Everyone says that college is the best time of your life. Indeed, most, if not all, of it is true. But what you also need to keep in mind is that it is essentially a gateway to the rest of your “real world” life, so you need to keep your head straight.
As most universities are about to begin the new academic session, many of you are about to embark upon a new chapter in your lives. We the sage, experienced people of Mangobaaz have some advice for you all. While some of you might be really excited, others might not have had the experience of being away from home and might be worried about what to do with your new found freedom. Just take a deep breath and read up on our advice about how to navigate your new life:
Intimidation is Natural, Embrace it and then Let it Go.
As you settle in the chaos of classes, new schedules and for some of you, living away from the comfort of your cozy homes, it is quite easy to get intimidated and overwhelmed by everything. You might even feel like you want to cry. And you know what? Just do it! Let yourself cry once it gets to you. This you’ll have let your frustration go and you will be recharged with new found energy to take on the challenges (because there are going to be quite a few of those).
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Meet People, Get Out of your Comfort Zone.
All your school life, it has usually been that select group of people from the same background. Universities are places where you get to meet people from all different kinds of backgrounds, all corners of the country and beyond. And all these people have some really interesting stories, who knows, maybe you’ll end up being besties for life. Heck, we hadn’t heard of a place called Lala Moosa until we met some great people from there in our university!
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Don’t Forget to Study
A lot of students tend to believe that university is a very relaxed place where studies are very light. We can’t blame you, everyone tells you all your life abhi mehnat kar lo college mein ja ke ayashi hi hai. However, the reality is much different. Studies are much harder and students are much more competitive. So, it should go without saying but don’t let your focus from your main purpose be distracted.
But Don’t Forget to Have Fun!
Exactly. While studies are definitely very important, it is not your GPA or that A grade in that one introductory calculus assignment you got in your freshman year that you will remember. It is the late night sessions of driving around the city with your friends, doing the craziest things possible that will be the stuff of your memories and stories for your kids, later in life. So make memories!
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Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up.
It is easy to think that all the people in the class will laugh if you ask a question that you deem to be too dumb. Don’t let this hold you back from asking questions in the class, or anywhere in your life, ever. Professors get paid to answer your queries and help you learn, after all.
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Learn to Manage Your Time.
After the semester it is important to manage your time very effectively. Every course needs attention. You are here to study first and everything else later. Strike a balance and give every course the required time.
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Know Your Limits.
Don’t succumb to peer pressure and get yourself in trouble that you will regret later about. It is sometimes okay to say no to things you do not want to do. Just because everyone else is doing something doesn’t mean have to so don’t feel bad about saying no.
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Avail All the Facilities Your University Has to Offer.
You pay for them after all! Don’t be that person who enters the library for the first time when you are taken on a tour of the campus and the second time when you are checking out before graduation. Make sure to engage with all the facilities your campus offers you including libraries, computer labs, sports facilities even the cafeterias, regardless of how bad their food tastes.
With that said, every freshmen usually feels the same way in the first semester at the university. It is a new place for everyone and if someone feels right at home, just know: they’re really good at faking it. Learn from them!