It is September, and it is time for university students (new or currently enrolled) to go back to University. I remember my experience as a new student and I have to say, the experience was overwhelming and it took me a while to figure things out and most importantly figure out; what exactly I wanted to achieve during my university time -of course besides getting a degree.
To all university students out there, here are two important advices that I want to share with you:
Be crystal clear about your goals at the University
You must figure out what do you really want to achieve during your university time as early as possible. Break it down to long-term and short-term goals. Long-term goals are goals that you want to achieve throughout your university time. There are two areas that I advise you to look at when setting up your long-term goals; academic achievement and skills and experience. When setting your goals -either short or long term, be specific about it and write in detail what exactly you want to achieve. Â
Once your long-term goals for your university time are set, then move into setting up your short-term goals which are goals that you should set for each and every semester in order for your to achieve your long-term goals for your entire time at the university.
For example, determine what GPA you want to achieve for each semester to ultimately achieve your long-term CGPA goal. Look at what skills and experience you want to learn/gain each and every semester to graduate with a set of skills and experience that you have set in your long-term goals.
University is more than just a place to get a degree
You must remember this. University is not just a place to get a degree, it is way more than that. It is a where you cultivate new skills, build lasting and meaningful relationships, understand how to deal with people. Learn how to follow and how to lead others. Learn about other cultures and how to deal with different people from different background and how to manage expectations. It is a place where you can gain experience in various areas. It is a place where you build the person whom you want to be in the future.
If you are thinking that the only thing you are want to do at the university is to attend classes, sleep and eat, set for exam, and graduate, you are probably wasting 4 or 5 years of your life. Change your mindset, set up your goals, work hard to achieve them, learn as much as you can and make your university time a time that you prepare yourself to face the real world.
To get a better idea of what you can achieve during your university time and how to do that, check my presentation slides here.
