1. You might not leave with a ready-made clique of lifelong friends
Movies and brochures often depict scenes of lifelong friendships from day one. But deep friendships don’t form instantly or effortlessly. The beautiful thing about university is that you can try. You’ll go through your uni experience working on strenuous exams, arduous labs, and soul-sucking projects. These experiences mean something – and sometimes, lifelong friendships are formed there.
But it could also very well be that these experiences won’t lead to lifelong friendships. I think this is completely normal – maybe you’re already comfortable with the friends that you have, or maybe making friendships isn’t really your top priority. Whatever the case, sometimes, close friendships just don’t happen.
2. You might be your own biggest obstacle
With newfound freedom comes a surprising reality: it’s easy to sabotage yourself. Without parents or teachers closely monitoring your schedule (YOU are the responsible adult now!), procrastination and poor habits can creep in unnoticed. The good news is that university can be the perfect low-risk environment to learn how to manage yourself. The bad news is that university can also be the perfect high-risk environment to sabotage yourself even more, and create a feedback loop of yourself where nothing gets done.
3. Impostor syndrome happens to everyone
If you’re feeling like you don’t belong, you’re not alone. Even the brightest students experience impostor syndrome. It’s best to remind yourself that everyone around you probably has feelings of inadequacy from time to time.
4. Professors won’t automatically mentor you
Professors juggle research, multiple classes, and administrative duties. Obviously, helping students is also part of the job, and they’re more than willing to do so, but it’s you who has to make the first move. Show up to office hours consistently, ask genuine questions, all that jazz – just don’t expect it to be like in lower education, where teachers hold your hand through most of school.
5. Your chosen major might disappoint you
The honeymoon period is real. Your early excitement about a major can fade once you dive deeper. If you find yourself questioning your choice, know that this is normal. Expecting a fresh high-school graduate to know what they want to do for the rest of their life is kind of insane, to be honest, and universities understand that not everybody in a major will stick to it for the full study. So, if you start feeling like your major may not be the best choice for you after all, take action as soon as possible. If you make your change thoughtfully and early enough, you can easily switch and your graduation won’t be significantly delayed.
6. Being busy isn’t always good
At university, being ‘busy’ is often worn like a badge of honour. But we all know how burnout can creep on you suddenly and violently. I get it, though. Being busy also makes me feel good. But you have to prioritise and protect your downtime. Schedule regular breaks for rest and leisure – sometimes, they’re just as important as your lectures and labs.
7. You’re paying for resources that you probably will never touch
Most students never explore the wealth of campus resources that are available to them. From specialised libraries and tutoring to mental health support and career counselling, valuable resources are just begging for you to use them. Classes are only part of the story.
8. Networking is awful – but essential
Networking makes me really uncomfortable. Connecting with alumni, professors, or classmates at events can feel really awkward – both parties know what’s going on, and everybody pretends that they don’t. But just remember that everyone at networking events or symposiums was once in your position. It’s essential to help you progress in your life. I’ve pulled in favours, got into positions, and joined activities that I never would have dreamed of doing if I hadn’t known a couple of people. And if you think that networking is just achieving that coveted 500+ connections from LinkedIn, then think again. The best kind of connections you can have are the people who can help you, not strangers through a screen.
