There are two types of people: those who think that college life is too easy and those who categorize it as the most complicated stage of their career. What they don’t consider, in this case, is that the experience is different for each student –– and, often, these are verdicts that come from those who have never set foot in a college.
But even students who take years to earn their diploma and struggle to graduate agree on one thing: this is a unique phase in a person’s journey. Above all, it is in higher education that you learn the main techniques of the profession, in addition to the behavioral skills expected by the market. You can even change your life with a diploma in hand.
The positive thing is that you can experience college life even in the distance learning mode. And that’s what we will be discussing in this post. So, read on these tips to have amazing experiences and maximize your routine as a student!
How to enjoy university life?
The suggestions we’re going to list from now on won’t always take up much of your time. So, you can rest assured that these are activities that you can pursue from the beginning of the semester in your first year of college. Want to see for yourself? Follow along with us!
1. Participate in events
Both in-person and online, top-notch educational institutions consistently advertise activities for their students. These are special chances to supplement what you learn in the classroom and meet professionals in your industry, ranging from career fairs, seminars, and workshops to webinars and social media talks.
2. Start networking
Networking is very important in a professional’s life. When they exchange experiences with people from their field and others, they gain some good insights to help them develop their career. They can also get job referrals and even a letter of recommendation from someone who trusts their work.
During your distance learning life, you will have contact with your peers in the course discussion forums. Take the opportunity to ask them your questions, share concerns and advice, and interact in any way you can.
3. Make good friends
Much more than professional contacts, your colleagues can become friends that you can keep for life. Friendships formed during college are an extra dose of motivation to complete this next stage of your life and achieve the best opportunities in your career.
5. Be a monitor
There are study techniques that are widely used by those preparing for the entrance exam : they consist of giving lessons to yourself. Have you ever come across any of them? Well, tutoring goes in this direction –– you just change the audience from the mirror to classmates or other students.
This practice is especially useful for those who want to pursue an academic career and become a teacher. As a tutor, you develop your teaching skills, collect feedback before entering the job market, and take your first steps towards teaching. Not to mention the importance this gives to your resume .
5. Invest in internships
We know that getting your first job is often complicated. After all, companies ask for experience that students or recent graduates haven’t had the chance to gain. That’s where internships come in. You can learn from employees, corporate routines, and trends in the field.
6. Do an exchange
International experience is encouraged even by educational institutions for students. Among the advantages of an exchange program, we can mention contact with different cultures, language learning, personal gains through maturity and, most importantly, the ability to deal with adversity and get by on your own.
How can you live these experiences without compromising your studies?
Many students fear these experiences outside of class because they think they don’t fit into their routine. This happens especially to those who have already found an opportunity in the market and need to balance their studies with work. But there are some tips to avoid having your course affected by this. Check it out!
Put your learning first
Even when you are choosing activities to complement your studies, think about how you can enhance your learning. After all, they are essential for you to become that differentiated professional who is sought after in the market. Live each experience while seeking to renew your knowledge, techniques, skills, and so on.
Know how to divide your time
Have you noticed how often we say that we “don’t have time”? But in reality, what usually happens is a lack of organization and planning. Without this, it’s easy to pick up your cell phone and spend hours on social media, far from achieving any purpose. So, one of the most important tasks in college life is to create a routine.
A study schedule is a good ally at these times. Beforehand, divide the time between your undergraduate courses, extracurricular activities, personal commitments and work, if applicable. In the time dedicated to the course, separate the subjects that you find most difficult and give them priority.
The idea here is to have control over your own life. Don’t let lack of time stop you from experiencing the unique experiences that only a degree can offer, okay?
Learn to fulfill your obligations in advance
You know that story about leaving your work to the last minute? It doesn’t help at all! In other words, it only brings you closer to average learning, with no differentials. Not to mention that, if something unexpected happens, there’s a chance you won’t get a grade.
Be responsible
Finally, responsibility is one of the main skills expected both in the market and in your personal life. And it couldn’t be any different when it comes to keeping up with your studies, right? So, don’t let your extracurricular experiences take up all your time.
College life can be easy or difficult: it all depends on how you see this moment. When you prioritize balance, you can enjoy everything college has to offer without compromising other commitments in your routine. The most important thing is to know how to divide your time and analyze which activities are most valid for your moment!
