They say the grass is always greener on the other side, well let me tell you about the dehydrated grass on the other side. The side no one wants to talk about, the side that has been carefully covered with a green screen (pun intended). That dehydrated grass side is one of the reasons University dropout rates in Uganda are rising each year and why University student suicides are prevalent. Be keen to understand these hidden truths that no one talks about, and your University experience will be worthwhile.
High Ranking Doesn’t Equate To Quality Teaching
Do not ever judge a university solely by the images and words on its brochures and fliers. Always leave some room for possible disappointment. A high ranking doesn’t always equate to teaching, this is very common in top Universities. Be warned that poor quality teaching is reflected in the dress code of the lecturer, their choice of words, attention to irrelevancies and their lack of knowledge in the subject they are lecturing.
The best way to handle such teaching is to actively engage largely in group discussions and read as much through the subject as you possibly can to compensate for the wasted 2-3 hours in class.
It’s Easy to Lose Interest along The Way
In my third year of University, my zeal for my course—and even for study—dropped drastically. I began dragging my feet to class and procrastinating on assignments for hours before the deadline. It was all hazy until I slapped myself sober. I reminded myself that, at the very least, I owed it to my parents, who were paying my tuition, not to fail. So sometimes we either need an external rude awakening or an internal one to get us back onto the right path.
It should be noted that losing interest might also mean that the path you are on was not meant for you to tread. And this is okay because university is the time for self-discovery and exploration. So go back to the drawing board and reexamine your dreams and goals.
Culture Shock
A basket can hold anything from fruit to eggs, even cables. Similarly, University brings together a mix of people from diverse backgrounds. Their beliefs will differ from yours, and their behaviour might surprise you—but you’ll need to stay polite and respectful. The best approach is to keep an open mind, be adaptable, and use the shock as an opportunity to learn something new!
The Freedom Is Toxic
Do you know what it means to be so free to do all the things you could never do, that even you get scared of the freedom? That is what university presents; the ultimate freedom to choose. It’s like being left in the garden of Eden with succulent fruit both bad and good, with silence and maybe the occasional friend to ask you about your weekend. You are free to skip class, sleep after two days and eat pizza for breakfast.
This freedom becomes toxic when you find yourself doing things you wouldn’t normally do, driven by past deprivation—like experimenting with drugs or indulging in unhealthy behaviours. What you shouldn’t forget is that now you are responsible for the decisions you make. Get a hold of that freedom and use it to your advantage, start writing, join a club, get a job, knit, crochet, coach, or volunteer…..the list of healthy things to do with your freedom is endless.
Financial Shock
Along with the newfound independence, comes the shocking realization that you cannot afford to live with yourself. From tuition fees to living expenses, to personal costs, and unexpected bills, having a budget of sorts can help to allocate your money right and avoid overspending. Consider exploring part-time jobs, side hustles and even scholarships to help ease the financial burden.
Mental Deterioration
The mind can slowly wither when under stress, at University this stress is amplified in comparison to before. The workload is hefty, the expectations are many, and sometimes even poor feeding is a cause of stress, your inability to meet the financial standards of everyone else in your friend group…. All these bubbles over and cause a mess inside your mind. It is important to understand when to let things go, live within your means, and surround yourself with the right people. Most universities have counselling services, so seek them out and get the right direction for your life. Do not let your problems swallow you whole.
The Tent Is Not The Goal
That graduation tent people talk about is just the first step, your journey has just begun. Celebrate your wins, but also keep in mind that there is a competitive job market to penetrate. Some find jobs before graduating, some immediately after and others years after. Do not be discouraged though, because it is all a part of the learning process.
The University experience is often glamorized, and this distracts many from seeing the frown lines on the faces of the young and free in those brochures. Learn to dig deeper, do not take things at the surface level. Also, learn to adjust and be grateful at every step of the way. Enjoy your University experience, but also be conscious of the dehydrated side.
