How You Can Make The Most Of University
- Dickson Wong
- Sep 24
- 6 min read
Today I’d like to talk about something that will define the next few years of your life—your university experience. Now, some of you might have come to university with a clear plan: graduate with first class honours, land your dream job, and never go anything near your university after that. Others may be here for the adventure—the friendships, the independence, the chance to discover who you are. And then, there are some who might still be wondering how the heck 9 AM lectures could even be legal? No matter where you fall on this spectrum, university is a unique chapter of life—one that is challenging, transformative, and filled with opportunities.
The question is: how do you make the most of it? That’s what I’m here to help with today, sharing with you 5 tips that ensures that you leave university not just with a degree but with experiences, skills, and memories that will serve you well for years to come.
Tip 1: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
University is a complete fresh start. It is a place where no one knows who you were or what you did in high school, and you are free to reinvent yourself, try new things, and embrace new challenges. Yet, so a common mistake many students make is playing it safe—they only stick to what they know, stay in familiar circles, and avoid new experiences that push them out of their comfort zone. But here is the thing: growth happens when you are uncomfortable.
Think about the most successful people in the world—whether it is in business, sports, or the arts. None of them got to where they are by staying comfortable. They took risks; they embraced challenges; they put themselves in situations where they had to learn, adapt, and grow. And university gives you the perfect environment to do just that. Maybe for you, stepping outside your comfort zone means joining a club or society where you do not know anyone. Maybe it means putting your hand up in a lecture, even when you are scared you’ll say something wrong. Maybe it is about learning a new language, participating in a student event, or taking on a leadership role that you’re not sure you can handle.
Look, it is going to feel awkward at first. You will feel nervous, maybe even a little ridiculous but that’s good! Because that is how you know you’re growing. The moments that feel the most uncomfortable are often the ones that lead to the biggest breakthroughs. So, say no to comfort and familiarity, and say yes to new experiences and growth.
Tip 2: Build Meaningful Relationships
We’ve all heard of a saying: It’s not just what you know, but who you know. University is one of the only times in your life where you will be surrounded by thousands of people, all in the same stage of life, all figuring things out just like you. You will meet people from different backgrounds, different cultures, and different perspectives, so make the most of it. Some of these people will become your closest friends for a lifetime, certainly true in my personal experience. Some may introduce you to new ideas or opportunities. And some may even one day become future colleagues, business partners, or lifelong companions. So, make a real effort in investing in relationships. Be intentional about meeting people—join clubs, attend society events, connect with people in your field on LinkedIn, and don’t be afraid to offer your hand to strangers to start conversations. Attend networking events and introduce yourself to guest speakers. Connect with people in your field on LinkedIn. Remember that strangers are just friends that you have to yet to make.
Now however, networking is not just about boosting your career opportunities—it’s about building meaningful relationships, that means surrounding yourself with the right people. Find friends who challenge you and push you to be better; who celebrate your wins and support you through your struggles; who encourage you to take risks and hold you accountable when you slack off. Because at the end of the day, your university experience isn’t just shaped by what you do—but by the people you share it with.
Tip 3: Challenge Yourself Academically
Yes university is challenging and it is supposed to, otherwise as we have talked about in Tip#1, you won’t improve and grow. But too many University students I can across coast through their degree doing the bare minimum, just aiming to graduate, rather than truly engaging with their field of studies.
University is not supposed to be about memorising information and regurgitating it in exams—it’s about developing a way of critical thinking, sharpening your problem-solving skills, and expanding your intellectual curiosity. So, challenge yourself. Take courses that genuinely interests you even if they are harder. Ask deeper questions and help you learn root causes of things. Push your limits beyond what you think you are capable of. If a professor mentions something that sparks your interest, go beyond the lecture notes—read extra material, do independent research, explore the topic further, discuss them with your fellow students.
Remember—this is your education. What you get out of it is what you put into it. So make the most of these 3-4 years, because university is your last chance to be at a place surrounded by people who are willing and able to teach you anything and everything for free. There will not be anything like this again once you’ve graduate.
Tip 4: Study Abroad
One of the most life-changing experiences you can have at university is studying or traveling abroad. Many universities offer exchange programs, international internships, or study tours. These opportunities are invaluable—not just for your academic growth, but for your personal development. Universities such as University College London offer subsidies to relief some of the costs of attending summer school. Or you could look at attending a Language School. Research suggests that learning foreign language improve students thinking skills and memory.
Travelling changes the way you see the world. It forces you to step into unfamiliar environments, adapt to new cultures, and gain a perspective that you simply cannot get from a textbook. It is also another way to encourage to step out of your comfort zone. From navigating a new country, meeting new people from different cultures, and experiencing the world beyond your home country, these skills, networks and memories will stay with you for a lifetime.
So if you ever get the chance to study abroad - take it.
Tip 5: Plan for Your Career
Finally, do not wait until your final year to think about your career.
Too many students graduate with no idea what they want to do next. They focus so much on passing exams that they forget to build the skills, experiences, and connections needed to get a job. So start early. Apply for internships; Attend career fairs; Talk to your University’s career department, build your CV etc.
Of all the above, internships is the best way to start as they not only help build your professional network, but also helps you figure out what you would like or not like to do in the future. You might do a summer internship weeks at an investment bank and realised you have found your dream, or you might do a spring week working for an accounting firm and feel that accountancy is not for you. Both experiences are fine, but you will not know what is right or not right for you unless you give it a go.
University is about more than just getting a degree—it’s about growth, experiences, people you met, and preparing yourself for the real world. So step outside your comfort zone. Build meaningful relationships. Challenge yourself academically. Take opportunities to travel. And start thinking about your career before you graduate. Because when you look back years from now, you do not want to just remember lectures and exams. You want to remember the these valuable moments that shaped you into who you are today. So go out there and make the most of university. Good luck!
Are you ready to unleash your full potential through consistent practice? The choice is yours, and the possibilities are endless. Start today and pave the way for a brighter academic future! Stay Connected with Dickson!
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