• 18
  Jul 2023

• How to Maximize the Student Life

  
  

  Prof. Ashish Shrivastava | Mass Media

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
                                                 - Mother Teresa

Let’s take you and your mobile phone for an example. You would realize that despite being a heavy phone user, you have seldom used some awesome features of your new device whereas some features have not used them all, and a handful applications you have not discovered yet.

It is possible for people to have resources at disposal and yet not utilizing them fully.

Now let's come to your life as a student. Your student life is full of possibilities and opportunities whether you are pursuing Post Graduation, or Under Graduation, an MBA in India or PG in Mass Media or an MCA or a Foreign Degree in India or overseas. Access to education, resources, and a community of like-minded people all around you are precious learning tools with an expiry date. Therefore it's pivotal to make the most of your time as a student. Here are some pointers and you must prioritize them to suit your own individual needs so that you may maximize your student life making the most of it.

Knowing What you Want:
The first step to fulfilling your student life is to set goals. What do you want to achieve? Whether it's academic success, personal growth, or career advancement, having a clear goal helps you stay focused and motivated. Write down your goals and make a plan to reach them. If you cannot write them down, work on them in your mind over and over until you are able to pen them down in simple, attainable terms.

Getting Into the Flow:
There is always so much happening around you. One of the best ways to get the most out of student life is to get involved in campus life. Join activities, clubs and organizations that interest you, attend events and workshops, and participate in extracurricular activities. Not only will this help you build new skills and experiences, but will also connect you with like-minded people who support and inspire you.

Planning your Time:
The most common phrase we hear is, I don't have time. Let me tell you something extraordinary that you didn't know before, every person born on the planet has 24 hours in a day. Hence, time management is essential for academic and career success. Create a schedule that balances academic, social, and personal time. Prioritize and organize your tasks so you don't feel overwhelmed. Be sure to schedule breaks and downtime to prevent burnouts that cause energy drains later.

Know What's Available:
You would really wonder sometimes how much wealth of resources are available around you. Take advantage of libraries, labs, internships, advisors, senior/alumni networking, industry mentoring, career centers and more. These resources will help you succeed academically, develop new skills, and prepare for your future career.

Networking Helps:
Networking is an important aspect of getting the most out of student life. Attend events on and off campus. Look for the opportunities to mingle with like minded people and professionals. Learn to not only start new meaningful relationships but also maintain them by fueling them with good communication. Building a strong professional network will open doors and help you reach your career goals.

Down Time is Important:
Physical and mental health are very important for academic success. Make sure you get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet. Manage stress with mindfulness and relaxation techniques, or seek support when needed. Take care of yourself and do your best to enjoy your student life.

Run To, Not From Diversity:
Universities, institutes, colleges are melting pots of people with different backgrounds, cultures and perspectives. Embrace diversity and look for opportunities to learn from people who are different from you. Attend cultural events, take classes outside your major and specialization, and engage in conversations with people with different perspectives. This will broaden your horizons and help you adapt to the globalized world.

Push Yourself Beyond Your Normal:
Finally, try new things and step out of your comfort zone. Take a managerial position in events and conferences. Pursue a new interest, or look for internships and assignments that you know you would not be comfortable with. Even going overseas under exchange programs and studying abroad can be a good way of pushing yourself beyond the boundaries. Developing and learning yourself will not only help you get the most out of your student life, but it will also prepare you for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Student life is an exciting and transformative time of your life. Maximizing your learning means more preparedness, which means more success. Isn't it motivational? So go all out and use the principles broadly laid out above. Wishing you success in all your future endeavors and career.