Top Truths Students Wish They Were Told Before They Started Studying

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Multiple times I come across people who say, "I just wish..." Sound familiar? Even I am guilty of this, and decided to ask students at TUKS, WITS and other universities top truths they wish they knew before they started studying. Here were their answers.

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So you're fresh out of school or your gap year, and you're just about ready to tackle college head on. However, you may quickly realize it was a mistake as you ride in an ambulance with a concussion. That's why trying to tackle a brick building with your head isn't a great idea.

Now seriously, people don't tell you a lot of things of what it actually means to be in college. Sure Hollywood romanticizes the idea, but reality is very much different. So take off your movie goggles and join me in the roller-coaster of truths about things people don't tell you when you first start studying.

1. There will always be that one class/subject/lecturer you don't like.

“Whatever degree, diploma or course you do, you will always have a loathed subject you-don't underestimate what university's or colleges are capable off “-Foundation Phase Teaching Student

So I fooled myself into thinking that I will enjoy each and every subject thrown at me. Little did I know that no matter what, where or how you do it, there will always be that one class, subject or lecturer you won't like. And that is just how it is. Don't worry. You won't be on your own.

2. Despite having all the textbook knowledge, you still can fail your tests or exams.

Many college/university's expect more than just feathery 'parrot' answers. They want you to think outside of the box. Sadly, it means jumping out of your comfort zone, a lot, but in the end, it helps you prepare for every day life. There is a lot of jumping out of boxes when it comes to your first job, so embrace the challenge and learn. Use the available tutors, extra books and yes, even the internet. Just make sure the websites you visit or legit and reliable.

3. Broke will become a new companion in your vocabulary

Even if you have a job, you'll have to kiss your cash goodbye. College and University's have become over-the -top expensive, especially in South Africa but also worldwide. Moreover, they will never tell you of the additional costs on top off the course in order to pass. This includes textbooks, tools, assignment requirements and more. Some courses cost less and others cost substantially more. So make sure you know or speak to someone who has been through it all in order to account and save for all the extra requirements. I will also be writing more about this later.

4. Scare Tactics are very much a thing

“I was often told to study exceedingly hard or I will fail. They use scare tactics, whether it is the lecturers or the 2nd-3rd year students who have been through it before” Graduated Law Student So yes, work hard, and study hard is kind of the way to get your Degree, Honours, Masters etc, but sometimes people can scare you a little too much. Stress is a common factor in failing and/or brain freeze during an exam. Be aware students and lecturers use scare tactics in order to motivate you to pass, but sometimes they exaggerate. Take note of this, and don't get too stressed. You'll do fine.

5. Priorities are key

“Sometimes a person has to choose between sleep or a social life or good grades,” Mechanical Engineering Student

And this is often times where we need to put that Hollywood trope to a halt. Some degrees require a lot work, and that often means you have to choose where you will prioritize your life. Whether it is good grades, sleep or social life. So brace yourself for this. Time runs short when you're trying to get qualified, and the overnighters are quite common. People often hear this, but think they will be the exception.

Reality? No, the odds are highly unlikely to be in your favour.

6. Sometimes making things complicated isn't the way to go

“Learning to simplify your answers and learning to apply everything in real life is key to getting through” Bcom Informatics Student

Often times it's easy to believe that putting technical jargon and long sentences in your assignments and tests will make you look like you know what you are doing. And sometimes it is just giving a lecturer a headache. Ask the lecturer what is really required and how to give your answers. Maybe making the answers simpler and practical means scoring those extra marks. Don't overcomplicate things. You'll live longer too.

7. With being in varsity you'll have freedom...after you finish your 1001 new responsibilities

“Don't fool yourself, sometimes it looks easy, cool and you think you''ll have freedom, but in the end you're just drowning with duties and studies” -TUKS student

So, maybe you'll have a bit more that you can do without your parents breathing down your neck. Good for you! But then, you'll have a lot more responsibilities too. And that just happens to suck whatever freedom you might have had. Being an adult sucks sometimes. If you don't take responsibility however, you won't make it very far in life.

But lastly, enjoy studying while it lasts! Sure, a lot of these truths makes college/university life look incredibly bleak, but you will have your moments. Once you study what you enjoy, it just creates and shapes everything as such that it becomes more bearable.

However, if you have any other advice or truths you wish you were told, please be free to send me a message and I'll be sure to add a part two to this article. Hope you enjoyed this, and that you found it helpful and or relatable if you are already studying. Until next time!