Following the successful completion of my BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing with First-Class Honours, I found the experience to be both captivating and enlightening. Throughout my time at university, I acquired valuable life lessons that I believe may be of interest and benefit to you.
At the start of the semester, it might seem like exams and project deadlines are years away. You might think, "I got two months to finish this project. A little binge-watching won't hurt." While that might be the case, do not take deadlines for granted. Time flies quickly. Before you know it, you are two days before the project deadline and still need to start the introduction!
I have found it helpful to start on school projects early, no matter how easy they seemed. This way, I could finish the projects ahead of time and focus on other parts of my life. By starting projects early, I also allowed myself room to adjust in case things do not go as planned.
However, time management is about more than just school projects. It is also crucial when juggling other aspects of life. Planning and keeping to different commitments requires discipline. It is necessary to stay on top of your schedule and make sure all that needs to get done gets done.
Setting reminders has proved very helpful for me. It helped me stay on top of my schedule. Sticky notes are also good if you prefer physical reminders. These are both useful in keeping you in the loop regarding your schedule.
It may be challenging to adjust to this, especially if you prefer to be more spontaneous. It is essential to take it step-by-step.
"Research is formalised curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose."
― Zora Neale Hurston
It is essential to do research before carrying out any project, even if it is on a subject you are knowledgeable about. Nobody can have all the answers. By conducting research, you get to see the work other people in the same field have done. There is a universe of information you can consult. There are so many new things you can learn. You can even learn things you did not even existed.
“Reflection is the lamp of the heart. If it departs, the heart will have no light.”
― Imam Al-Haddad
In other words, we can get the clarity we desire by looking inward.
Self-reflection is important. It helps us better understand ourselves. Through self-reflection, we can understand our strengths and weaknesses. We can also understand the past and the lessons we can learn from it. This will help us make better decisions in the future.
I have found it helpful in helping me understand myself better. It has also allowed me to make better decisions.
Self-relection is an ongoing journey. We will keep finding new things about ourselves. So, taking a break from the hustle and bustle of life to look in is crucial.
It is very easy to get caught up with university life's chaotic nature. This is especially true if you work and school at the same time or if you are very active in communities. It is also easy to fall into a monotonous cycle of constant work.
It is okay to rest!
You are not a machine. Even machines need rest from time to time. Without proper rest, it is easy to fall into Burnout.
As someone who likes to get things done, I have often gotten stressed and burnt out. I have found that rest is crucial for survival. It is okay to rest every once in a while.
However, remember that things still need to be done. So make sure you take time to achieve those tasks and still take time to rest. It is about balance.
Nobody can do it all alone. Finding a good network of family and friends to support you is crucial. Life's challenges can be overwhelming, and having a network of family and friends provides a safe space to express feelings and vent frustrations, which can significantly reduce stress levels.
Being part of a group also provides a sense of belonging and community. This connection is fundamental to human happiness and can ward off feelings of loneliness and isolation. Celebrating successes and milestones with others also helps create lasting, positive memories. Being around loved ones could also help improve your overall mental health.
Family and friends can offer valuable advice and perspectives based on their experiences. This guidance can be crucial in making informed decisions, especially in vital stages of life. Family and friends can also serve as role models and sources of inspiration, motivating you to pursue your goals and dreams.
I have found that surrounding myself with good people helps to improve my overall mental health and motivates me to do more. I have also learnt a lot from the people around me, which has helped my personal growth.
Reflecting on my journey throughout University, I have realised how transformative these years have been. Each insight I’ve shared— the importance of time management, researching, self-reflection, living in the present, resting, and having a good network of people—has shaped me in profound ways.
University is not just about earning a degree; it is a time for growth, exploration, and laying the foundation for the future. I hope my experiences resonate with you and inspire you to make the most of your journey. Remember, live in the moment, learn from the past and prepare for the future.