5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting University

Starting university felt like stepping into a completely new world. New people, new routines, new expectations… I thought I was ready. I imagined myself thriving effortlessly, making friends instantly, and acing every assignment without breaking a sweat. Spoiler alert: none of that happened. What I didn’t realize was how much I would struggle, learn, and grow in ways no one could have prepared me for. Looking back, there are five things I wish I had known before starting this journey.

1. Grades aren’t everything.

It’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that every test, essay, or assignment is the ultimate measure of your worth. I remember my first week, obsessing over a single essay, staying up all night, and barely sleeping. I thought if I didn’t get a perfect grade, I was failing at life. When the grade finally came back, it was decent — not perfect — and for a moment, I felt like I had failed. But the real lesson wasn’t the grade. It was learning how to research properly, organize my ideas, and manage my time under pressure. No grade can measure the growth, resilience, and skills you gain along the way. Focusing only on numbers can blind you to the bigger picture: learning and growing as a person.

2. Time management is your superpower.

University is a constant juggling act — classes, assignments, part-time jobs, social life, and personal projects all demanding your attention. At first, I tried to do everything at once, overbooking my days and leaving myself exhausted. It didn’t work. I quickly realized that the secret wasn’t working harder — it was planning smarter. Scheduling study blocks, meal prep, breaks, and even downtime is crucial. I started leaving tiny gaps in my day for rest, breathing, or simply scrolling my favorite playlist. Those small moments of pause made a huge difference. Burnout hits faster than missed deadlines, and once it does, motivation evaporates. Time management isn’t just about productivity; it’s about survival and sanity.

3. Asking for help is not a weakness.

One of the hardest lessons for me was learning to ask for help. I used to think that asking questions made me look unprepared or incapable. But the truth is, everyone was a beginner once. Professors, classmates, and tutors all expect you to ask questions — it’s part of the process. I’ll never forget the day I emailed my professor about a confusing assignment. Not only did I get clarification, but I also received resources, encouragement, and tips I hadn’t considered. Asking for help doesn’t make you less capable; it makes you smarter. It’s one of the most underrated skills a student can learn.

4. Friends can be your lifeline.

University isn’t just about studying — it’s about connection. Even one friend who understands what you’re going through can make the hardest days manageable. Those late-night walks to grab pizza, the small inside jokes with classmates, the group chats that keep you laughing — these little things matter. I remember a week when I was overwhelmed by assignments, exams, and personal stress. Just talking to a friend who “got it” made everything feel lighter. Building a support system early isn’t just nice — it’s necessary. Friends help you survive, grow, and enjoy your journey more than you’ll ever realize.

5. It’s okay not to have it all figured out.

One of the hardest things to accept is that you don’t need to have your life perfectly mapped out at 18, 19, or even 20. I spent months comparing myself to other students, thinking everyone else had their life together while I was barely keeping up. But university is about growth, mistakes, and figuring things out as you go. It’s okay to be confused. It’s okay to make decisions you later change. It’s okay to stumble. The important thing is to keep moving forward, learning, and being kind to yourself along the way. Life isn’t a race — it’s a series of steps, sometimes messy, sometimes unpredictable, but always yours.

Starting university was tough, overwhelming, and exhausting. But it was also incredible. I learned more than I ever expected, discovered strengths I didn’t know I had, and grew in ways that grades alone could never measure. If I could give one piece of advice to anyone stepping into this world for the first time, it would be this: focus on the lessons, not the numbers; prioritize growth over perfection; ask for help when you need it; lean on your friends; and remember, it’s okay not to have it all figured out.

University is challenging, yes, but it’s also an opportunity — a chance to learn, grow, and discover yourself. Every misstep, late night, and stressful moment is shaping you into a version of yourself you haven’t met yet. So take a deep breath, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the journey. One step at a time, you’ve got this.