The blunders students make

Latwell Nyangu-Youth Interactive Writer

It is not a mistake to make a mistake, but it is a mistake to repeat the same mistake.

Like always, from day one, I have said that university or college life is a whirlwind of experiences, challenges.

Let’s be honest, more than a few blunders are very common. And many students are making huge blunders, some of which are irreversible.

As students or freshmen, as some say, step onto this exciting yet tight chapter, they often stumble into situations that become cherished stories.

And some of these memories are valuable lessons, and sometimes cringe.

University life is a unique drapery woven from academic pursuits, social interactions and personal growth.

For many students, this period is marked by excitement and discovery, but it is equally fraught with blunders that mostly lead to memorable or regrettable lessons.

Many students realise that they have made blunders later, when it is too late.

After being the writer of this column for more than two years, I continue to fill in every gap about the life of students.

One thing you should be proud of me, I continue to be a student as well, and the experiences continue to come to my attention.

One more thing, you have a writer who writes what he sees. I don’t visit Mars to come and write in this column.

Fellow students, this week, I am discussing blunders students make while on and off campus.

Understanding these missteps helps students face their challenges in campus life.

Freshmen often arrive on campus with a mix of excitement and naivety. One of the most prominent areas where students stumble is academics.

The transition from high school to university is always overwhelming, leading to various academic faux pas.

Many students only live in the reality of their undergraduate course of study for the first year, and from the second year, the number declines as they progress.

By the final year, the number of students interested in their courses is so few that many are just hanging on so they can graduate and face something else.

The blunder is failing to know what they want to be in the end.

Most students are doing their courses by default, they have no clue whatsoever that they are at college, a university, or a learning institution. Many students are in the dark about where they are going; that’s a big blunder.

Procrastination is another prevalent issue. The allure of social activities often distracts students from their academic responsibilities.

Late-night cramming sessions become the norm, leading to subpar performance.

On the social front, students frequently encounter awkward situations.

Freshmen, in particular, may struggle with social dynamics, leading to embarrassing moments.

From my observation, misunderstanding social cues normally results in unintentional faux pas, such as interrupting conversations or failing to recognise when it’s appropriate to leave a gathering.

Friendships also present challenges. The pressure to fit normally leads to the blunder of compromising one’s values.

Many students find themselves participating in activities they are uncomfortable with, just to gain acceptance.

Some students get overzealous and become party animals, which then will lead to many regrets.

It looks like some students, especially female students, become poor the moment they get to college.

They act too desperate, forcing them to go the “blessers” way, while some go after drugs.

Such blunders are costly. Never allow yourself to be desperate.

I also observed that financial literacy is another critical area where students often falter.

The freedom of managing one’s finances can be intoxicating, leading to overspending on non-essentials.

Dining out too often and impulse purchases quickly drain budgets.

Some students end up dropping out after squandering tuition fees. Additionally, students frequently overlook the importance of budgeting, leading to financial stress as the semester progresses.

This hurdle is common among many students. From impulse buys on campus to underestimating living expenses.

The financial blunders are too common.

Life on campus teaches students the value of financial literacy and planning.

The pressure of university life also takes a toll on mental health. Many students neglect their well-being, leading to burnout and anxiety.

A common blunder is failing to seek help when needed.

Some students end up committing suicide or abandoning education due to mental health.

Falling pregnant is another blunder which has become so common that several students end up dropping.

While such blunders are common, they can be an integral part of their growth.

Each misstep offers valuable lessons that shape their character and future endeavours.

Students should understand that every blunder is just a stepping stone to becoming a more rounded person.

Despite these blunders, the beauty of campus life lies in the lessons learned.

Students emerge from their trials with not only stories to tell but also a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.

Ultimately, these experiences, though often uncomfortable, contribute to the rich embroidery of university life, making it memorable and transformative.

In the end, university or college life is less about perfection and more about embracing the chaos.

Each blunder is a stepping stone towards growth, making memories that will be recounted with laughter for years to come.

May we learn from the blunders and cherish the journey

Until we meet for a toast

Feedback: [email protected]