Unlocking Uni Magic: 5 Power Moves for Success!
Written by Charisa Akpan-Albert
University is more than just attending lectures, cramming for exams, and grabbing coffee on the go—it's an exciting adventure full of opportunities just waiting to be seized! Let’s talk about maximising these golden years and truly thriving.
Trust me, I’ve been there! From leading as a Peer-Assisted Study Session (PASS) Leader to mentoring future students, here's how you can make the most of your time:
1. Become a Mentor: Help Others, Help Yourself!
In my 2nd year, I became a Peer-Assisted Study Session (PASS) Leader in my Business School Programme. I had the privilege of mentoring first-year students, helping them with everything from essay writing to CV polishing, even those dreaded referencing styles!
And let’s not forget the workshops we organised—picture a room full of eager students fine-tuning their study techniques and smashing their assignments! The cool thing? By teaching others, you also sharpen your skills. Nothing tests your knowledge like explaining it to someone else!
2. Join a Mentoring Programme: Empower the Next Generation
If mentoring within your uni isn’t enough, why not reach out to future students too? I participated in the Insight2Uni Mentoring Programme where I helped sixth-form A-level students refine their personal statements and set clear goals, whether for their academic journey or personal life.
Not only does this type of mentoring give you the chance to positively impact someone’s future, but it also gives you invaluable leadership experience.
And hey, you’re not just guiding them to succeed at university, you’re preparing them for financial independence, helping them manage student life, and showing them how to balance those all-important extracurriculars. This experience truly opens up your perspective, and you’ll feel like you’ve made a tangible difference.
3. Get Involved in Residence Life: Build a Community
Feeling at home in your uni accommodation is a huge part of your university experience, so why not make a difference by getting involved in your Residence Social Committee? I had the chance to bridge the gap between residents and the accommodation office, ensuring everyone felt heard and cared for.
One of my favourite parts was organising events like free breakfast mornings and even cosy massage sessions (yes, free massages at uni!). It’s an awesome way to build friendships and make everyone feel more comfortable. Plus, you get to flex those event-planning muscles - a great skill to add to your CV!
4. Be a Student Ambassador – Share the Magic of Uni Life
As a University of Leeds Student Ambassador, I got to share my love for Leeds with prospective students. Whether leading campus tours, explaining what it’s like to live in student accommodation, or giving my best recommendations for study spots, it was a blast.
Talking to potential students and parents about the benefits of uni life (while keeping it real about the challenges) not only helps them feel more confident about their choices, but it’s also an awesome way to reflect on your journey. Being an Ambassador lets you see your uni from a fresh perspective every time.
5. Say YES to Extracurriculars – More Than Just a CV Booster
This is your sign to step out of your comfort zone and say yes to those extracurricular activities! Whether it's joining societies, student media, or volunteering, these experiences enrich your university life in ways a lecture hall never can. You'll meet people from different walks of life, and you’ll gain soft skills like communication, teamwork and leadership. Plus, you'll have plenty of stories to tell!
Maximising your university opportunities is about saying "yes" to experiences, growing from them, and enjoying the ride. So, whether you're mentoring others, helping run events or showing new students the ropes, every opportunity you take is a chance to level up. You’ve got this! Uni life is what you make of it, so make it unforgettable! 🌟