Responsibility begins once you realize how much what you do today affects your tomorrow. As children and teenagers, we spend a lot of time chasing the immediate gratification without putting much thought into the future. Of course, we all have dreams from an early age, but these dreams are just wishful thinking that makes us cozy up to the false sense of purpose. Make no mistake, this sense of purpose is a fantasy.
Your college years are a different story altogether. This is an important time when you have to put your ideas into action and shape your sense of purpose into something real. Everything you do in college, from choosing a major to the way you conduct yourself with colleagues and university environment, will add up, brick upon a brick, to build an increasingly definitive future.
Unfortunately, many students don’t believe this to be true and see their college years as an opportunity to let loose and enjoy themselves. Therefore, the most important question you probably need to ask yourself goes along the lines of – how much does your college lifestyle affect your future career?
It all starts with you
Among the student hotspots around the world, the Land Down Under offers some of the best conditions for students around the world. No matter where you come from, with some effort, you’ll be able to find the most suitable environment that cultivates the best kind of campus culture.
Thankfully, there are various programs set in place around the world that bring in students from various backgrounds. This is your time to shine. If you do a bit of hard research and muster the courage to apply for the University of your choosing, no matter how unattainable it seems, you are well on your way to secure a better future.
Is it because of the university? No, it’s because you took initiative and found courage. These are crucial characteristics you want to continue cultivating throughout your lifestyle.
Surroundings are important
Once you arrive, you have to start thinking about the housing. First of all, many students like to chase status when it comes to accommodation – there’s always the popular spot, the coveted building, the “it” place everybody pursues. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive accommodation. This does not determine your success or popularity (at least not with people that matter).
Thankfully, Australian campuses are brimming with beautifully designed lodgings like affordable Iglu student accommodations, which offer everything students need without making them feel pressure on their pocket.
And networking is crucial
Not minding too much where you are housed is important for several simple reasons. Number one, you are going to spend a lot of money on your college education. Loans and expenditures can lead to a lifetime of debt that can hinder your life. The question is not whether you should – it’s the most important investment you’ll likely ever make over the first three decades of your life. The question is whether you are realistic enough to manage it prudently.
Number two, it’s not about living large, it’s about making connections. You want to surround yourself with quality friends with which you might partner up in the future and build entire empires. It’s no wonder that many consider social life the most important factor that affects your future. The catch 22 is – most of the people that really matter aren’t the ones that party or spend a lot of money on accommodations and other stuff, they are usually harder to find, so start making an effort and start networking.
Australian campuses are filled with an amazing array of people that come from different backgrounds and come with different mindsets. It’s a beautiful, constructive melting pot and you should be using this to your advantage as much as you can.
Of course, your college years should be a time of exploration, pushing yourself to the limits and letting yourself out of the comfort zone. All these things should also be done in the realm of fun and recreation because no human being can be completely serious all the time. Thinking about the future 24/7 will create anxiety, and that’s not the point.
The point is to use every opportunity, be it recreational or educational, to learn things about yourself and the world that surrounds you without compromising. Only this way will you discover what you are truly made of and see what you can expect from your future clearly.
I am delighted to have the chance to host Claire again – as previously said, she is a personal and professional development expert who believes that a positive attitude is one of the keys to success. You can find her online writing and giving tips about lifestyle and development as a regular contributor at highstylife.com. Feel free to reach to her per Facebook and Twitter!
