10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting University

Hey there, future students! Today, I’m diving into a topic close to my heart: things I wish I knew before going to university. As of June 2024 I have submitted my Master Thesis and have now officially graduated from a European university. Whether you’re about to get started on your own academic adventure or just looking for some nostalgic insights, here are ten nuggets of ‘wisdom’ I’ve gathered along the way.

1. It’s Okay to Feel Overwhelmed

Starting university is a huge transition, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. I wish I had known that everyone else was feeling the same way. Embrace the chaos and remember that it’s all part of the journey. Things will eventually start to feel ‘normal’ and you will make friends eventually. I promise that you are not the only one wondering what on earth you are doing and how you are going to make this all work.

2. Time Management is Crucial

University life comes with a lot of freedom, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Learning how to manage your time effectively is essential. Get yourself a planner, use digital calendars, and prioritise your tasks to stay on top of everything.

Personally, I used both my Google Calendar and Outlook Calendar to keep track of University related events/tasks. Outlook was predominantly for planning group meetings, whereas Google Calendar provided a more private calendar in which I also would plan personal events alongside my classes. Be sure to plan study time-blocks, planning when you will be working (and on what) is the first step to managing your time effectively.

3. Get Involved Early (If You Want To, Don’t Feel Pressured)

Clubs, societies, and campus activities are fantastic ways to make friends and explore interests outside of academics. It’s a great way to build a community and make university life more enjoyable. Personally, I was very lucky to have already had a friend group in the city I was studying in. However, I also found that I made plenty of friends by simply sitting next to new people in lecture halls and by getting to know peers through group projects. As an introvert this worked out very well, as I was not too much into the clubs and associations. I did join a book club in my first year of University, which was a fantastic way of meeting some other more introverted gals whose personalities aligned a bit more with mine.

This leads me into another important piece of advice: don’t do anything you do not want to do. Only do things you want to do, and not because [insert popular student name] says you should be doing it. You are no longer in High School, there will be people out there who are like you. Don’t get peer-pressured into going to parties, or doing things (taking substances, being intimate etc.) that you are not ready for or simply do not wish to do.

4. Your Professors are There to Help

Don’t be afraid to approach your professors. They’re there to support your learning and can offer invaluable advice. Go to office hours, ask questions, and build relationships with them – it can make a big difference in your academic experience. Don’t be scared to add them on LinkedIn after a course has ended, to keep that connection going and potentially benefit from this later on in your career.

This is not to say that there are no professors out there whom are not so pleasant. Sadly, some professors believe in a clear hierarchy or even discriminate against students. If this is happening to you, usually Universities have an e-mail address or person that can be reached out to, to make a report on inappropriate behaviour from a school staff member. Do not be afraid to do so, if someone is making your learning environment unsafe or uncomfortable.

5. Financial Literacy is a Lifesaver

Please, please, please, if you take away anything from this post: let it be this (and number 7). Understanding how to manage your finances is critical. From budgeting to understanding student loans, having a good grasp on your money matters will save you a lot of stress. I recommend creating a budget and sticking to it as best as you can.

Not only is this wonderful during your time as a student, but it will make the changes to a post-graduate so much easier. Be responsible with your money, have an emergency fund, and make sure you have savings to bridge a potential period of unemployment. Besides all this, learning to budget is a life skill that you will be pleased to have for the rest of your life. I am not telling you to skimp on everything and spend as little money as possible, but knowing where your money is going and what your monthly budget limits are will help you be more aware of your spending habits.

And who knows, being financially responsible may get you to an early retirement.

6. It’s Okay to Change Your Mind

Many students switch majors, degrees, or career paths during their university years, and that’s perfectly okay. University is a time for exploration and growth. Don’t be afraid to follow new interests and passions. I changed my degree from English Literature to Geosciences, and I still love English lit and at times wonder what my life would have been like if I had stuck to it. However, I am happy that I ended up changing my degree as I can now enjoy that passion (reading, writing, reviewing) without it feeling like an obligation.

My two cents: be sure to take a few weeks or months to really make sure changing career paths is what you want. Don’t do it because you don’t like one of your professors or a course you are taking. The latter is luckily only temporary.

7. Mental Health is a Priority

University can (and most likely at times will) be stressful, and it’s important to take care of your mental health. Make time for self-care, don’t hesitate to seek counseling services, and reach out to friends or family if you’re struggling. I cannot stress this enough: your well-being comes first!

8. Networking is Key

Building a professional network while in university can open doors to future opportunities. Attend networking events, connect with alumni, and use platforms like LinkedIn to start building relationships in your field of interest. Reaching out to peers and professors on LinkedIn is a great place to start.

9. You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out

There’s a lot of pressure to know exactly what you want to do after graduation, but it’s okay if you don’t have all the answers yet. Focus on gaining knowledge and experiences during your studies. You can always change jobs afterwards. Hey, you can even go back to school if in five years you figure out this career path simply is not for you. A friend of mine got a BSc and MSc in Geoscience and ended up following evening courses to become a software developer. And he is much happier for it!

10. Enjoy the Journey

Lastly, remember to enjoy your time at university. It’s a unique period in your life filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences. Make the most of it, cherish the friendships you make, and don’t take it too seriously. Some may say they are the best years of your life, and for some they absolutely can be, but remember that life is short and you get to decide what the best years of your life are. I promise you, as a fresh graduate, things after University are pretty exiting and you will be ready for that next journey when that moment comes.

So there you have it – ten things I wish I knew before starting university. Whether you’re about to start your journey or are already in the midst of it, I hope these insights help you navigate and make the most of your university experience. Feel free to share your own tips and experiences in the comments below!

Happy studying and good luck!