University is said to be some of the best years of your life, but the late nights, thousands of words on a computer screen, having an empty bank account and the absence of a social life around assessment times can put people off. While uni can have its downsides, there are far more awesome, positive things that outweigh these.
So, I’m going to tell you why going to university was the best decision I ever made…
University is an amazing place where you can connect with people from all walks of life. I’ve met people from vast backgrounds, including people with various religious beliefs and political views, people of different ages, nationalities, and people with different interests, studying different things. Uni is an incredibly diverse environment – meeting different people is great for when you step out into the ‘real world’.
Uni is THE place to make contacts and make a head-start on getting out there and starting your career. On top of your degree (obviously), you have the opportunity to make industry contacts through your lecturers, networking events, and other special events relevant to your school. Extra-curricular activities are also a great thing to put on your resume in order to stand out from the crowd when applying for your ideal job. Benefits of extra-curricular activities? Make new friends, network with industry professionals and make contacts, and have FUN! Worth it.
I could say a million more things about how amazing you feel when you finally submit an assignment (self-accomplishment, much?!), how much fun you have walking around campus (I’m not lying, I actually enjoy it and it’s a great way to keep fit!), the food, the coffee – it’s all good. The best part, though, is making friends. I’ve made friends that I connect with so much. I feel like I’ve never laughed so hard as I have with these people. We sit at the uni bar at the end of the day and just chill-out until we realise we really need to go home and get some work done. It’s a great life.
To make the most out of your experience, here is some advice:
- Go outside your comfort zone; say ‘hi’ to somebody you wouldn’t usually talk to! I seem to come out of every lecture and tutorial knowing someone new, and you will start to establish a social circle for each class!
- Join a club; it’s good for your resume and you’ll make interesting friends.
- Get motivated and STAY motivated; try to keep up-to-date and on top of things – developing a routine will help.
- Get known by your lecturers; put your hand up in class, email your lecturers, be on a first name basis.
- Finally, remember to look after your health; that includes keeping nights out in-check… you don’t want a sore head in your Intro to Politics class. And try to get some nutritious food in – eat your vegetables!
I can honestly say that I have never ever been happier. University is fun and gives you the foundations for an incredible future where you can make a difference in the world. It is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in life; you will meet all sorts of people, learn all sorts of things, and go to all sorts of places. Take the time out to boost your resume and employability, take time to make friends with people from all walks of life, and work as hard as you can whilst still having the time of your life. Oh, another tip, Google what you can do to make Mi Goreng noodles a little more tasty. It’s university – you’re allowed to be broke and happy at the same time!
– Amanda-Jean 🙂
