Avoid Making These 10 Mistakes in the University

In this post, I'll list 10 mistakes you should never make in the university. Studying at university can be an exciting time full of wonderful experiences. These experiences can be ones you'll regret though if you make certain mistakes in the university. A lot of students make mistakes in school everyday. While some affect a student temporarily, some might leave their marks for life.

You should avoid making these 10 mistakes in the university:

1. Never read for grades only

Students are usually tempted to read so as to 'pass the exam'. Consequently, they actually have no real knowledge upstairs. Never read for grades only. Read to understand. If you do, you'll definitely pass your exams. Years later, you'll be able to recall what you read and use it because you understood it.

2. Never look down on grades

As earlier mentioned, never read for grades only. Read to understand too. However, this doesn't mean grades aren't worth it. Try as much as possible to get good grades. Try to have the A's. Never be content with C's or a mere pass mark. That's a big mistake. In other words, do your possible best.

3. Never limit your knowledge to your course of study

As a student, you shouldn't graduate from the university knowing only things pertaining to your degree. You should broaden your horizon. As an educated person, you should be able to talk on other fields apart from the one you're schooled in. Know something about everything there is to know.

4. Never wait before going for an internship

Internship is a period of work experience offered by an organization for a limited period of time. Most students usually wait till 300L or even final year before going for one. As a student, you should use every opportunity available to learn something new and this includes holidays. You never know when it could be useful. That you've had work experience before might boost your chances at being employed when you're done with school. Having some work experience portrays you as a serious person and employers look for serious people.

5. Never look down on anyone

In the university, students are prone to write off persons who are poor, dull or infamous. Sometimes, they do it unconsciously. This shouldn't be so. That poor guy today could be a millionaire tomorrow. The dull one could also turn out to be the governor of your state years later. By that time, such a person might be the one to help you. If you've been rude to them back in school, I doubt if they will help. No one knows tomorrow.

6. Never refuse to learn a skill in the university

Students think what they've come to study in the university is enough to land them a job right after school. Unfortunately, the world has gone beyond such reasoning. Now, having one or two skills apart from your degree is sure to pave a way for you in life.

Usually in developed universities, skill acquisition programmes are organised to help students acquire certain skills. Sometimes, it is even for free. If you come across such opportunity as a student, you shouldn't miss out on it. Remember, no knowledge, no matter how irrelevant it appears to be is a waste.

7. Never waste time on unproductive activities

In the university, there are a thousand and one distractions and they're not leaving anytime soon. There's always this party to attend or that concert to go to. The good part is, as a student, you can refuse to be distracted. You can decide to stay focused. Instead of wasting time on unproductive activities, read your books. Learn a skill too. Agreed, there's a place for fun but balance the equation. Recall that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. However, all play and no work makes Jack a mere toy.

8. Never separate yourself from others in the university

Some students prefer to be the 'lone wolf' on campus. They stay alone, sit by themselves in class and are not sociable in any way. What they forget is that no man is an island and at one point in time, they'll need help. As a student, you should make friends with people and definitely mingle. It's all a part of social networking and that has its benefits. The friend you make today might be the one to recommend you for a contract tomorrow.

9. Never cheat in your university exams

Many students cheat to pass exams or tests. Some go as far as bribing the lecturers to award them marks. Sadly, they're shooting themselves in the leg. On one hand, they could get caught and most times that puts an end to their career. On the other hand, they might not be able to defend that certificate during a job interview. There is absolutely no point in cheating.

10. Never procrastinate

To procrastinate means to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done. You should never look at an assignment and think 'I'll do it later'. This is one of the most common mistakes in the university and could be a sure path to failure. This is because if you keep procrastinating, you'll end up not doing.

We all make mistakes and even regret things in our past. If you've made on or two of the mistakes mentioned above, there are three things you have to do. Admit it, learn from it and don't repeat it.