You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out: A Real Talk for Uni Students

Let’s face it—university life at Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is no walk in the park. You’re juggling lectures, res life, tests, assignments, side hustles, and maybe even a little romance. On top of all that, there’s an unspoken pressure: to have a plan, to be making big moves, and to somehow know exactly what you want to do after graduation.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need to have it all figured out right now. And if you don’t, that doesn’t mean you’re behind—it means you’re normal.

The Pressure Is Real

From your very first day on campus, there’s this underlying pressure. People ask, “So what are you studying?” which is really just code for “Do you know what you’re doing with your life yet?”

By second or third year, it becomes, “So what’s your plan after SPU?” And if you’re in your final year? Forget it—everyone expects you to be ready to launch into the real world like a fully-formed adult with a 5-year plan and a signed job contract.

But life doesn’t always work like that. Most people are figuring it out as they go—yes, even the ones who look like they’ve got it all together.

Social Media Makes It Worse

Let’s talk about the ‘Gram, TikTok, and Twitter for a second. It might seem like everyone else is doing big things—launching brands, graduating with distinctions, getting internships in Cape Town or Johannesburg, starting YouTube channels, or moving into their own apartments.

Meanwhile, you’re sitting in your SPU res room, Wi-Fi acting up, wondering how you’re going to pass that module you’ve been struggling with since week two.

Social media is not reality. It’s a highlight reel. People post their wins, not their worries. You won’t see the tears, late-night anxiety, or fear behind the success posts. Don’t compare your real life to someone else’s filtered version.

Your Timeline Is Yours

Some SPU students will graduate in record time, get a job, and move on. Others will take longer, change their majors, or even take breaks. Some will fall in love, others won’t date at all. Some will find their passion quickly, others will try 10 different things before they figure it out.

And guess what? Every single timeline is valid.

You are not behind. You are not late. You are exactly where you need to be to learn, grow, and become the person you’re meant to be.

It’s Okay Not to Know

You might be majoring in Data Science, Law, Heritage Studies, Education—or something else entirely—and still feel unsure about what comes next. That’s normal. Life after uni isn’t a straight line. Some people pivot into careers that have nothing to do with their degree. Some start businesses. Some travel. Some go back to school. There’s no one-size-fits-all path.

If you don’t have a detailed plan yet, use this time to explore. Join clubs, take electives, volunteer for campus events, start a side hustle, or create something just for fun. The goal isn’t to have a perfect plan—it’s to get to know yourself better.

Mental Health Matters

Uni life can be heavy. Deadlines, financial stress, res life drama, family expectations, relationship pressure—it all adds up. It’s okay to say, “I’m not coping.” In fact, it’s brave.

SPU has wellness support services. Use them. Talk to your friends. Take breaks. Sleep. Drink water. Delete the app if it’s messing with your peace. Protect your energy like your life depends on it—because in many ways, it does.

You can’t show up for your goals if you’re burned out.

Celebrate the Little Wins

We often ignore small victories because we’re so focused on big goals. But the truth is, the small wins matter most. Passing a test you thought you’d fail. Getting out of bed when you didn’t feel like it. Finishing that essay. Saying no to something that drains you. All of these deserve a moment of pride.

Life isn’t only about big moments—it’s about the everyday ones too.

Final Thoughts from One SPU Student to Another

If you’re walking across campus wondering if you’re the only one who feels lost, anxious, or unsure—you’re not. We’re all figuring it out in real time.

You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to have a five-year plan. You just need to keep showing up. Learn as you go. Be kind to yourself. And trust that everything you’re going through is preparing you for something bigger.

So take the pressure off. You are doing better than you think. Your story is still being written—and it’s going to be amazing.