| At this point in the year, you’ve settled in, you’ve found your rhythm, so you may have time to take a breath and consider what campus life offers apart from studying and hanging out with friends. On the other hand, you may feel you’ve just got it under control, adding anything else will upset the whole precarious arrangement all over again! Trust me, there is time for everything. And it may help you on your future path if you start opening your mind and your schedule to things like clubs and societies. The skills you learn in the debating society, or in organising a fund-raising drive, for example, will last throughout your life. Sport will make you healthier and happier. Perhaps more important: you may have heard of “the old boys’ network”. This is where you start building that network, whether you’re a boy or a girl. Your university connections go with you into the professional world. One day you will give and receive support in this circle. This network of relationships does not only consist of your peers, but also lecturers, tutors, academic support staff. Some lecturers are only interested in their subject, but many of them are teachers in a much wider sense. They want to teach in order to lead and support young people on their path into the adult world. Be aware of that, and respond if they open a door. These relationships can offer rich and lasting value as lecturers turn into mentors turn into friends. You can also start preparing for post-university life more directly. It’s tempting to say, “I’ll think about jobs or honours or internships when I’m in final year.” But starting early gives you options — and reduces panic later. A few ideas: Keep track of your achievements – Projects you’re proud of, leadership roles, marks that reflect effort. These are your future CV builders.Try to attend one career or industry event this term – Even if you don’t know what you want to do yet, it could plant ideas. Explore your interests – If something fascinates you in class, take it further: read, ask questions, follow related organisations on LinkedIn or X. Consider volunteering – Whether it’s tutoring others or helping in a campus initiative, this looks great on a CV. How to fit extra activities into the schedule we keep preaching about? The answer lies in balance. You don’t have to do everything all the time. Some weeks will be intense academically. Others may offer more leeway. The key is to step back regularly and ask: What matters most this week? What can I say no to, postpone, or simplify? If you’re writing three tests this week, the Thursday night party is not on the cards. Likewise, if you’ve had a hard academic push, an afternoon catching up with friends can re-energise you and improve your productivity. Sustainable student life comes from rhythm, not constant intensity. But to do all of this and stay sane, boundaries are your best friend: Protect your study hours – When you’re at your desk, turn off your phone, block social media, and work with total focus. Protect your social hours – When you’re out with friends, be present. Don’t look at your phone unless you’re sharing something. Don’t think about tomorrow’s test. Allow yourself to really connect. Another simple tip: Use short time slots wisely. This is sometimes called “found time”, time you didn’t even notice on your schedule. A 45-minute break between lectures can be enough to review a section or chat with a mentor. The people who succeed are often the ones who prepare quietly and steadily. Post-grad success — whether it’s landing a good job, getting into honours, or starting your own business — often doesn’t come from being the most brilliant student in the room. It comes from: Doing the work steadily. Asking for help when needed. Keeping your long-term goals in mind. Being open to opportunities, even if they look different from what you imagined. In other words, from balance. Your time at university is about becoming — not just qualifying. That means learning to manage your time, energy, relationships, and ambitions. You don’t have to sacrifice friendships to succeed, and you don’t have to give up your future to enjoy the present. Balance is not the enemy of ambition — it’s the foundation. Start building it now, and your future self will thank you. Happy studying … and exploring opportunities! The GRAD team ———————————————– 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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