Thanks to Allah Almighty, I realized some important truths early in my academic life even though I’m only in my second semester right now. But the things I’m about to share… I honestly feel they should be part of every student’s journey.
Universities teach us assignments, deadlines, presentations, and theory and that’s good. But real life requires more, and sadly, most of it is missing from the curriculum.
Here are a few of those lessons we never hear about in class:
1. How to Manage Your Mental Health
No one teaches us how to deal with the emotional pressure of student life.
Feeling anxious, mentally tired, or lost isn’t something abnormal, it’s part of growing. But in universities, when students struggle mentally, they’re often told “You’re not focused enough” or “Stop overthinking.”
I’ve felt this myself.
There were days I couldn’t explain what I was feeling, and no one really sat with me or asked, “Are you okay?” That’s when I realized:
Students don’t just need guidance, they need space to breathe.
Burnout is real. Mental health is real. And we deserve to learn how to care for it.
2. How to Communicate with Confidence
We’re told to submit reports, give presentations, and defend our research but no one teaches us how to speak with confidence.
How to raise a question in class without hesitation.
How to express your opinion during discussions.
How to communicate with teachers or during interviews.
These are real-life skills not optional extras.
3. How to Learn Beyond the Syllabus
Today’s world is bigger than textbooks.
Jobs, opportunities, and progress are happening outside our academic material.
But no one tells students that learning digital skills, applying for online programs, improving communication, and networking are survival skills in this era.
We only realize it when it’s already too late… or when we see others far ahead of us.
4. How to Fail and Still Move Forward
In universities, failure is treated like shame.
But in the real world, failure is often the start of growth.
It’s in falling and rising again that we build strength.
It’s in rejection and reflection that we discover what we’re really made of.
No GPA can teach you that.
My Wish?
I don’t expect the university to solve everything.
But I do hope that one day, they’ll start focusing not just on grades but also on guiding students through life.
Because students aren’t just here to pass exams.
We’re here to understand ourselves, find direction, and grow inside and outside the classroom.
By Shahjahan Baloch