8 Things I Wish I Knew in University & College
S2E16 – The Twenties Detox Podcast: 8 things I wish I knew in Univeristy
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University is a whirlwind – one minute you're moving into your dorm, and the next you're walking across the stage at graduation. If you're anything like I was, you probably thought you had it all figured out. But hindsight is 20/20, and looking back, there are a few things I wish I had known that could have made the journey a little smoother and a lot more enjoyable. In this post, I’m sharing the eight lessons I wish someone had told me before I started university. Whether you're just beginning your university journey or you're halfway through, these insights might just help you make the most of this unique chapter in your life.
1) Boys Are Not Your Friends
SORRY, NOT SORRY.
Let’s kick things off with a tough but necessary truth: boys are not your friends – or at least, not in the way you might think. During university, it’s easy to blur the lines between friendship and something more. While it’s fine to have guy friends, it’s important to be aware of the dynamics at play. Don’t put all your emotional eggs in that basket because sometimes those ‘friendships’ come with hidden agendas or complications.
2) Your Grades Aren’t Everything
STOP DEFINING YOURSELF BY A NUMBER.
From the moment we start school, we’re conditioned to believe that our grades define us. But here's the reality: once you step into the real world, no one’s going to care what you got in second-year calculus. Your GPA might help you get your first job, but it won’t sustain your career. Focus on truly learning, absorbing material, and prioritizing your mental health. Your worth is not tied to a number.
3) It Will Go By So Fast, Do Not Stay In
IT’S A FRIDAYYYY. GO OUT.
University life is fast-paced, and before you know it, it’s over. While the temptation to Netflix and chill every night (or just study) is strong, don’t let it consume your experience. Get out there, make memories, attend events, and say yes to that random house party. These spontaneous moments are what you’ll look back on fondly – not the nights you spent holed up in your room.
4) You Don’t Have to Get Blackout Wasted
YES. I’M TALKING TO YOU.
There’s a weird pressure in university to go all out every weekend, but here’s a secret: you don’t have to get blackout wasted to have fun. Moderation is key. If your reasons for not going out (#3) is because you feel obligated to drink alcohol…Try some mocktails baby! More and more young people are not drinking, and parties are for everyone. You’ll also thank yourself when you wake up the next morning, remember the night before, and can actually function for the rest of the weekend.
5) Join Clubs! Find Your People
FIND PEOPLE WHO HAVE SIMILAR INTERESTS
One of the best decisions you can make in university is joining clubs. Whether it’s a debate team, a hiking club, or something niche like a cheese appreciation society – get involved! These are the spaces where you’ll find your people, and often, these friendships last longer after you graduate. All the friendship breakups that I’ve experienced have been because the glue in our friendship was proximity, not interest. When we moved back home, that friendship faded pretty quickly. Clubs provide a sense of community that makes university life richer and more fulfilling.
6) Get Hands-On Experience.
IT'S BETTER THAN THE NUMBER ON YOUR DIPLOMA
They don’t tell you this enough – but getting hands-on experience during university is invaluable. Internships, volunteering, and part-time jobs give you practical skills that a number on a transcript can’t. Employers are more interested in what you can do and how you apply your knowledge than your grades. “They want to know that you’re good in the field, not that you just know about the field.” I explain, in the episode. Seek out opportunities that will prepare you for the workforce.
7) You Don’t Have to Complete Your Degree in 4 Years
THERE IS NO RUSH.
It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of that degree, and finishing it up as fast as possible. My biggest regret – was not slowing down. I would have sooner realized the field wasn’t for me, and also, enjoyed my university experience more… There’s no shame at all in completing your degree in more than 4 years. This time is for exploring, learning about things that genuinely interest you, and growing as a person. Don’t just aim for the finish line – enjoy the journey, and soak up the knowledge and experiences that will shape you.
8) Embrace Uncertainty
THE SOONER YOU MASTER THIS, THE SOONER YOU ENJOY LIFE.
Finally, embrace the uncertainty. It’s okay not to have everything figured out by the time you graduate. Life doesn’t follow a linear path, and that’s perfectly fine. Be open to opportunities, changes, and even failures – they’re all part of the journey. University is just the beginning, not the end.
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University is one of the most transformative times in your life, and while it’s impossible to know everything upfront, these eight lessons can help guide you through it. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about growth, experiences, and finding your path. If you want to dive deeper into these topics and hear more about my university journey, be sure to listen to the full episode of The Twenties Detox podcast. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it. Stay curious, stay open, and keep detoxing from those limiting beliefs!
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