3 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started University

By Lia Lee, Dual B.A. Student at the University of British Columbia and Sciences Po Paris

I’ve always been a Type A person, seizing new opportunities and a busy lifestyle. I soon became known for my schedulers, self-micromanagement, and productivity. A part of me began to embrace that side of my character, but that’s not entirely who I am. It’s easy to make surface-level judgement calls on people, but what you see at the surface never defines someone’s entire character. It becomes harder to understand and accept who we are because we get stuck trying to make sense of opposing characteristics. It makes you wonder how someone who’s seemingly ‘cool’ can also shamelessly embrace their quirks; how someone who has gone through so much can stay positive; how someone who self-destructs can care so deeply for others. University is a tumultuous period where you’re both trying to figure out yourself and the people surrounding you, while simultaneously juggling the unpredictable obstacles that a university experience has to offer.

Students from across the world answered an anonymous poll with their advice for entering students. If you’re a young high school student experiencing the daunting fear of entering university or a university student who’s still trying to figure yourself out: these are just some things that I wish I knew before I started university to make the adjustment a little easier.

For classic Type A people, this is truly difficult to not only wrap one’s head around, but internalize into their stream of conscious thinking. By the time I graduated high school, I had figured out the system: how to manage my time, what to do for university applications, fitting the mold of specific university program’s ‘ideal candidate,’ applying to scholarships… As a freshman in university, you go back to ground zero. I entered university believing that I was going to excel by going above and beyond – travelling the extra mile. I thought I was going to do additional research to supplement the lecture material, finish all my readings, and revise my notes before each class. In theory, this sounds responsible – in reality, it’s unnecessary. It’s okay if you miss a reading or if you feel like you’re falling behind. It sounds cliché, but good grades come with understanding the course objective (read the syllabi!) and picking your battles, rather than struggling to perfect every aspect of each course.

“It’s okay to feel like you aren’t the smartest person in the room” (anonymous student).

My mindset was flawed by looking at school as a checklist of tasks I had to do. I learned over time that I performed best when grades weren’t my top priority, rather I started choosing classes based on my genuine interests and exploring my curiosity in niche subject areas. Find value in your studies – whether it be the content, skills, or different methods of thinking that you’re learning. Stay open-minded – it’s okay to feel like you’re behind. If curiosity is fueling your motivation, you will naturally thrive by being open to learning from your peers and gauging stronger focus on your studies.

University will open so many more opportunities to explore your interests both academically and personally. Don’t succumb to the fear or hesitation to try new things – make the most of the opportunities your university has to offer.

“Be prepared to work harder than you ever had” (anonymous student).

“Try the things that you’ve always wanted to. Whether it be an activity or a class, it doesn’t hurt to try something new. It may open doors to possible futures that you didn’t even know you wanted or could pursue” (anonymous student).

Take courses that challenge you, try learning new subjects that you’re unfamiliar with, expose yourself to new experiences – from here on, you’ll be able to evaluate what you enjoy and what you’re good at. The intersection of your passions and skills will become your unique niche that you can commit to as a major or career path.

“Grades aren’t everything and it’s okay to prioritize fun and social life over academic endeavours. Obviously keep studying and do well, but make sure to enjoy every minute and don’t waste it on something you don’t like to do” (anonymous student).

“Literally say yes to everything! Late night adventures, trips with friends, anything that you can do to make memories because you will never have this much free time and ability to enjoy adventure than you do now” (anonymous student).

Balancing a social life with academics is never an easy task but learn to pace out your deadlines and schedule yourself. It’ll make it easier to prioritize schoolwork while leaving room to spend time with friends. Be spontaneous whenever you can – say yes to club trips, concerts, or movie nights in with your friends! Go on exchange or travel with your friends. Attend workshops and events alone and strike a conversation with someone new. Message that person you barely know or initiate a conversation with the person you sit next to in lecture – you never know what these minute actions could lead to, and sometimes, these people could end up being a lifelong friend.

“Talk to your professors about their professions and their career path! It could give you great insight into your future!” (anonymous student).

“Make friends in your classes. Study buddies are amazing for when you miss class or need someone to study with. They make even the most boring class fun!” (anonymous student).

“College is the time to really decide and figure out who you are and what better way to do so than to experiment with new things?” (anonymous student).

As you enter young adulthood, you have the authority and the power to be independent. Take leadership over your own life and consider the advice of others, but ultimately, decide what you truly want. Universities will not provide the same dynamic as high school – it’s no longer as small of a social bubble. Some students thrive on their newfound individualism but others may seek small communities through clubs, associations, or sports teams. Don’t get me wrong, join those associations and meet new people! But, be careful not to succumb to the groupthink. You have the capacity to think differently from the people you surround yourself with – you can choose to think positively of a situation, or to stay home on a Friday night while others go out. Take life at your own pace and don’t let other people make decisions for you.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. No one is going to judge you for it. Whether that be for academic reasons or personal ones, there is a community of people waiting and ready to be there for you” (anonymous student).

“Everyone has their own path! Don’t compare your progress to others! We all go at our own pace!” (anonymous student).

Be open-minded to your own flaws and don’t compare your path to others. University will throw obstacles at you and you will experience failure at some point. However cliché this may sound, these moments of failure are also golden opportunities to reflect on your weaknesses and areas in need of improvement to bounce back – it’s an opportunity to get stronger to build mental stamina as you enter adulthood.

Perhaps you don’t get elected for that leadership position, fail an exam, or get your heart broken – your mentality and character will be reflective of how you react to these setbacks. Acknowledge how you feel and don’t invalidate your own emotions, but set up a path to move on and progress. There will be moments when you relapse, but as long as you’re continuously bouncing back each time, you’re still better off than where you initially were.

University is a blurry period where you’re clinging onto youthhood while being thrown into adulthood – it’s not easy but it’s can also be one of the most memorable parts of your life.

“Life is a marathon, not a race.” It may feel like everyone is racing around you at this particular period of your life, but take things at your own pace and don’t forget to stop and smell the roses before it’s all over.