10 Things Every Student Needs To Do In University

1. Take an elective for fun

Universities usually offer (or even require) a certain number of elective classes. This is a great way for you to test your areas of interest without any serious commitments. With courses ranging from the regular introductory level Accounting and Maths to the more novel ones like Physics of Music and Forensic Science, there is always a class you have wanted to take for fun but never had the time.

Whether you are a business student wondering how environmental sciences classes are, or an architect hoping to explore sociology classes, you should take an elective that’s completely different from your course of study. Not only will it help broaden your foundations and the limits of thinking, employers will consider your versatility and well-roundedness as an advantage. Who knows, you might even find your passion!

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2. Live on campus

Some students go to university in their hometowns and live at home; many international students also prefer to rent a room or an apartment with friends instead of living in the dorms on campus. While dorms aren’t the poshest of places, they teach students many important life skills.

You will learn to appreciate and adjust to what you have. You will learn how well (or not) you interact with other students under stress (like exams, or 8am classes). Living on campus will be a learning experience that not only teaches you independence but also co-dependence. Even if situations don’t work out as expected, you will learn to make the best of it.

3. Don’t be afraid of new experiences

While university itself is already a new experience and you may already be outside your comfort zone, it is important to constantly challenge yourself. Sometimes you will surprise yourself with how much you love certain new experiences. Veering outside your comfort zone helps you develop as a person and find new passions, hobbies and interests. It will also help you determine what kind of activities aren’t for you.

As a university student, you have more time than you will when you’re working. It is the right time to explore a new area of the city, eat at that restaurant you always walk past because it’s next to your favorite restaurant, or even try out a dance style you could never imagine yourself doing. Even if you’re trying out something alone, chances are, a lot of people around you are also doing the same. The best thing about new experiences is that they are a great way to meet people.

4. Get involved in a club or society

There are many benefits of having many activities and achievements on your resume. Employers are impressed by leadership positions and a proven record of commitment to an activity. It will benefit graduate school applications. Joining a club or society will even teach you new skills.

But the most important benefit is that it will help you expand your social circle. It will help you develop connections with people in the club (supervisors, professors, other students) and also help you in future networking by connecting more easily with alumni and other people who are also involved in a similar club or activity. Explore all your options and choose an activity (or two) that interests you. Also, remember to leave a positive impression on those around you.

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5. Study abroad

Even if you are already studying abroad, spending a semester abroad can be beneficial to your resume and academic career. Universities have many different types of study abroad options ranging from spending an exchange semester at a partner university, to doing research at a research center abroad or even moving to another campus for foreign experience.

Whether you’re applying to graduate school or a job after you finish your studies, experience in a new environment will teach you how to accommodate new cultures and adjust to new environments. It will help you communicate with people from different backgrounds in a sensitive manner. Beyond that, the travelling opportunities are great.

You are old enough to travel without needing supervision, and young enough that you don’t have a full-time job and other commitments to hold you back. The experiences and friends you gain during your study abroad program will last you a lifetime. You will grow immensely as a person when you have to deal with an entirely new environment on your own.

6. Learn to manage your finances

As a student, you usually don’t have to worry about maintaining a steady stream of income or proper savings because either your parents or a scholarship or loan cover it. But without having to account for their spending habits and being completely free for the first time, most students tend to overspend on food, drinks, and shopping.

It’s extremely easy to forget to stick to your budget and very difficult to maintain it. Nevertheless, this is an important habit that every student should learn. Think twice before buying that pair of heels you saw on sale or that new bag at your favorite shop. If you feel that you want more freedom to spend, you should consider getting at least one part-time job to help manage your expenses.

7. Start a fitness routine

Living on your own can be overwhelming. Add to that a full schedule of classes and having to manage your own chores and activities, and you are very likely to forget to take care of yourself! Many students gain weight in their first semester at university because they are in charge of their own meals and often forget to exercise. Take charge of your fitness regimen from the start and make sure you don’t suffer form any lasting health problems.

As a young adult, you should be at the peak of your health and fitness abilities, so make sure you set good habits you can maintain into adulthood. Try joining a physical activity (most universities offer many dance, aerobics and martial art extracurricular options) or go to the gym 3 – 5 times a week.

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8. Become a whiz at dorm-cooking

Exercise is central to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but your food and drink intake is even more important. As they say, great abs are made in the kitchen, not in the gym. While not every university student’s goal is a 6-pack of abs and a ripped body, healthy eating leads to a healthy body.

The best way to avoid all the sugar and processed-carb laden foods without going broke is to start cooking your own meals. There are many websites are dedicated to university students and dorm-cooking. Dorms are often equipped with a small kitchen or pantry with at least a stove and microwave. Plus, cooking is a skill that never fails to impress.

9. Make a life plan

Living care-free and only focusing on your academics and social life is a fun way to go, but it is also important to figure out what you want from life during this time. While you’re studying and having all these life experiences, it is also helpful to know where you are going. It will help you in deciding where to apply for internships. It will help you figure out which optional classes to take for your major requirements. It will help you find the right set of alumni to network with.

Figuring out a life plan will help you evaluate what skills you currently have and which skills you need to gain in order to succeed and achieve your goals. As you are doing this, it is also important to remember that nothing is set in stone. You always have the ability to alter your life plans if you feel like they need to be changed.

10. Enjoy the experience

As a student, the friends you will make and the moments you will experience will stay with you for a life time. So, most importantly, don’t forget to take a breath and enjoy the ride.