Reflecting on My University Experience So Far

I’ve recently celebrated being officially halfway through my time at medical school, however, had I opted for a more conventional three-year degree, my time at University would be nearing its end. With that being said, it felt like the perfect opportunity to reflect on what I’ve made of the “University Experience.”. These are some valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way, which may be useful to any current or prospective University students.

Friends will come and go

Let’s be real, the most daunting aspect of university isn’t living independently or the difficulty of your degree. It’s the uncertainty of making friends. Truth be told, if there was ever a place to make friends, it’s university. When I say there’s someone for everyone and you’ll find your people, I genuinely mean it. However, that’s not to say, you’ll get it right the first time. Personally, I’ve been part of multiple friend groups throughout my university journey. It’s not that they were bad people; they just weren’t the right fit for me, and that’s perfectly okay. The lesson here is not to become overly attached to the first group you randomly hung out within the first week. Give yourself the opportunity to explore, meet a variety of people, and eventually, you’ll discover the ones who truly resonate with you. After all, it took me two years to realize my best friend even existed.

Don’t lose what makes you special

Creating a compelling university application often emphasizes the importance of being well-rounded and unique. Like many students, I mentioned my achievements in sports and highlighted talents that I’d developed since childhood, which played a key role in being accepted by my university. However, a common trend, and one I’ve personally experienced, is that once we attain the goal of being admitted to our chosen course, we tend to lose touch with what set us apart. In my case, I’ve played golf throughout my life and achieved several milestones such as becoming national champion. Upon starting my degree, however, these achievements took a backseat. The combination of limited time and energy led to neglecting my sport, resulting in me losing my touch. Recognizing the value of the skills I had worked my entire life to acquire, I’ve recently made a conscious effort to stay consistent with my golf practice. The lesson here is clear: whether it’s dusting off that guitar or picking up that tennis racket, it’s crucial not to lose touch with what makes you special. Don’t let the skills and passions you’ve cultivated go to waste once you’ve achieved your academic goals.

Remind yourself why you are there

When transitioning into University life, the other aspects of your life don’t just vanish. In fact, the freedom and responsibility of living alone make the other parts of your life harder to keep under control. Whether it’s friendships, relationships, sports, or any other interests, when things go awry, it’s easy for them to spiral and be blown out of proportion. Of course, your university experience will have its share of challenges, but it’s crucial to keep them as mere speed bumps and not allow them to completely derail your journey. Ultimately, you’re investing in an education, with the end goal of passing exams and earning your degree. Enjoy your time at university, but be conscious of other factors, ensuring they don’t hinder your chances of accomplishing what you came there to do.

Appreciate the journey

This is a lesson I’ve come to understand only recently. University is often seen as an obstacle on the way to launching your career and earning a salary. It can feel like an awkward phase where you’re an adult but not entirely. Daily activities, like walking to the library or taking the bus to placement, can quickly become burdensome and make it easy to feel you’re squandering your prime days stuck in study mode. Lately, I’ve made an effort to value the university phase more. Once you enter the workforce, it’s a permanent commitment. There’s minimal room for exploration and trying new things when you’re thrust into employment. So, appreciate this stage in your life. It’s a rare opportunity to enjoy adult freedom without all the adult responsibilities. Take a moment to savor it all. Appreciate those late-night study sessions and the humble struggle meals during tough times. These are supposed to be the best years of your life, so there’s no need to rush through them. Just hold on tight and enjoy the ride.