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How to Make University Experience Worth It?
Writer: Urwa Asghar
A very common problem that students have reported is that they feel like going to university is not a productive endeavor in Pakistan. In all honesty, much about the current higher education system of Pakistan does need to change. But, should that mean that you shall give up? Perhaps, not so!
When you decide to pursue a university degree, what is your ultimate goal? For many people it is to find a job and develop a career. What you must understand however, is that jobs and careers are not entirely defined by your academics at university. Instead, your personal growth, and experience are equally helpful. If you think, you will go to a university for taking classes, attending a few fun events, hanging out with your friends, and going back home, know that you are wasting golden opportunities and precious time!
Also Read: Is it Worth Getting a Degree in Pakistan?
8 Tips to Make the Most of University Life
There are numerous academic and nonacademic activities that students from various fields can do besides taking classes. Here are some co curricular and extra curricular activities that will enhance your exposure, give you practical experiences, and help you understand yourself better.
- Use Your First Few Weeks at the Campus Wisely!
You should make sure that you are interacting with students, and exploring the campus during this time. While you should not be expecting long term friendships from such interactions, you should still seek to learn from the experiences of your batch mates and seniors. This will make you familiarize with the environment. You will also come across a diverse set of people. Do ask them about how they have survived university life and how they have used their time productively. The senior most batches might give you valuable insights in this regard.
- Make Good Friends
The kind of friends you have, is a decisive factor in how you will be spending your time at university. Take good time in deciding which people you chose as friends. One thing you should look for is if they have goals and ambitions in their life!
- Find an Activity That Interests You
Various clubs and competitions are there in universities. Finding an activity that you like amongst them can be a tough task for some. You have options of sports, debating, dramatics, event management, participation in activities related to your distinct fields and much more. Amongst them, you should try to always engage in activities from your fields. They can help you polish your skills, and give you practical experiences of your field.
At the beginning you should try to participate in multiple activities. This will help you see which ones you are better at. Consistently pursue at least one or two of such activities.
- Extra Curriculars that Can Get You into Top Institutions Across the World
There are some major activities that can strengthen your application if you want to apply abroad, or in the world’s top institutions for your later degrees. These are,
- Sports
- Community Service
- Debating
These three activities ensure that you have kindness, empathy, leadership, and critical thinking skills. Many of your scholarship or study abroad options for both bachelors and masters depend upon these skills.
However, this does not mean that your admissions are guaranteed just by these. They are evidences of your skills, but you are judged on the basis of many more criteria also. If you can participate in such activities, it means you are lying in the higher stature of applicants.
For more info on international admissions click here.
- Summer Vacations Shall Not Be Wasted
Your summer vacations are an opportunity for you to explore the job market. In Pakistan you can find numerous paid and unpaid internship opportunities. During your vacations do internships at relatable places. See how things related to your studies play out in real life.
Internships are also a means of getting you exposed to potential employers. Make sure that you do at least one internship each summer. In your entire degree if you are able to do about 4 or 5 internships, that’s even better! Not only does this do wonders for your CV, but also makes you understand the kind of work and environment you prefer and don’t prefer.
- Attend Conferences and Events at Other Universities
Attending and participating in external events will help you expand your network. And you might have heard,
“Network is Net Worth!”
Moreover, these activities will help you understand the problems, and ideas around you. You can find opportunities to contribute towards innovative solutions!
- Make A Plan
Do not sit still. Set long term and short term goals for yourself. During university life, figure out the routes you can take post degree. See how you can get there, and devise a plan accordingly.
Having a plan will ensure your productivity and boost your confidence. If you do not think over important matters related to your future in time, you will be fiercely hit by the world of reality after your degree. And that is something that is going to be hard to handle for you.
- Do Not Waste Your Time in Politics
Politics, has eaten out many bright souls and minds at educational environments. Refraining from politics does not mean that you should not be a part of clubs or student councils. It means that you should avoid using any unnecessary means for getting into them. In other words, you can pursue your passions through more than one avenue. So instead of spending your time being worried about others trying to pull you down, or pulling down others yourself, utilize your energies in more productive ways.
University life is about experimenting and growing. What may be a huge deal for you now, won’t even matter years later. In this time period, you have to maintain a balanced schedule. And that is only possible if you are able to avoid unnecessary drama!
Remember! Your twenties are the prime period of learning, growth, and experience. Do not go to universities for the sake of just attending a 4-year degree. Use this time to learn, hone your skills, gain experience in diversified settings, and make efforts to secure yourself a good future!
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