4 Things I learnt As A First Year University Student.

Things I learnt As A First Year Uni Student.

Coming to university was a big transition, An official commencement to my adulthood and a first step to actualizing my goals. The academic year has absolutely flown by; I still can't believe I have finished my first year despite all the "dizziness" that came with 2020. Here are 4 main things my first year of University has taught me: 

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1. It's not about how smart but your prioritization skills.

I came to  UCT with my head above the clouds, I was an A-student in high school, so I thought university is going to be a walk in a park, How hard can it be really?...but first semester, oh god it gave me a hard slap, knocked the smarts out of me.

What I learnt from failing my first tests is that university does not test how smart you are(to a certain extent), Grades are not a reflection of one's IQ... They actually  test your time management skills, ability to prioritize and delicate tasks.

Top 10 time management skills for college students

 

2. Step Outside Your comfort Zone;

I spent most of my teen-hood in my cocoon, I used to shy away from putting myself "out there", I'd feel exposed or vulnerable but coming to university has forced me out of my shell and I realised that it's actually not that bad.

I joined quite a few Student Societies, which allowed me to meet greet people, I attended talks, workshops and coding competitions. This happened because I decide to bite a confidence bullet and put myself out there, and I hope to do  it more often. 

Most universities give their students many opportunities for hands-on experience, A chance to try new things and make memorable experience...so use this time to step outside your comfort zone.

3. Self-Care Is Important;

University is quite a busy place, and it's easy to lose oneself in the chaos. Earlier onto my Second semester I felt like I was not having that "Student life" like in American college movies, comparing myself with peers both online and real-life and suffering from burnouts.

I talked to several people who were year(s) ahead of me, I realised that these are typical student experiences and the only way to combat these feelings is coming into terms  with who I am ,who I want to be ,understanding my capabilities and limits as a person and as a student.

Throughout the second semester I became a "self-care devotee". I made sure I ate health, caught up with my sleep (this was quite hard) and I signed up for gym( doing light exercises, I hope to start lifting soon ), started readings books that made me happy, And taking time off social media from now and then has really helped me stay grounded  and connected with reality.

My  Self-care journey is still a work in progress, I try to not put much pressure on myself.

 

4.  Make Friends, Have Fun.

One thing I like most about Uni is that it's very diverse, has different people from all different walks of life. People with weird hobbies, hairstyles from Mars, fashion sense from Year 2035 and some people look like they just popped out of an Instagram post.

Throughout High School I have always felt odd, I think I was that weird-kid but a little bit "cooler". I had problems with making friends, finding people with the same interests as me.

In this diverse community, I was able to find people who shared the same definition of fun as and made friends with the type of people I never thought I would be able to even hold a conversation with them.

So what's next ?

I am starting my second academic year soon, and I hope to make the best out it ...so should you, whether you are starting your first, doing your last year, Still in high school or Ispani, Let's make the best out of it. 

Make friends, put yourself out there, Ask for help and take better care of yourself because no one else will and most importantly be patient with yourself, baby steps... Baby steps.