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By Jessica Tidy
University is often seen as a straightforward journey: attend lectures, complete assignments, earn a degree, and land a career. But after working as a graduate following four years of university study, I’ve realized that the experience is far from a step-by-step process. There are countless side quests along the way, and the true value of university often lies in the unexpected moments and connections you make.
When I first started university, I envisioned it would be a linear path, a series of milestones to tick off on the way to adulthood. It felt like the goal was always to move forward, to accomplish something measurable, and to make the most of every opportunity by keeping my eyes on the prize, graduating with a top grade, and landing a competitive grad scheme.
But the reality turned out to be far different. The so-called ‘side quests’, those spontaneous decisions to join a club, have a deep conversation, or try something entirely new, became
the moments I cherish most today!
It’s More Than Just Academics
For me, going to university felt like the right thing to do, a way to bridge the gap between school and ‘adulthood,’ even though I wasn’t sure what I wanted my career or adult life to look like. I hoped university would somehow align everything for me and point me toward where I was meant to be.
In reality, it wasn’t solely the academic side of university that guided me. Instead, it was the connections I made, especially in moments when academics felt overwhelming and all-consuming. Working with others, connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, and investing in activities that made me feel empowered played a huge role in keeping me moving forward.
When I first set foot on campus, I felt like I had to prove myself by excelling in every exam, perfecting every assignment, and building an impeccable CV for my future career. The pressure to achieve was relentless, and I constantly found myself thinking, “What’s next?” It felt like my worth crumbled down entirely to the grades I would leave with.
But despite all that effort, something was missing. I was so focused on my future career ambitions that I neglected a key element of living a fulfilling life: variety. That’s when I began
exploring life outside the lecture hall, and discovered the real value of being a university student.
University, I realised, is about more than just grades and graduating. It’s a unique environment for self-discovery, where I had the chance to test my boundaries, explore new ideas, and embrace uncertainty. The friendships I formed, the extracurriculars I participated in, and the challenges I faced all contributed to my personal growth.
These experiences helped me develop qualities, such as resilience, empathy, leadership, and creativity, that no textbook or lecture could teach me. The time I spent outside the classroom shaped who I am just as much as the lessons I learned inside it. It reminded me that success is not measured by a piece of paper or a list of achievements, but by how we grow as individuals and the
impact we have on others.
Changing My Mindset: From Competition to Collaboration
At first, I slipped into a competitive mindset, constantly comparing myself to others: Who’s landing the best internships? Who’s getting the highest grades? Who’s best preparing for the
future? This left me feeling isolated and stressed, always striving to outdo others rather than appreciating what I could learn from them.
In connecting with fellow students, I found incredible friendships. We met regularly, exploring the city’s coffee shops while sharing knowledge and preparing for exams. Often, our conversations wandered into topics like life goals, future aspirations, and popular culture. These moments showed me that learning doesn’t have to be a solo mission.
One particularly memorable experience was cramming for a final-year exam with a group of friends in the library. We took turns teaching each other concepts we didn’t fully understand,
laughing at our mistakes, and celebrating small breakthroughs. That night wasn’t just about academic preparation; it was about bonding, trust, and realizing we were all in it together.
We were all striving toward similar goals, each bringing our unique strengths to the table. Together, we created a support network that not only made academics more manageable
but also living away from the people and places we grew up with.
Creating Community With Like-Minded People
It’s not just the academic connections you make, university offers endless ways to connect with like-minded individuals. Initially, I worried about fitting in. I didn’t drink, and typical bonding activities like pub crawls or parties didn’t appeal to me. For a while I feared I was missing out on the ‘typical’ student experience.
Then I joined a university sports team, a decision that changed everything. This was just one of many societies on offer, but for me, it became a home away from home. The people I met
pushed me to be my best, cheered me on, and accepted me for who I was.
One of my favourite memories was traveling to an inter-university competition. We spent hours on a bus, singing along to cheesy playlists, sharing snacks, and nervously hyping each other up for the upcoming matches. Those moments of camaraderie reminded me that university wasn’t just about personal achievement but about being part of something bigger than myself.
Our shared goal of coming out on top brought us together, but the friendships we formed extended far beyond that. Across different courses, ages, and backgrounds, we built a community that provided laughter, belonging, and purpose. These relationships transcended sport; we found ourselves supporting each other through academic struggles, life decisions, and even personal hardships. The sense of solidarity made all the difference in navigating the ups and downs of university life.
Being part of a group that valued collaboration, effort, and mutual respect helped me understand that community isn’t just about shared interests, it’s about shared experiences,
shared growth, and a collective sense of belonging. It reinforced that the true essence of university lies in how you connect with others and build lasting bonds that enrich your life. The friendships I forged in this community are some of the most meaningful I’ll carry with me long after graduation.
Bursting The Campus Bubble
One of the most eye-opening experiences for me was working part-time alongside my studies. Taking a job at a local coffee shop connected me to the broader community of the city I called home.
At first, it was just a way to earn extra money. But it became so much more. I met people from all walks of life, hearing local stories from regulars, talking about British culture to
adoring tourists, and coworkers who became mentors.
One customer, a retired teacher, became a regular who often shared her life stories and advice during quiet afternoons. Her wisdom about navigating life’s uncertainties left a lasting
impression on me. The coffee shop wasn’t just a workplace; it became a grounding space where I could step away from the pressures of university life and develop a stronger sense
of independence and an identity away from being a student.
This job gave me a fresh perspective on life. It reminded me that the world is much larger than just my academic deadlines and grades. It taught me valuable skills across people management, conflict resolution, and customer engagement—things that my degree alone just couldn’t provide.
Beyond just the practical experience, working outside of the campus bubble gave me a deeper understanding of the city and its people. I began to appreciate how interconnected everything is, and how the world operates beyond the classroom. These experiences helped me develop empathy and a sense of belonging in the larger community, a crucial element of
personal growth that no lecture could teach.
My Final Take-Aways: Seek Out the People and Places That Matter
Looking back I realise that the key to finding balance outside the lecture hall was community connection. Whether it was housemates, classmates, sports teammates, or local
interactions, these connections helped me grow into a well-rounded individual ready to take on life beyond university.
Through extracurricular activities, part-time work, and meaningful relationships, I learned skills that will stay with me for life. The people and places I connected with really have shaped me into who I am today.
It’s easy to get caught up in “what’s next” and miss the joy of the present. University is not all about academic achievement, it’s about the memories and personal growth you create along
the way. The late-night conversations, the shared laughter, the lessons learned outside the classroom, those moments stay with you far longer than any grade ever will.
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So, to anyone going through the stages of university I would say don’t be afraid to explore life beyond the lecture hall.
Join that society, say yes to new experiences, and seek out the people who will inspire and support you. The connections you make might just become the most valuable part of your university experience. And in the end, it’s these relationships and experiences that will help shape your future, long after the exams are over and the caps and gowns are packed away.
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