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1. Essential Documents for Registration#

New university students often find themselves unprepared during registration, so it is crucial to carefully read the instructions in the admission notice and ensure everything is in order before arriving at the university.

1. Two Certificates and One Document

"One document" refers to the admission notice, which serves as proof of identity for university registration. Additionally, an ID card is necessary, and it is advisable to make several photocopies, as some universities may require it for health checks, dormitory registration, and information registration.

The examination admission ticket from the college entrance examination should also be brought along, as it may be needed at times. Being well-prepared is never a bad idea!

2. Archives

Policies regarding documents vary by province (city, district). If new students are required to bring their physical archives to school, they must ensure that they are well-kept and not opened by themselves. They should be submitted to the teacher as soon as possible upon arrival.

3. Party and League Transfer Procedures

(1) If you are already a party member, remember to obtain a transfer certificate from the party organization at the university before registration. Also, bring your youth league membership card, party membership card, and transfer proof of party and league relationships.

(2) If you are a league member, the league committee at your current school should fill out the transfer to the university league committee on your membership card and stamp it with an official seal.

4. Household Registration

If prospective students need to transfer their household registration to the university's location, they must go to the local police station to obtain a household registration transfer certificate and submit it to the university for the transfer process.

When processing, bring your admission notice, ID card, and family household registration book.

5. Family Situation Survey + Proof of Financial Difficulty

The family situation survey is aimed at investigating the economic status of the family, and the information provided must be truthful. Students facing financial difficulties can obtain proof of poverty from local (township), street offices, and civil affairs departments, stamped with an official seal.

These documents are related to scholarships and financial aid during your university years. Generally, schools will provide assistance to students in financial difficulty, such as offering student loans and work-study opportunities.

These items are often overlooked by new students, and many genuinely needy students miss out on financial aid because they were unaware of the need to prepare these documents in advance and could not return home in time to obtain them after receiving related notifications at school.

6. Photos

Prepare some one-inch and two-inch bareheaded photos in advance, as many procedures need to be completed during registration. Having them ready will definitely be useful. Although there are photo studios around the school, there will be queues on the day, and the prices may be high. It’s best to keep an electronic version of the photos. This way, you will be prepared for registration, health checks, dormitory registration, student ID processing, and joining clubs.

7. Document Bag

During university registration, there will be many scattered items, such as health check forms, enrollment manuals, payment receipts, various certificates, promotional pages, small maps, etc. Therefore, it is essential to prepare a document bag for convenience and security.

It is recommended to write your name and contact information on the document bag, so that if it gets lost, the finder can quickly reach you!

2. Clothing, Food, Housing, and Daily Necessities#

All students entering university will need to stay on campus (students living nearby can ignore this), but there is no need to bring everything from home. The journey can be long and difficult, and it is also easy to lose things. Here’s a must-have checklist for you!

Clothing

Most universities start in early September, and some may start a little later. The weather is still somewhat warm at this time, but it will gradually cool down after about a month, so remember to bring a few autumn clothes. (The same reasoning applies to footwear.)

Winter clothing, such as cotton-padded jackets, can be brought back during the National Day holiday (most students tend to return home during this time), or you can have your family mail them to you to save time and effort.

Food

There are significant dietary differences between the north and south, as well as between the east and west. For example, the north prefers wheat products, while the south prefers rice, so many students may not be accustomed to the local food at school.

However, there is no need to worry too much now; in today's economically developed society, you can find almost any food you want around the school.

It is advisable to bring a water cup filled with boiled water when entering school. You can skip a meal, but you cannot go a day without drinking water, especially after a tiring journey, as bottled water can easily cause stomach issues.

Additionally, you can bring some local specialties to eat yourself or share with your soon-to-be roommates to quickly build rapport.

Housing

Before school starts, familiarize yourself with the accommodation environment and whether you need to bring items like cooling mats, bedding, and mosquito nets. However, most schools still require you to bring these items yourself.

Daily Necessities

Once you enter university, it means you will truly be living independently away from your parents, so you must prepare daily necessities.

(1) Essentials for military training: tissues, floral water, mosquito repellent oil, cooling oil (useful for repelling mosquitoes and treating heatstroke), etc.;

(2) Essentials for preventing illness: band-aids, cold medicine, fever reducers, anti-inflammatory drugs, injury treatment medicine, stomach medicine, and girls with a history of menstrual pain should also bring pain relief medication.

(3) Daily necessities: These can be prepared according to individual needs, such as towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, facial cleansers, shower gel, bath towels, thermos bottles, washbasins, drying racks, etc.

Compared to boys, girls generally need more personal care products, so it’s a good idea to make a list and go shopping with your new roommates. In addition to daily necessities, the following items are also essential to prepare in university dormitories:

✦ Desk lamp: It’s best to have a rechargeable one, as it can be useful during power outages in the dormitory.

✦ Scissors, double-sided tape, transparent tape: Basic items for everyday life, such as hanging hooks.

✦ Lock: A lock is necessary for personal lockers in the dormitory.

✦ Storage box: Many people associate boys' dormitories with being dirty and messy, so a convenient storage box is quite necessary. You can organize small items in it for convenience and hygiene.

✦ Electronic products: You don’t need to mention the standard configuration of a phone, headphones, and charger. Out-of-town students can bring a power bank to prevent their phones from running out of battery during the journey.

Additionally, having a computer is also a good idea in today’s internet age. If your family can afford it, bringing a computer is beneficial since many courses and social activities in university require a computer.

3. Travel Guide#

1. Modes of Transportation

The choice of transportation can depend on the distance, weather conditions, and economic situation.

(1) Train

Trains are the first choice for most new students traveling long distances and are relatively safe.

New university students can enjoy discounts on train tickets with their admission notice—half price for hard seats; 25% off for sleeper tickets; no discounts for soft sleeper and soft seat tickets; and 25% off for second-class tickets on high-speed trains and bullet trains.

(2) Airplane

Flying is both comfortable and fast. During the annual school season, some airlines offer discounts for students and parents. However, the overall cost is still high.

Additionally, check the airline's official website in advance for baggage check-in procedures and fees.

(3) Bus

For students traveling long distances, taking a bus is not recommended, as long hours on a bus can lead to fatigue and nausea. Moreover, bus ticket prices do not have discounts.

2. Safety

✦

When going out, it is best not to carry a large amount of cash to avoid giving thieves an opportunity. It is better to transfer living expenses to a bank card and carry only a small amount of cash for pocket money.

✦ When on a vehicle, don’t just focus on sleeping. If you need to sleep, place your bag under your head or hold it close to you. Even if you fall asleep, keep it within your control. When getting off, please check your luggage 15 minutes in advance.

✦ No matter where you go, remember to develop the habit of carrying your ID card. Keep your tickets safe, especially train tickets and boarding passes, as they contain personal information.

✦ First-time travelers should prepare some motion sickness medication and bring some cooling oil.

✦ If you need to transfer, do not let others buy your tickets for you! Always go to a legitimate ticket window to buy tickets and board, and do not be tempted by the cheap prices of scalpers. Remember, safety first on your first trip.

✦ It is advisable to take a hard seat to your school. If the journey is long, it is also an opportunity to meet many interesting peers.

✦ At the station entrance, be cautious of overly enthusiastic "taxis" or "school buses." It’s best not to rush to get on. Also, do not get into "taxis" that do not use a meter!

✦ Develop the habit of asking for a receipt when taking a taxi. The receipt can help trace the taxi driver in case you lose something, and you can contact the taxi company through the receipt.

✦ If you arrive late at night, do not trust people claiming to be "school leaders" waiting for you at the station.

✦ If you have a backpack, carry it in front of you for safety.

3. Entering School

During the first few days of school, universities will set up welcome points at train stations, bus stations, and even airports. New students can take the school bus back to campus under guidance, which is safe and convenient.

After arriving at school, there will be senior students to help you with registration, fee payment, meal card processing, and other procedures. They will even help carry your packages, so remember to sincerely say thank you!

However, there are a few points students should pay attention to:

✦

When facing enthusiastic senior students welcoming you at the station or airport, stay calm! Look carefully at the signs they are holding, for example: "Some University (in large letters) Specialized College (in small letters)." The key word is "college," not "university," which may be far from the school you are going to.

✦ After safely arriving at school, remember to call home to report your safety!

✦ Remember to thank the teachers and seniors who helped you with registration!

✦ Upon arriving at school, please register and pay fees as soon as possible. Pay the money that needs to be given to the school to ensure safety.

✦ After paying, remember to ask for a receipt. Even if you don’t receive a receipt, keep the payment proof, as it serves as evidence that you have paid your tuition.

✦ Don’t forget to inform your class teacher and counselor of your and your parents' contact information, and let your parents know the contact information of the class teacher and counselor, as it is your responsibility.

✦ If you need to apply for a tuition loan, make sure to understand the local student loan policies and the school's tuition reduction or loan policies in advance to see if you meet the requirements, so you don’t find yourself in a dilemma later.

4. Important Information for University Life#

Entering university means facing a completely new living environment and social environment. Your classmates come from all over the country, and there are significant differences in their living environments and habits, so be mentally prepared.

(1) Military Training

✦ Adjust Your Mindset

New university students participating in military training should first adjust their mindset, understanding that military training is a process to improve physical fitness and the first lesson at the beginning of four years in university.

Do not feel oppressed by the intensity of military training or complain about it; this is a good opportunity to challenge yourself. Actively participate in activities, use military training as an opportunity to quickly get to know classmates, and communicate more with everyone. Do not leave a bad impression on others during military training.

✦ Essential Items Must Be Complete

During military training, sun protection must be done well; otherwise, the temperature difference before and after military training can be significant. Especially for girls, sunscreen and sun spray must be well-prepared.

Additionally, cooling oil and light saltwater should be readily available to prevent heatstroke or rapid loss of water and salt, leading to physical exhaustion.

Items like sun umbrellas and sunglasses should not be brought, as instructors may throw them away directly.

✦ Prevent Blisters on Feet

When participating in military training, choose a pair of shoes that are one size larger than your usual size and add thicker insoles to prevent blisters and bleeding while running during military training.

✦ Reduce Sweating

The camouflage uniforms issued during military training have poor sweat absorption, so it is best to prepare a cotton vest in advance to wear underneath. This will help avoid excessive sweating when standing in military posture during hot weather. To reduce sweating, students should preferably keep their hair short during military training.

✦ If You Can’t Handle It, Report

When new university students participate in military training, if you find it physically unbearable, do not push yourself. Just politely raise your hand to inform the instructor of your situation, and they will generally allow you to step out of the line to rest.

✦ Strengthen Nutrition

The food during military training may not be good, but you must have a hearty breakfast and lunch. Ensure a balanced intake of nutrients required for military training, including meat, eggs, milk, fruits, and vegetables, to avoid physical collapse due to malnutrition during the high-intensity military training lasting over ten days.

✦ Be Careful When Showering

After military training on a hot day, do not rush to shower while still sweating, as it may lead to a cold. Wait until the sweat has dried before showering.

(2) Dormitory

Remember one thing: university roommates are the most likely people to become close friends with you, so treat each roommate sincerely!

Self-centeredness is a major taboo in communal living and must be firmly abandoned. Everyone has different living habits, lifestyles, and backgrounds, so there will definitely be a lot of adjustments needed between each other.

Therefore, consider things from others' perspectives and be a cultured and refined university student! Especially for "night owls," you can stay up late, but please do not disturb others.

Also, remember: making friends with excellent people will benefit you greatly. So be good at distinguishing between true friends and superficial friends!

To establish a good friendship with your roommates, remember the following four points:

✦ Good friendships are built on mutual respect.

✦ Heart-to-heart talks are the best way to enhance friendship among roommates.

✦ It is the most foolish behavior to fall out over trivial matters, and never bring up others' scars, even during arguments.

✦ Do not act independently from the group; if you do it too often, everyone will naturally stop calling you. Go eat together, stroll around campus together... Girls can go shopping together, boys can play soccer or basketball; these are all ways to enhance friendship.

In communal living, pay attention to the following points:

✦ It is understandable to put a lot of effort into choosing a good dormitory and bed position, but it is not worth it to have conflicts with roommates over this.

✦ Do not judge your roommates based on first impressions. What you see and hear may only be one side of human nature.

✦ Develop the habit of paying attention to the school's and dormitory's bulletin boards; many things will be missed if you are not attentive. Do not expect teachers and classmates to notify you every time, as you should actually be paying attention to these matters yourself.

✦ If someone comes to your dormitory to sell something, regardless of how tempting it may seem, compare it with regular stores outside before deciding. 90% of the time, it will be more expensive than outside stores!

✦ Learn to live and become friends with roommates who have completely different living habits. Some people may not consider others' feelings, but most of the time, your roommates will evaluate you in the same way. In the end, these roommates will become your most unforgettable alumni.

✦ Never mock your classmates' shortcomings, such as their economic status or accent.

✦ The dormitory is not a safe; carry valuable items with you, store large amounts of cash in a bank card, and do not use your birthday or phone number as passwords.

✦ Do not use "electric kettles" or "electric stoves" in the dormitory, as many fires are caused by them.

✦ You may want to find someone to confide in, but learn to protect your privacy. Your classmates are also young, and they may not know how to keep secrets.

✦ If you play with your phone at night, please set it to silent mode.

(3) Class

The learning model in university is completely different—there are no fixed classrooms, classmates come from all over the country, and counselors will not be around all the time. Unless the counselor is teaching a class, you may only see them during the opening class meeting and the end-of-term class meeting.

In short, university classes are a relatively loose collective, so here are some suggestions for new students on interacting with classmates:

(1) Be observant:

During the new student meeting, pay attention to your classmates' self-introductions, remember each classmate's appearance and name. This is a form of politeness and respect, and it may be the only opportunity to get to know some classmates during your university years.

(2) Actively participate in class activities:

University classrooms are generally large, with no fixed seats, so there are no so-called deskmates. Therefore, class activities are the best way for the class to integrate, such as outdoor dinners, group trips, social parties, etc. Especially for freshmen, the course pressure is low, and class activities are particularly rich, often themed around "socializing," creating a lively atmosphere where classmates can quickly bond.

(3) Be willing to take responsibility:

Have a sense of collective honor, and step up when the class needs it. For example, during sports meets, basketball (soccer/badminton/table tennis) games, cultural performances, etc., do not shy away from hard work, fatigue, or embarrassment. University does not favor timid people; fighting for class honor will only earn you applause and cheers, even if you fail!

(4) Adjust your mindset:

High school is very stressful, with students having similar plans and teachers pushing them hard. However, in university, it suddenly changes; no one will care about whether you study or how you plan. This sudden change can leave many people at a loss, leading to the saying, "I worked hard in high school, but I became useless in university."

Students are advised to be mentally prepared; in university, you can only rely on yourself!

5. Life#

University is both communal living and independent living, so it is essential to establish a correct view of life.

1. Have independent thoughts:

Do not complain about the school's conditions or the hassle of daily cleaning; these are basic life skills required for existence, and you are doing these things for yourself, so there is nothing to complain about.

2. Understand the school:

Explore the campus scenery, visit the library, try the cafeteria, and familiarize yourself with the surrounding environment; these are all part of your colorful life.

Follow the school forum, bulletin board, and Weibo to keep up with the latest happenings at the school, as most new information comes from these sources.

Shortly after military training, various clubs will start recruiting new members. There are many clubs in university, but club activities will require a certain amount of personal time, physical fitness, and financial resources. When choosing to participate, do not be blind or overcommit; too many commitments can lead to being stretched too thin. It is best to join two clubs.

Overall, club activities not only enrich your campus life but also help you develop your skills.

Additionally, as a new student with few friends, you can participate in some social activities, such as hometown associations, to find a sense of belonging and expand your social circle.

✦ Keep exercising; otherwise, a good figure will be hard to regain.

✦ Wash your own clothes; no one will help you.

✦ When you are not yet able to earn money, remember to compare prices before buying daily necessities.

✦ Do not become a credit slave. Credit cards are trendy, but if you have no source of income, do not continue to overdraw your parents' credit.

✦ Your phone does not need to be too expensive; others will not look up to you just because you have a good phone. Spending your parents' money does not give you the right to show off!

✦ Plan your living expenses reasonably, leaving at least the minimum amount for food, as there are many unexpected expenses in university.

✦ When calling or writing to family members, do not let it be just about "money."

✦ Do not have overly high expectations for cafeteria food.

✦ Do not rush to travel shortly after arriving at school; it is safer and more fun to go with a few classmates.

✦ If you go shopping, do not try so-called free beauty treatments; once you go in, it will no longer be free.

✦ Do not rush into part-time jobs. Your first priority in university is still studying, not making money. Once your life and studies stabilize and you become familiar with the environment, it will not be too late to seek opportunities.

✦ If you go out to eat with classmates, remember not to pay only for your own expenses; Chinese culture emphasizes reciprocity.

✦ Do not think that smoking and drinking make you look manly; others really do not care about that.

✦ Do not promise to do things you cannot accomplish, as everyone will take it seriously.

✦ Never look down on poor students; poverty is not their fault. Being born into poverty and not working hard while only complaining is the real issue.

✦ Whether working as a restaurant waiter or selling goods on the street, work-study opportunities are not divided by status.

6. Understanding University Planning#

(1) Learning

1. Significant Changes in Learning Environment

As mentioned earlier, there are no fixed seats in university. Besides the required courses for your major, everyone’s elective courses are different, so each student has their own unique schedule.

✦ More courses to study;

✦ Less supervision from teachers;

✦ Faster teaching pace;

✦ Classrooms and classmates are not fixed.

2. Changes in Learning Methods

In university, there are no nagging teachers or parents, nor classmates working alongside you; it all relies on self-discipline. The "free-range" style of learning in university may leave many new students struggling to adapt. From now on, you must learn to manage yourself.

✦ Self-directed learning—self-study is a basic quality that university students must possess! University classes focus on the "essence of knowledge."

✦ Maintain a habit of learning—do not get too attached to the warmth of your bed; revolution relies on self-discipline, and university relies on self-study. The more excuses you make, the more you will start to believe them. Do not believe those who say studying is useless; those who truly understand books are always useful.

✦ Maintain good habits—such as keeping a diary, which can be very beneficial. You will have plenty of reasons to admire those who wake up early every day; if you don’t believe it, try to stick with it.

✦ Learn to restrain yourself—online games can be addictive, and dormitories can become breeding grounds for laziness. If you find self-study boring at first, spend more time in the library; you will discover many treasures there.

✦ Learn to say no—when your roommate invites you to hang out, listen to their suggestions, but make your own decisions.

✦ Do not skip classes—when you calculate the cost of tuition divided by the number of classes in a year, you will find that each class costs over 30 yuan. Don’t waste it!

✦ Learn to discern—do not believe the phone numbers claiming "guaranteed passing" for exams written in the bathroom. Do not trust those who promise to get rich together; think about whether you have encountered pyramid schemes; even the closest people can deceive you!

(2) Clubs

✦ Support participation in club activities, as they help develop your skills.

✦ If there are elections for club leaders, remember to participate; a soldier who does not want to be a general is not a good cook.

✦ All experiences are lessons; there is no need to regret what you have put your all into.

✦ Endure hardships! Be patient! Persist! Many situations in university clubs are early rehearsals for what you may encounter in the workplace.

✦ Do not think that being in the student union will give you what you once wanted. The enthusiasm for work may change due to what you see and experience. It is better to choose one or two clubs and projects you like and stick with them.

✦ Do not underestimate the capabilities of student union leaders; many are capable, and you should learn from their strengths.

(3) Planning

Make your university plan. Aim for small improvements every day; a comfortable life will cause you to lose motivation to move forward. Do not linger in bed; go see the sunrise at 6:30 AM.

In university, your abilities are evaluated not only by your grades, but you should at least maintain an average score.

✦ If you are genuinely dissatisfied with your major, quickly learn about the policies for changing majors and cross-departmental graduate studies. Spend more time auditing classes and self-studying. Choosing a second time is already a detour; once you choose, you must stick with it.

✦ Familiarize yourself with the library and maintain the same enthusiasm as in high school.

✦ Surround yourself with excellent people; you will find that your perspective, thinking, and attitude will differ from before.

✦ Give yourself opportunities for solitude; learn to think and reflect. Often, a group of boys cannot discuss noble topics together.

✦ Learn to face challenges independently. You can always seek help from parents, teachers, or friends, but remember that the future path relies on yourself.

✦ Recognize yourself. Try everything that suits you, find the direction that is best for you and that you love, and work hard for it!

✦ Solving problems may not have shortcuts, but there are definitely methods. Many obstacles you encounter may be unavoidable; you can talk to teachers about them, and you will find that many people have faced similar difficulties.

(4) Love

Is university life not perfect without a passionate romance? Do not forget that you entered university to study, not to fall in love!

✦ We do not oppose dating in university; we oppose the notion that not having dated in university means you have not truly experienced university life.

✦ If your family is not wealthy, then focus on studying. Do not chase after pretty girls; in most cases, you cannot afford them.

✦ As a girl, the saddest thing is to lose your dignity for money! Do not forget that you are in university!

✦ Do not fall in love for sex, loneliness, boredom, or because everyone else is in a relationship. You may miss out on the right person.

✦ Love in university is often pure, even if it causes you pain and tears.

✦ There may be real love in university, but remember it is only a possibility. Many times, people are together because they envy others who are in love or for other reasons. Therefore, do not be too hurt by any breakup, but true love is still worth pursuing.

✦ Do not casually say "I love you," as you may not yet have the ability to bear the weight of that word!

✦ Love should not be based on significant financial expenditure; both parties should acknowledge each other's financial status.

✦ The ideal love is to see each other becoming better and better.

(5) Self-Discipline

Due to a lack of financial management experience, university students often face various "economic problems." Those with money spend freely, while those without money endure hardship, leading many students down a path of crime...

1. Be Aware of Your Finances

When you cannot earn money yet, it is best to be frugal. Spending your parents' money lavishly will only lead to others looking down on you.

Keep track of your expenses and be aware of every expenditure. Summarize your spending every two weeks or monthly, and eliminate unnecessary expenses in the future.

2. Treat Your Bank Card Well

It is not advisable for university students to use credit cards. Credit cards are linked to personal credit; if not repaid promptly, they will leave a stain on your credit record. Moreover, overdue credit cards incur high interest rates, which can become unbearable.

3. Avoid Speculation

There are many lending websites online, and many university students, especially girls, fall victim to them. To satisfy their desires, they end up borrowing money online. The interest accumulates, and they find it increasingly difficult to repay, leading to a cycle of debt and even suicide in severe cases.

This is all due to a speculative mindset, thinking they can repay by the end of the month, but they do not realize how quickly interest accumulates. Some students borrow from Site A to repay Site B, thinking they are clever, but the result is still increasing debt.

So remember: if you do not covet, you will not be harmed!

5. Make Good Use of Free Resources

Being a student is a valuable resource that allows you to enjoy many discounts. It is worth trying: the books you can buy are generally available at the library, so why not borrow them?

As a student, you can also enjoy many discounts at various places outside of school: half-price train tickets, discounted or free admission to museums or science centers, etc.

Ten Suggestions for Contemporary University Students#

1. Take every course seriously.
   Many people think that as long as they do not fail, university is fine. Indeed, for those who want to pass through university life, this is true. However, university life should not only be about getting by; it should be about pursuing a better version of yourself. Awards, honors, and scholarships will prioritize academic performance, and when many people compete for limited opportunities, grades become an extremely important criterion.

2. Improve your self-control and discipline.
   In university, no one will urge you to eat, study, or sleep; everything relies on your own arrangements. If you do not have good self-control, university life will become chaotic.

3. Obtain certificates.
   In high school, grades are the only proof of ability, but in university, certificates and grades are equally important. They not only provide immediate benefits (such as extra points for quality assessments and recognition) but also lay a solid foundation for your future (for exams or employment). Do not think that having a CET-4 or CET-6 certificate and a computer level-2 certificate is enough; these are standard for contemporary university students. You need to obtain professional qualification certificates or participate in provincial or national competitions.

4. Read extensively.
   University is undoubtedly the best time to read. You have enough free time; instead of wasting it on the internet, read more books to improve your literacy and broaden your horizons. Reading is the cheapest way to invest in yourself, and it will subtly influence you, making you more composed and confident.

5. Meet more people.
   It is a well-known truth that "you are the company you keep." University is a small society where you have many opportunities to meet outstanding individuals. Engage with them, ask questions about both academic and life issues, and take each step wisely. At the same time, stay away from people who drag you down; do not let your life be ruined by others.

6. Seize every opportunity to improve yourself.
   Whether it is daily activities, scholarships, competitions, internships, etc., striving for opportunities will create a significant gap between those who do and those who do not. You are still a university student, a vibrant young person, so there is no need to hesitate. University time is short; if you do not cherish opportunities, you will find yourself at a disadvantage when seeking employment later.

7. Being alone does not mean being lonely.
   A book once said, "Dormitories are breeding grounds for decline; fitting in is the beginning of elimination." While this may be absolute, it is a reality many face in university life. Do not seek companionship out of loneliness; such companionship often brings you down. In university, being alone is not a bad thing; as long as you have your own goals and aspirations, being alone can also be cool.

8. Do not fall in love out of loneliness.
   In university, couples are everywhere. If you feel lonely and crave a relationship just because others are dating, the outcome is often disappointing. Your goal may be to find someone to accompany you, not someone to love. Once the initial passion fades, you may realize that they are not the right person for you.

9. Do not compare yourself to others.
   In university, it is essential to avoid vanity. Vanity can be a terrifying thing in university. In high school, you did not have much energy to focus on things outside of studying, but in university, you will notice some classmates using the most expensive cosmetics, wearing the priciest shoes, and eating the most expensive meals. If you develop vanity and try to compete with them, you will find yourself in a bottomless pit.

10. Most importantly, make a plan for your life.
    Just like an egg, when broken from the outside, it becomes food; when broken from the inside, it becomes life. To have a university life without regrets, you must strive for it, and the source of all motivation is to make a life plan. How to plan? You can think about "What kind of person do you want to be in four years?" and "What kind of person are you now?" When you clearly realize the gap between yourself and your ideals, that is the beginning of your success. Then you can set specific goals and paths to achieve them, such as pursuing graduate studies, studying abroad, or finding a job, making your life more planned.

22 Suggestions for Students Starting University Life:#

(The following is a summary of all the suggestions for students)

In your first year, say "yes" to everything. Seize every opportunity, join every club, and attend every social event in the first week.
Make full use of all the resources the school offers: library, gym, health center... your professors (absolutely your professors!).
Be prepared for a lot of free time and start thinking of valuable ways to fill that time.
The first friend you make in your freshman year may not be your lifelong friend. Do not be afraid to let your friend group change and evolve as you do.
Respect your health and prioritize rest: downtime is valuable.
Read, watch, and learn things outside your field of study: discovering unexpected connections in your knowledge can be very satisfying—it can make you a better student.
Willpower is a limited resource; doing some mundane tasks at home daily can ensure you have enough energy for important matters.
Do not define yourself by your grades! Academic success can give you a sense of accomplishment, but it does not define your worth as a person. Your transcript does not determine your fate.
Respect your needs and do not overly conform to your classmates. A learning strategy that suits your needs is key to academic success.
Finding ways to cope with stress is important! Take time to develop your own stress management strategies.
Do not rush to make friends; great and genuine friendships take time... you will meet many people during your university years.
If you study abroad, travel as much as possible in that new country.
Try new places in your university town! Do not let time pass without trying that cozy café or local theater.
Seeking help is never a weakness! Collaborate with classmates on assignments, attend professors' office hours, and ask many questions—these are the secrets to success.
If you have a lot of work to do, alternate the courses you focus on. This way, you will not neglect the same course continuously.
The most important thing in your first year is not your grades but learning how to live independently, finding a strong support system, and having a little fun!
Always aim to study courses that interest you. When you enjoy a subject, learning becomes a pleasure.
Make connections! University is a great place to meet future contacts and learn about job opportunities. So step out of your comfort zone! You never know what the outcome will be.
Buy used textbooks. They are cheaper and more sustainable!
Do not give up! All the knowledge you gain in university will have unexpected uses later. You will leave university with skills you may not even realize you have learned!
Try to find a life goal during your university years, even if it is not fixed; having a specific goal can help you stay motivated and focused.
Remind yourself that university is not only about learning new knowledge but also about learning how to solve problems. This skill will be very useful in future jobs, regardless of the field.

With the arrival of the new school season, new students and those about to enter a new academic year face a fresh start. This period is not only crucial for adapting to a new environment and learning rhythm but also an excellent opportunity to build friendships and explore personal interests. Here are some practical strategies to help you smoothly embrace the challenges of university life.

1. Preparation Before Enrollment#

Preparing for university enrollment is a comprehensive and important process. First, you need to have a thorough understanding of your chosen major and prepare accordingly. This includes familiarizing yourself with the basic knowledge of the major and the academic requirements that may be involved. You can prepare for your upcoming studies by reading relevant books or materials or even previewing some foundational subjects related to your major, such as mathematics, physics, or language courses.

Additionally, social and psychological preparation is equally important. Establishing connections with incoming classmates, seniors, or roommates can be done through social media to familiarize yourself with some interpersonal relationships in advance. For those far from home or international students, adjusting to a new environment and lifestyle may take some time. Maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset and sharing your feelings and confusions with family, friends, or teachers can also help you better adapt to your new life.

In summary, preparation before university enrollment is not only about material readiness but also about psychological and social adjustments and expectations. Through comprehensive and meticulous preparation, you can face new academic and life challenges more confidently. Here are some aspects to pay special attention to:

Understand school information: Learn about the basic information of the university you will attend, including its history, culture, major offerings, and campus facilities.

Familiarize yourself with the campus map: Obtain the campus map through the university's official website or new student groups to familiarize yourself with the locations of important places such as classrooms, dormitories, cafeterias, and libraries.

Prepare daily necessities: Prepare essential items according to the list provided by the school, such as bedding, toiletries, and clothing.

Complete enrollment procedures: Pay attention to school notifications, understand the registration process, and prepare relevant documents and materials, such as ID cards, admission notices, and photos.

Psychological preparation: Adjust your mindset and prepare to face new challenges and opportunities while building good relationships with classmates.

2. Adapting at the Beginning of School#

At the beginning of school, you will need to adapt to many new environments and situations, which can be a new challenge and experience for many. First, you will face new academic requirements and learning methods. University courses are usually more in-depth and specialized, requiring more independent learning and critical thinking skills. Adapting to the new learning pace and academic pressure is an important part of this transition. As new university students, you should pay attention to the following activities:

Participate in welcome activities: Actively engage in welcome activities organized by the school; this is a great opportunity to meet new friends and understand campus culture.

Familiarize yourself with the course schedule: Check your timetable, understand the course content and requirements, and prepare the necessary study materials.

Establish a study plan: Create a reasonable study plan and time management strategy to ensure a balance between study and rest.

Participate in club activities: Join interest-based clubs or student organizations to broaden your horizons and develop personal interests and social skills.

3. Daily Life Tips#

Adjusting to a new lifestyle is also part of the adaptation process. University life may bring more freedom and responsibility. Managing your time well, adapting to new routines and habits, and maintaining a balance between physical and mental health are very important.

Moreover, the teaching and learning methods in university may differ from your previous educational experiences. Adapting to new teaching styles and assessment standards, and learning to effectively utilize libraries, laboratories, and other academic resources are key factors for successfully navigating the early stages of university life. Here are some points to pay attention to in daily life:

Financial management: Learn to plan your personal finances reasonably to avoid unnecessary waste. You can use a campus card for daily expenses.

Safety awareness: Enhance your safety awareness, pay attention to the security of your personal belongings, and understand the campus emergency contact numbers and safety facilities.

Interpersonal communication: Learn to communicate with classmates from different backgrounds, respect others, and build positive relationships.

Mental health: Pay attention to your mental health, and seek help promptly when encountering problems. You can consult the school's psychological counseling services.

1. Do not think that university will be easy; if you hold this mindset, you will definitely regret it in your senior year.

2. Study the foundational knowledge well; entering university is just the beginning of broadening your knowledge.

3. Do not scroll through Douyin while lying in bed; otherwise, you may waste several hours on unproductive short videos.

4. The relationship with your roommate can be quite delicate; sometimes it feels like brothers, and at other times, it feels like a palace drama.

5. Do not judge a person based on their appearance. That roommate who lies in bed all day playing games may have a job arranged by their family after graduation or inherit a family business, with everything in their life already planned out. You, on the other hand, are different; as the saying goes, "He who is destined for great responsibility must first endure hardship..."

6. When classmates borrow money, either lend a little or do not lend at all. It is best not to lend money; many conflicts arise from borrowing.

7. Regardless of how good the relationship is, do not act as a guarantor, do not casually lend your ID card, and do not take out loans; otherwise, you will end up suffering.

8. Classmates who are good at reading people's expressions always thrive in university, just like those who know how to double-tap the screen on Zhihu always gain more knowledge than others.

9. Fitting in does not mean you will integrate into a circle; some people's circles may never accommodate you, and the circles that can accommodate you do not require you to fit in too much. You do not have to give up your pursuits to please others.

10. Playing games is fine, but do not treat it as a serious matter; do not always think about unrealistic e-sports dreams.

11. Participate in more interest-based clubs and school activities. This is not just to enrich your life but to help you find what you truly love! Most people who earn money after graduation usually do so from what they are passionate about, not their university major.

12. Competition in student unions is fierce, sometimes comparable to palace dramas; on the surface, it seems harmonious, but everyone is unwilling to back down when it comes to competition.

13. Be cautious of overly enthusiastic seniors who approach you; they either want to deceive you or want you to date them. Especially for new freshmen, if someone actively strikes up a conversation, if they are not from the campus volunteer team, they may be trying to sell you inferior products; at club recruitment meetings, if someone keeps asking you questions and wants to add you on WeChat to help you understand the campus, they are likely trying to deceive you into dating them.

14. Do not think that if you succeed after cramming once, you can always take shortcuts. The biggest difference between high achievers and low achievers is their attitude toward learning. Effort is never just to pass credits; it is to lay a solid foundation for your future in society. The more effort you put in, the luckier you will be; those who have not experienced this will not understand.

15. Obtain more certificates; they are very beneficial for employment.

Certificates related to your major, such as CET-4, CET-6, computer certificates, driving licenses, and professional certificates, can help you gain exposure during your university studies.

16. Try to avoid cheap part-time jobs in university. Serving dishes, delivering takeout, distributing flyers, and assembly line jobs are tiring and do not pay well. Experience them once or twice, but studying knowledge is much better than working part-time.

1. Do Not Become Obsessed with Online Games and Dramas#

"Having a lot of time" is a significant difference between university and high school. With more time, you need to arrange, plan, and manage it yourself. Your leisure time determines the height of your life. Some choose to watch online dramas, play games, or shop online, while others choose to learn new things, continuously improve and update themselves, leading to two very different life paths.

Girls, do not let your computer become a movie player, immersing yourself in a fictional life. Boys, do not let your computer become a gaming machine; a life of staying up all night will cause you to lose yourself. Open a book, and the possibilities you "earn" are always significant; open a webpage, and you may "lose" an entire afternoon.

A famous theory from Harvard states: "The difference between people lies in their leisure time. Spending two hours every morning or evening reading, studying, thinking, or participating in meaningful speeches and discussions will change your life. After several years of persistence, success will beckon you."

In fact, the differences between people are minimal:

1. While you are lying in bed, he is exercising, so he is healthier than you.
2. While you are just getting by in class, he is studying diligently, so he received a national scholarship.
3. While you are completing today's plan, he is working hard for next year's plan, so he has a brighter future.
4. While you are making excuses to stay in bed, he is up early reading in the woods, so when applying for jobs, he speaks fluent British English that impresses everyone present.
5. While you are spending your parents' money, he has started to support himself, so his financial perspective is different from yours; he is wealthier than you.
6. While you are calculating your own interests, he is considering the interests of others, so he has better connections than you.

2. Make Sure to Visit the Library#

In university, you must go to the library. There may not be masters in the classrooms, but there are certainly masters in the library. University is a place to learn from masters. When you graduate, just look at your library card; to some extent, it can determine how well you spent your university years. The types of books you borrowed can indicate what kind of person you will become in the future.

Children, do not doubt this; it is true. In the field of thought, if the truth does not occupy, it will become overgrown with weeds. There are two types of illiterates in the world: one cannot read, and the other is an intellectually deficient illiterate who only reads newspapers, news, textbooks, and shallow articles. If you do not read the brilliant thoughts in the sky of human wisdom, to some extent, you are a pitiful illiterate. I hope that when you are in university, you will not graduate as an illiterate.

3. Be a Morning Person and Avoid Oversleeping#

The secret to learning foreign languages lies in the half-hour every morning and the 45 minutes of evening classes after dinner. An extra 75 minutes a day adds up to nearly 370 hours a year, and over four years, that amounts to nearly 1480 hours. Little drops of water wear away a stone.

I apologize; I am a foreign language teacher, but the principle of waking up early applies universally. The early bird catches the worm, while the big worms are waiting for you. I hope you will use your courage to verify Harvard's theory and witness miracles because "effort" is another name for miracles!

Nan Huai-Chin said: "Those who can control the morning can control their lives. If a person cannot even get up early, what can you expect them to accomplish that day?"

I say: "If a person can consistently get up early, they have overcome one of human instincts—laziness—and can control their life, leading to a beautiful life filled with happiness."

Why? Benjamin Franklin said: "I have never seen a person who wakes up early, works hard, is cautious, and honest complain about their bad luck."

Waking up early is a requirement you set for yourself. This requirement comes from a humble yet great desire deep within you, perhaps one you do not even know about: to change yourself, to improve yourself, and to become a better version of yourself day by day.

4. Participate in the Student Union#

If possible, join the student union. You can meet more people, expand your social circle, and build connections. It can also help you develop organizational, planning, leadership, communication, and execution skills.

It should be noted that university students are still students, and learning your major should always come first. If you do not learn the foundation of your major in university, do not talk about the student union.

In the world, only humans can read. Reading is the most important path for everyone's spiritual growth! If university does not cultivate the habit of reading, the loss will be significant...

5. Make Career Plans Early#

Take advantage of the relaxed schedule and ample time in university to figure out who you are, what you like, and what you want. The most tragic situation is when you have to decide your future direction right before graduation, yet you still know nothing and resort to the "my parents said" strategy used during college entrance examination applications.

Many students only start making life and career plans in their senior year, but proactive students should start planning their future from the moment they enter university.

How to make career plans? I remember a senior who elaborated on their career plan: what degree to obtain in four years, what position to hold in seven years, becoming a manager in ten years, a director in twelve years, a vice president in sixteen years, and a CEO in twenty years.

Such long-term plans are meaningless. When making plans, two steps are sufficient.

1. Set an exciting yet realistic goal for the next two to three years; this is the "second step" (it may be a job, graduate studies, or studying abroad).

2. Consult on how to achieve this goal; what should be done in the "first step"? Then, diligently and flexibly complete the first step towards the second step of work, graduate studies, or studying abroad.

6. Part-time Jobs During Winter and Summer Breaks#

As university students, do you still return home like obedient children during winter and summer breaks? If utilized well, you can gain various internships, experiences, and teaching opportunities during the eight breaks in university. By the time you graduate in your senior year, you will have a rich and impressive resume filled with experiences.

Time is the most equitable resource; everyone has 24 hours in a day. Time is easy to obtain but often not cherished. Do not always think you are young and that there is still plenty of time. As the saying goes, "Remember the youth riding a wooden horse; in the blink of an eye, you will have gray hair."

It is said online that time is the fairest resource; living a day gives you 24 hours. Where you invest your time can lead to blooming flowers. If you read a book every week, that adds up to 520 books in ten years, allowing you to explore a hundred schools of thought. If you write 500 words every day, that totals 1.8 million words in ten years, making you a prolific author. If you daydream every day, you will become a daydreamer in ten years. If you eat excessively every day, you will become overweight.

Make use of winter, summer, and various holidays. Do not wash dishes; it is best to find internships related to your major, hobbies, or future direction.

7. Do Not Fall in Love Out of Loneliness#

It seems that nowadays, university students feel ashamed if they do not date in university. Do not fall in love out of loneliness; do not let the fact that everyone in your dorm is dating lead you to waste your university life on a relationship. Some boys see university as a history of chasing girls. Some girls see university as a history of changing boyfriends. But if you meet someone who can mutually promote each other, that is good; the best love is walking towards excellence together with another person.

8. Do Not Fail Courses; You Can Skip a Few Classes#

Do not fail courses; once you fail one, there will be countless more to follow.

Why skip a few classes? If your university life does not have anything more important than skipping class, that is quite tragic.

9. Be Diligent and Self-Disciplined!#

Laziness is something we are born with; it is an innate ability. How to self-discipline and overcome our laziness is also very important; otherwise, university will become a wasteland.

Roland said, "Do not be lazy! Laziness is a strange thing; it makes you think it is comfort, rest, and fortune; but in reality, it brings you boredom, fatigue, and depression. It deprives you of hope for the future, severs your friendships, and narrows your mind, leading you to doubt life more and more. Be a little more diligent each day than the day before; do not think you are working hard; you are still far from enough!"

10. Develop a Series of Good Habits; Make Excellence a Habit!#

Develop a series of good habits, such as waking up early, reading, exercising, traveling, and communicating with others. Excellent people are those who possess good habits.

Good habits are like depositing money in a bank; you can withdraw the interest at any time and enjoy it for a lifetime. Bad habits are like owing someone a high-interest loan; you are always repaying and never clear the debt, ultimately leading you down the wrong path.

The way to change bad habits is to first remove the bad ones and then replace them with good ones. The latter part is crucial because if you only remove the bad ones, the emptiness can be dangerous.

Love your school; perhaps it was not your first choice, but you can make it the best choice in four years. If you can only describe your school using negative terms, then it is not the university that has abandoned you, but you who have not treated your university well.

Even the best university has its flaws, and even the worst university can produce talented individuals. It is not the university that determines your future; rather, regardless of what kind of university or environment you are in, you must know what kind of person you want to become.

Here is a meaningful statement for you:

The Meaning of Attending University:#

First, learn how to be a person (how to get along with others, how to handle affairs, how to live comfortably);

Second, learn how to learn (learning study methods, learning learning abilities);

Third, enjoy life (experience the ups and downs of university life and savor life);

Fourth, learn to view problems from a long-term perspective (viewing problems with friends, setbacks, poverty and wealth, and employment);

Fifth, learn self-discipline.

Common Information: Basic knowledge about university that needs to be understood before enrollment;
Registration: Things to pay attention to from receiving the admission notice until the official start of school;
Military Training: Information related to new student military training;

Learning: Information you must know while studying at Zhejiang University;

Course Selection: Detailed explanation of university course selection and the course selection system;

Awards and Assistance: Evaluation, awards, and assistance policies for students at Zhejiang University;

Life: Life and entertainment on campus, around the school, and in the city;

Campus: Information about the place where you will live for the next two years or longer;

1. Differences Between University and High School#

First, in terms of life, in high school, you do not have to worry about daily life because your family is around to solve all kinds of problems for you. However, once you enter university, you need to manage daily necessities and hygiene yourself.

Second, in terms of learning, many people may think that university courses are fewer and that most of the time is spent resting in the dormitory, but this is not the case. In terms of learning, university students must plan their studies well, and they also need to pay attention to elective courses and credits. In contrast, high school teaching tasks are relatively clear, with learning tasks assigned each semester, and students only need to complete the tasks for that semester. Therefore, to some extent, university students' fatigue is not just academic but also "mental fatigue." The difference is particularly evident in class; university teachers will not supervise you like high school teachers. Often, completing coursework requires self-discipline.

2. The Hard Work University Students Must Put In#

After entering university, most of us are already adults, and as adults, we need to consider our paths after graduation and take responsibility for our futures. Therefore, we need to set goals to avoid confusion after graduation.

During our freshman year, we are still in a "newbie" state, knowing nothing and being curious about university life. Most of the time is spent rushing between classes and activities to earn credits. In our sophomore and junior years, we are also busy with studies, and by the transition from junior to senior year, we must decide on our direction. Some students choose to take graduate entrance exams or civil service exams, while others choose to enter the workforce.

Both paths require sufficient knowledge preparation. In many school libraries, you can see students studying early in the morning, working hard for graduate entrance exams or civil service exams. Of course, those entering the workforce also face challenges; newcomers to the workforce know nothing and must undergo a period of training to mature.

Two Types of Skills: Professional Skills and Interest-Based Skills#

Professional Skills
Professional skills are those you will likely use in your future job. Mastering certain skills will benefit you during job hunting and in your work.

Many skills are evidenced by certificates, such as CET-4, CET-6, computer level-2, and driving licenses. I previously wrote a detailed plan for obtaining certificates from freshman to senior year; you can check that article below.

Interest-Based Skills
Minor Languages

If you have a talent for languages or a fondness for a particular country, learning a minor language is also highly recommended. During my university years, many classmates enrolled in Japanese and Korean tutoring classes, and some even became Korean teachers after graduation, making it their main profession. Therefore, learning a minor language during your free time is highly recommended.

Musical Instruments and Dance

University is the best time to freely allocate your time, making it ideal for learning a musical instrument or dance. As for which instrument to choose, it depends on your personal preference. Common options include guitar, piano, guzheng, erhu, violin, accordion, electronic keyboard, thumb piano, and recorder. Having a skill will definitely help you stand out in a crowd.

Financial Management#

Many university students are "moonlight" spenders, running out of money before the end of the month and relying on "buy now, pay later" schemes to get by. How can you change this unsustainable situation? Learning financial management is a very wise choice.

Here are some financial management methods for university students:

1. Develop a habit of keeping track of expenses.

2. Resist unnecessary spending temptations.

3. Increase your income through scholarships or part-time jobs.

4. Learn to invest and manage finances moderately.

Assess Priorities and Set Goals#

To begin learning time management skills, it is essential to create a good plan. This will make your responsibilities feel more manageable, and you will be able to hold yourself accountable. First, follow these three core steps:

Step 1: Assess Priorities and Set Clear Goals
Identify priorities: First, understand what truly matters to you. Is it excelling in a specific subject, building relationships, or developing new skills? Recognizing these priorities and making corresponding plans is crucial.

Set SMART goals: Once you identify what is important, it is time to set some goals. Having specific and clear goals will provide you with direction and motivation. You can use the SMART model to create effective and realistic time management goals. This acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Understand the big picture: Your goals should align with your broader life aspirations and academic path. Understanding how daily or weekly goals fit into your long-term plans will help you stay focused and inspired.

Step 2: Gather All Tasks and Prioritize
Use a planner: Whether a physical planner or a digital app, tracking tasks, deadlines, and appointments is essential.

Prioritize tasks: Not all tasks are equally important. Use methods like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks as urgent and important, important but not urgent, etc. This helps determine which issues to address first. Our free student time management checklist can help you organize tasks and prioritize them.

Break down larger tasks: Students are often assigned large amounts of work that may seem daunting at first glance. To make them more manageable, break them down into smaller parts and schedule time to complete each part. If you are unsure how long each task will take, try recalling how long similar tasks took in the past and use that as a guide for future planning.

Step 3: Regularly Review and Update Your List
Monitor progress: Continuously assess your performance related to your goals. Are you on track? What can be improved?

Adjust and refine goals: As the semester progresses, your understanding of your abilities and needs may change. Feel free to modify your goals to better fit your evolving circumstances.

Stay aligned with your long-term aspirations: Regularly reassess your daily and weekly goals to ensure they still align with your overall ambitions and academic milestones.

Create a Schedule - Time Limits
An effective time management technique for students is to set time limits.

Time limits involve planning each moment of the day into time blocks, assigning specific tasks or activities to each block. It visually presents your day, helping you focus on tasks and minimize distractions.

Here’s how to do it:

First, add time-sensitive events: Start by adding important events and tasks that must be completed at specific times (e.g., university classes, dentist appointments, or work). You can plan the remaining time of your day/week around these.

Group tasks: Group similar tasks together. For example, you could allocate several hours each week for "administrative work"—reviewing/planning your week, responding to emails, calling the doctor, making appointments, and other similar tasks.

Review and adjust: At the end of the day or week, review your schedule and make necessary adjustments based on future plans.

At the end of this process, your calendar should look like this:

💡 Professional Tip: Given the complexity and workload, set reasonable durations for each task. Avoid overloading your schedule, as this can lead to stress, burnout, and inefficiency. Students' time management must be more flexible than that of ordinary people, as your responsibilities and schedules may change weekly. Include breaks: Integrate breaks between time blocks to rest and recharge, and ensure you include some unplanned free time to deal with unforeseen events (or relax!).

Method 1: Learn to Make Lists

Write down everything you need to do. This will help you clarify your tasks at any time. Do not trust that you can remember everything in your head; seeing a long list will also create a sense of urgency.

Method 2: Change Your Mindset

William James, the father of American psychology, found two attitudes toward time: "This task must be completed, but it is really annoying, so I will procrastinate as much as possible," and "This is not a pleasant task, but it must be done, so I will start immediately to get it over with."

Once you have motivation, it is important to take the first step quickly. Do not think about completely overturning your habits; just force yourself to do something you have been procrastinating on right now. Then, starting tomorrow, choose the task you least want to do from your to-do list to complete first.

Method 3: Follow the 80/20 Rule

In life, there will definitely be some urgent problems that need to be solved. If you find yourself dealing with these issues every day, it indicates that your time management is not ideal. Successful people spend most of their time on the most important tasks, not the most urgent ones, while most people deal with urgent but unimportant matters.

Method 4: Schedule "No Distraction" Time

Every day, ensure you have at least half an hour to an hour of "no distraction" time. If you can have an hour completely free from interruptions, locked in your own space to think or work, that hour can be more productive than a whole day's work; sometimes, that hour can be more efficient than three days of work.

Method 5: Set Strict Deadlines for Completion

Parkinson's Law states: "The amount of time you have to complete a task will expand to fill the time available for its completion." If you have a whole day to complete a task, you will take the entire day to do it. However, if you only have an hour to complete it, you will work more quickly and efficiently to finish it within that hour.

Method 6: Keep a Time Log

Record how much time you spend on various tasks. For example, how much time it takes to get ready in the morning (including washing up, dressing, breakfast, etc.), how long it takes to commute, how long it takes to visit clients, etc. By keeping a detailed record of how you spend your time, you will clearly see where you waste time. This is similar to keeping a budget. Once you identify the sources of wasted time, you can change them.

Method 7: Understand That Time is More Valuable Than Money

Use your money to buy others' successful experiences; seize every opportunity to learn from top performers.

Understand Why You Procrastinate#

Did you know that 70-75% of students hit the snooze button when starting academic activities?

One of the time management skills for students is understanding why they procrastinate. Here are some common reasons for procrastination and how to overcome them:

Use Technology to Manage Your Time Effectively#

Time management for students does not have to be boring! You can utilize various productivity apps to take control of your tasks.

Here are some popular ones:

Todoist: Organizes tasks into projects and sets deadlines with reminders. The app syncs across devices and offers priority levels, labels, and filters. It integrates well with third-party apps like Google Calendar, Microsoft Teams, and Evernote. The basic option is free (sufficient for most students), but you can upgrade to the professional version for $4 per month.

Trello: A visual approach to task management. The app uses boards, lists, and cards to represent tasks and their statuses, creating a clear and engaging overview. It allows collaboration on group projects through shared boards and task assignments. The basic option is free (sufficient for individual students), but you can upgrade to the standard plan for $5 per month if you need more team features. Note: Trello offers discounts for educational institutions, so your university may provide accounts! Be sure to check this.

Any.do: Includes task management, calendar integration, and note-taking features. The app's calendar seamlessly schedules deadlines and events. The note-taking feature allows users to jot down ideas, handouts, or project details next to tasks. The basic option is free (sufficient for individual students), but you can upgrade to the premium plan for $3 per month for additional features like integrations, WhatsApp reminders, and color labels.

Digital Calendar: Digital calendars allow you to color-code your schedule, set recurring events, and even receive reminders for upcoming tasks or classes. Another benefit of using the default app is its integration with your smart voice assistant and other applications you use. The default app is free, but if you use a third-party calendar, there may be paid options.

Study-session:

Seek Support in Learning Time Management#

Remember, you are not alone on this university journey—you can learn time management skills alongside your peers!

Being around productive peers will motivate you to stay ahead. You can help each other stay organized and meet deadlines. Additionally, they provide a supportive environment where you can ask questions and clarify doubts. Time management for students has always been a hot topic of discussion.

Online forums and virtual study groups provide platforms for students to connect with peers worldwide. Virtual discussions, sharing study materials, and collaborating through platforms like Discord, Reddit, and similar sites can help you cultivate time management skills alongside students from around the globe.

Listen to Your Body#

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Discover your personal productivity peaks and let them work for you. Find your rhythm and assign the most challenging tasks to those periods.

Experiment with different study techniques to find what works best for you. Whether it's short bursts of focused study or long immersive sessions, embrace your unique style and maximize your brainpower.

Want to know what type of student you are? Our 3-minute free quiz will tell you which learning method suits you best.

Do Not Forget the Power of Self-Care#

Remember, taking care of yourself is crucial for effective time management—especially for students. University life can be demanding, but neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.

Make sure to include time for relaxation, exercise, and hobbies that bring you joy in your schedule. Rest and sufficient sleep are vital for maintaining focus and cognitive function.

Prioritize your health by practicing mindfulness, engaging in activities that recharge you, and seeking support when needed. By incorporating self-care into your time management routine, you will enhance your overall well-being and better cope with the demands of university life.

1. Reasonably Plan Your University Career#

Preparation leads to success; lack of preparation leads to failure. In high school, everyone's goals are relatively clear. In university, we also need goals. Clear and specific goal planning helps us better navigate our university careers. Research shows that successful people often have a long-term perspective. When planning daily and weekly activities, they consider long-term views. They plan for five, ten, or even twenty years. Based on personal circumstances, set short-term and medium-term goals, and earnestly implement them.

2. Prioritize Tasks#

Every day, we encounter many tasks. Learn to categorize tasks into four types: important and urgent, urgent but not important, important but not urgent, and neither urgent nor important. Based on these categories, prioritize tasks according to their importance.

3. Learn to Apply the 80/20 Rule#

Focus your time on completing the most important tasks! Prioritize tasks based on their importance; 80% of tasks only require 20% of effort, while 20% of tasks are worth doing and should take priority. Therefore, be adept at distinguishing these 20% valuable tasks and allocate time accordingly. In life, there will certainly be unexpected and urgent problems that need to be solved. If you find yourself dealing with these issues daily, it indicates that your time management is not ideal. Successful people spend most of their time on the most important tasks, not the most urgent ones, while most people deal with urgent but unimportant matters.

4. Make Good Use of the Internet#

We are now in an information age, which also makes it easy for our time to become fragmented. Mobile phones have become necessities in life, and the internet is a vast resource pool. We can use search engines to find various information online. Clarify your goals, understand the tasks you need to accomplish online, and exit promptly after completing them to avoid wasting time browsing the web.

5. Eliminate Procrastination#

People do not miss the train because they run slowly; they miss it because they leave late. Tasks that should be done but are not completed create a sense of pressure, increasing psychological stress and hindering other tasks. Complete today's tasks today, set deadlines, and overcome procrastination.

6. Develop a Regular Routine#

Establishing a good biological clock helps quickly restore energy; a regular routine is a basic requirement for developing a biological clock. Maintaining energy is essential for quickly entering a state of focus and completing assigned tasks.

7. Learn to Say No#

Time is limited, and so is energy. Ineffective socializing and activities only add to your troubles. Learn to say no appropriately and manage your time wisely. Saying no is both a respect for your own inner self and a respect for others. In interpersonal communication, being overly accommodating to others is not necessarily friendly; sometimes, a simple and clear refusal is the most appropriate.

8. Cultivate Good Emotional Management Skills#

With the accelerated pace of society and increasing life pressures, our emotions can become quite diverse. Emotions affect our efficiency in completing tasks. The uncontrollable nature of life can trigger emotional fluctuations. Learn to recognize and identify your emotions, understand the processes and mechanisms behind them, and ultimately accept your emotions calmly. This is an essential part of our growth process; accumulate experiences and cultivate the ability to feel positive emotions. Maintain a good emotional state, even when facing unexpected demands. Urgent matters are often short-term, while important matters are typically long-term. Avoid negative emotions arising from the long-term nature of important tasks.