Being in the university is a beautiful time. You learn so much about yourself and you meet amazing people.
However, if you plan those four (or six) years carefully, you could benefit even more than you thought possible. If you’re still an undergrad, do these 18 things before you leave school, your future self will thank you (and us) for it.
1. Fall in Love
You’re going to see more beautiful, handsome, intelligent and amazing men and women than you have ever seen at a single place in your life. Don’t be greedy, allow yourself to fall for one and experience the joy of real love. You’ll either win or you’ll learn; you’ll never lose.
2. Build Your Faith
You’re going to meet a large number of people you share your faith with, and they will challenge you to higher heights. Take advantage of this and learn and grow in your faith. I admit being woken up at dawn by my church folks for meetings wasn’t easy and I skipped a few, but I know how much those times helped me.
3. Bond With All Your Roommates
No matter who you are, you are bound to fight with your roommates at some point in time. The important thing here is to make up before you graduate. In the after school world, roomies are some pretty important people to have in your life.
4. Try A New Hairstyle And/Or Fashion Style
Try something new: A buzzcut, ripped jeans, little black dress, Hawaiian shirts (actually please don’t try this one), Timberland boots, purple lipstick, chop off your hair and go natural, bring back the spinning belt – just have fun. Take pictures while you’re at it, and save those memories.
5. Learn To Cook
This goes for men and women in general. Expand your culinary prowess. At the very least, master a signature dish that you can whip up at any time when the need arises. My first-year roommate taught me a simple gravy recipe and it has come in handy a surprising number of times.
6. Know Yourself Better
Know what you like and work hard to get them. Keep the friends that will last a lifetime. Don’t waste time on trivial pursuits that you will not care about when school ends. Be the best version of you, and like yourself.
7. Talk To New People
You’re going to meet random people at events, parties, church and in your friends’ rooms when you go visiting. Master small talk and be friendly with everyone. Some of your best friendships will start this way.
8. Work On Your Grades
No matter what else you have going on in your college life, never think they are much more important than your grades. Work hard and graduate with the grade that befits you. You can have an active social life and excellent grades. Learn how to balance your life.
9. Travel Abroad
It’s easier to get a visa when you’re still a student. Take advantage of this and travel. See the world, get some useful travel experience, and earn some money on the side.
10. Be A Leader
Run for a position in a student group you’re in. Manage affairs wisely in your hall or hostel. Mentor a group of freshmen in your department. Read books, learn to lead and manage people and resources.
11. Befriend People From Different Backgrounds
If you’re a rich kid, make friends with someone of more modest means. Befriend people of different ethnic groups, religions and political inclinations. Learn how to see things from a different perspective, and learn from that.
12. Manage Your Time Effectively
You can’t do most of the things on this list if you don’t learn to do things at the right time. Have a schedule and stick to it. Have a system – it could be a notebook or a calendar on your phone that you use to set up reminders. Discipline is the keyword here.
13. Start And Maintain A Reading Habit
Read your course notes, but try to read something non-academic on the regular. Read a novel or some creative non-fiction and keep doing it.
14. Master Your Personal Finances
Keep and stick to a budget. Keep track of the things you’re spending on, and cut out unnecessary expenses. Know where your money comes from and where it goes.
15. Start A Business
If you’re going to live comfortably in modern Uganda, you’ll want to know how to hustle on the side, to bring home the bacon to feed the family. In my time I designed and sold African print shirts, and it was fun and I learned a lot. You can try a mobile money service at your hostel, recharge cards, start a small catering service, to name but a few.
16. Make Connections During An Internship
Don’t stay home and chill all the time during vacations! This is your opportunity to work for some of the biggest firms in Uganda. Just be bold and apply. You may even get a nice allowance for your trouble, and if you perform well, you could secure a job when you graduate.
17. Have A Plan For What You Want To Do After School And Work On It
If you want to start a business after school work on it. If you want to work in the top firms in your industry, do more internships. Have a plan and execute it. Seek help from well-placed colleagues and lecturers.
18. Learn Business Skills
We’ve all heard the story of the graduate with a first-class degree who couldn’t get a job in his industry for years. Apart from internships, you can avoid this by learning strong business skills. Learn how to give a powerful presentation. Know how to dress for business – sharp, clean and professional. Have a CV and cover letter you constantly update and improve.
Most importantly, enjoy this special time in your life. You’re only young once. Go forth and conquer!
By OMGVOICE
