Now, studying internationally in a Shanghai international school, let’s say, is surely an experience. But ask anyone who’s been to university about the life skills they gained, and they’ll undoubtedly ramble on ad infinitum. Yet what many people forget to mention are the many skills you need to develop before you even attend your first lecture. Yes, you will be more independent, mature, and knowledgeable by the time you graduate, but you can’t expect your UNI years to magically deliver all that personal growth without some kind of effort on your part. Some crucial skills will need to be worked on prior to going to UNI – skills that will make the next few years of your life infinitely easier.

What kind of life skills do you need to develop before heading to UNI?

Here’s where to start!

Learn to share (everything)

Uni life is all about learning to share and compromise, and we’re not talking about leaving some food in the dish for that sibling who will be home later or compromising on who gets to use the car on Saturday night. We’re talking about the sharing of your (very personal) space and the compromise needed to live comfortably and amicably with your UNI mates. Sharing a room is tough work for single children or anyone who’s had their own space for years, and at university, it comes with the bonus (or torture) of doing so with someone you don’t even know yet.

But you soon will. Your (for now new) dorm mates may well end up being lifelong friends, but you first need to learn how to share so you all get along well. Practice being considerate and thinking of others when you hog the bathroom or the work desk or play loud music in your room. Essentially, think of the worst things your new roommate can do that would drive you bonkers, and then make sure you’re not the one doing them!

Learn to speak up & be engaged

Practice voicing your opinion and your desires politely but firmly. Not just with that new dorm mate, but also in lectures. Take part and be outspoken and show your new UNI world that you have a voice and you know how to use it. In some countries, lecture halls can host hundreds of students, and if you have any hopes of being noticed, you will need to learn to speak up and be counted.

Learn to choose wisely

Not just new friends, but also extracurricular activities. Let your personal likes and dislikes be your guiding forces at UNI – don’t just do anything because it may sound good on your resume! Uni is the first chance you have to be your most authentic self, so don’t follow the herd or fall prey to peer pressure and even parent pressure. Choose for you.

Learn to argue your convictions

Everyone has a firm opinion until they’re rigorously tested on it. That’s because most people will develop an instinctive view without doing much research of all the pros and cons – so don’t be that person. If you can argue your conviction’s pros and cons and still hold on to your opinion, you will fare better at university. Professors will consistently test your ideas, and they do this to help you build strong critical thinking skills – why not get ahead of the crowd and start preparing now?

Learn to set a schedule and stick to it… no matter what!

Once you’re at university, you will be in charge of your own timetable, be it of lectures, laundry, food shopping, or exercise (the last being of pivotal importance). You will no longer have your parents, friends, or teachers keep tabs on you, so this is your chance to develop some serious autonomy. Create a workable weekly schedule that includes plenty of alone time (learning to be alone is also a fantastic life skill to develop before heading to UNI), and then don’t let the inevitable distractions lead you astray.

Learn to lean on family and friends if you need help

Especially important if you’re moving abroad or far from your hometown to study. For many students, UNI is the first chance to move away from their comfort bubble. As exciting as the prospect may be, know that once the novelty wears off, it can feel pretty lonely. Making new friends takes time. So learn to lean on those who know you well when times get tough – if you’re feeling homesick or just want a friendly ear to vent. When it comes to UNI work, rely on the support resources provided. They are there specifically to help you settle in, so don’t be afraid to reach out.

Learn basic practical life skills

If you don’t yet know how to sew on a button, cook two healthy meals from scratch, separate laundry items, descale an iron, vacuum clean your room, store fresh food properly, or even change a tire, now’s a great time to learn. In years gone by, these basic life skills were taught in school, but that’s no longer the case in many parts of the world.

If you’ve been ‘too busy studying’ to pick up the basics at home, endeavor to learn them before heading to uni. Your new life will be so busy and filled with exciting new ventures, and you will not want to waste time trying to learn the basics. So get these invaluable life skills under your belt before heading to uni.