Being a full-time university student has many privileges, one being you have a lot of free time. You have classes on specific days a week with free weekends, and long vacations of up to 4 months, among other privileges. However, you can effectively use this time and come out of university with more than just a certificate for the courses you were studying.
Sit down and create down what you what to achieve in the four years you are on campus. Your goals should be all round; academic, financially, healthy, spiritual, and relationally. Break down the plans into action points with timelines. If you write down goals without action points may be as equal to not writing them. You have an accountability partner that will keep you on track, maybe your friends or get a mentor. We seem to work hard and best when we know we will need to report to someone on the progress of work.
It is the best time to enroll in a short course, especially in your area of study. Technology has made it easier since you now study at your convenience comfortably in your hostel room, library, or computer lab. Finances should not scare you since there are many free online courses on different sites like Udemy, Allison, and even YouTube. This will give your resume more skills and experience than your coursemates who are only taking their degree courses.
Utilize this time by finding mentors in your field of study, and connecting with them. You can easily connect with mentors through social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Try building a relationship with your lecturers outside class and have discussions with them. Ensure that you are acting professionally and keep your relationship professional as you connect with mentors. Set clear boundaries with them, and do not hesitate to break off the relationship if boundaries are broken.
Accept to offer your services to the community in different capacities. During the long vacations, you can volunteer in a school, hospital, church, or even in a company within your area of study. Volunteer to mentor teenagers and youths in high school within your locality. Couch students in the subjects you are good at. You can offer services at a small fee.
Commit yourself to self-study the course you undertaking. Do not just close your book after the lecturer puts down his pen and wait to open it during the following lecture or test. Continuously study, make Mr. Google with his sister YouTube your friends. Know the current trends in your field of study. Read books, blogs, and journals or watch videos and be well articulated in this area.
Go out and make friends. University is one place we make lifetime friends. Make friends in all fields, but they should be friends that matter. Join CU or a sports club and make friends there. They should be friends who will propel you towards achieving your goals. Many people have found their spouses on campus; if love finds you accept it. You should be very conscious as well.
I hope that this article will help you plan for your time on campus. Choose that by the time you leave campus, you be a Guru not just in one area but all around. Enjoy your university years.
thank you
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ReplyDeleteI love your writs. Very enlightening
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