| One of the most overlooked but essential skills for success – at university and in life – is the ability to set realistic expectations. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t get headlines. But it shapes your energy, your confidence, your wellbeing, and ultimately your performance. As the semester unfolds, and the pressure of assignments, tests, and future plans begins to mount, it’s worth pausing to reflect on what it really means to manage your expectations — of yourself, your studies, and your journey through university. Let’s start with a simple truth: university is demanding. It’s meant to be. You’re here to grow intellectually and personally, and that kind of growth rarely comes easily. For many students, especially first-generation students or those who were high achievers in school, the adjustment can be jarring. You might be used to excelling without much struggle, and now you find yourself working harder than ever — and still not always getting the results you hoped for. That’s not failure. That’s growth in action Part of setting realistic expectations is understanding that learning is not a linear process. There will be weeks when things click and you feel on top of everything. And there will be weeks when nothing makes sense, when the reading piles up, and when your confidence takes a knock. That’s normal. Expecting every week to be smooth sailing is a recipe for disappointment. But if you expect ups and downs — and learn to ride them out with patience and strategy — you’ll be stronger for it. Another part of setting realistic expectations is recognising your own limits. You cannot do everything, all the time, at the highest level. You are human, not a machine. If you’re juggling five modules, maybe a part-time job, family responsibilities, or personal challenges, it’s not realistic to expect perfect performance in every area all the time. Something has to give — and that’s okay. Learning to prioritise is part of becoming an adult. Some weeks, one subject may need more attention than others. Some days, rest is the most productive thing you can do. It’s not laziness — it’s sustainability. High expectations can inspire you. Unrealistic ones will crush you. Social media doesn’t help. It’s easy to believe that everyone else has it all together — that they’re acing every test, getting internships, hitting the gym, and managing their social lives effortlessly. But remember: you’re comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. No one posts about their panic attacks at 2 a.m., their failed assignments, or the days they felt like quitting. Be kind to yourself. Set goals based on your own values, not someone else’s feed. Setting realistic expectations also means embracing progress, not perfection. Aim to get better, not to be perfect. Ask: What’s the next step I can take today? How can I move forward this week? Growth happens incrementally — a few more marks on a test, a clearer grasp of a tricky concept, a better handle on your schedule. Celebrate those wins. They add up. And remember this: setting realistic expectations isn’t about aiming low. It’s about aiming wisely. It’s about believing in yourself while acknowledging the challenges. It’s about dreaming big while planning carefully. When you do that, you create space for confidence to grow — not the shallow confidence that comes from pretending everything’s fine, but the deep confidence that comes from knowing you can face what’s real and keep going anyway. So this week, take a moment to check in with your expectations. Are they fuelling you or draining you? Are they grounded in reality or shaped by comparison and pressure? Adjust them if you need to. You are allowed to change course. You are allowed to ask for help. You are allowed to grow at your own pace. You’re not falling behind. You’re finding your rhythm. And that is enough. Happy studying! The GRAD team —————————- Did someone forward this newsletter to you? click here to subscribe. If you’d rather listen to this newsletter, click here. Click here to check out our other podcasts If you like our content, forward and share! GRAD – your guide to university success is a partnership project of Ruda Landman, StudyTrust, Van Schaik Publishers and Capitec Bank. 
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