.
Balance fun and productivity — Enjoy university life, pursue hobbies, and take breaks to avoid burnout, but always keep your career goals in mind.
Take part in activities — Get involved in tech events and contests to build confidence, gain exposure, and grow professionally, especially in events aligned with your goals.
Not every university course is worth studying — In university, you’ll encounter courses that may not align with your interests, like English or Urdu. Focus on clearing these courses while prioritizing those relevant to your field.
Seek advice about course instructors — Talk to seniors about the teaching and grading style of your instructors. Knowing their criteria will help you prepare strategically and perform better.
Stay away from toxic people — You’ll encounter toxic people around you. Instead of engaging, focus on your goals and distance yourself from negativity. Their actions define them, not you.
Don’t chase perfectionism — Perfectionism often leads to unnecessary stress. Focus on completing tasks with your best effort without overthinking for unattainable perfection.
Find your passion — If coding doesn’t excite you, that’s okay—even as a software engineering student. Discover what you’re passionate about and pursue it. Many of my classmates found success in non-tech roles by following their interests.
Don’t miss your prayers — No matter how busy university life gets, make time for prayers and stay connected to your faith.
Trust Allah in everything — Trust that everything happens for a reason. Even if things don’t make sense now, they will in time, and you’ll thank Allah for His plans.
Focus on your health — Balancing academics, skills, and personal goals can take a toll on your health. Always prioritize both your mental and physical well-being.
Avoid stress and overthinking — Leave your worries to Allah and avoid overthinking. It only takes you of your peace without solving anything.
You’ve reached the end!
Conclusion
Well, that’s it from my side. These are the pieces of advice that, if someone had given me at the start of university, I could’ve avoided the mistakes I made. Remember, each person’s university experience is unique, and you’ll learn from your own experiences too. Try to maintain a balance in everything and spend these four years wisely, as they’ll shape your future.
Stay connected with me for more such articles — Rumaisa Naveed