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I started this blog to welcome lions to the space they did not know they needed. I have firsthand experience of how overwhelming university life can be��–��deadlines, resumes, finding your people, figuring out what matters. I also know how powerful it is when you find community, clarity, and confidence in yourselves. Whether��it is��navigating club fairs, decoding what��“Co-op��Program”��is��or testing��out��side��hustles between classes, we all need a space that gets��it.��I will��be sharing lessons I wish��I had��learned sooner, tips that��work��(and��do not), insights from the student grind, and side hustle ideas to help you earn and gain experience—no gatekeeping.��

My name’s Bani Galhotra, and I am here to keep it real with you–student to student. I am currently a second year Information Technology major at 91��ɫ and along the way, I’ve worn a few hats: I became President of SIAY (Student Impact Alliance at 91��ɫ) and a student-led initiative in my first year (yep, threw myself in early), where I led projects like a campus-wide clothing drive for university students and the 'Feeding the People' initiative; I took on director roles in some of the well-known student organizations at 91��ɫ and dabbled in programs for newcomers. Long story short? I have seen the behind-the-scenes of university life, and I know how much pressure there is to do it all. 

University can feel like a whirlwind. One minute you are pumped about a new course or project, and the next you are staring down a mountain of deadlines, wondering if sleep is even a thing anymore. Trust me, I have been there, procrastinating and then scrambling to finish assignments at 3 a.m., thinking, “Why didn’t I start earlier?” What I have learned is: Success at university is not just about non-stop grinding or ticking off every single to-do task. It is about balance; it is about carving out space for yourself amidst all the chaos. 

There are so many things I wish someone had pulled me aside and said in first year. For instance, “Hey, you don’t need to join every club to prove you’re involved,” “Resting is productive too,” and so on. I learned the hard way, burnout is not a badge of honour, it is just exhausting. In my second year, I was everywhere and nowhere at the same time–running events, going to classes, and trying to keep up with friends. Yet, I still felt like I was not enough. That kind of thinking–eats you alive. 

So, here is my first tip: prioritize what truly matters to you. It is easy to get caught up in FOMO or compare your journey to others, but your path is yours. That might mean pouring into a few meaningful clubs that genuinely interest you instead of trying to do it all or protecting time for a hobby that recharges you rather than burning out chasing constant productivity. 

Remember that growth is messy. You will stumble; you will have days where motivation is nowhere to be found, and that is okay. Progress is not always linear. Celebrate the small wins—the essays you survived, the presentations you nailed, the friendships you built. These moments add up. 

One of the best lessons I have learned: Quality over quantity. The roles and events that pushed me forward were the ones I genuinely cared about—not the ones I did just to “fill the resume.” When I stopped chasing clout and started showing up for things that aligned with who I was (or who I wanted to be), everything started to click. I gained confidence not just in what I was doing, but in who I was becoming. 

And confidence? It is not something you just wake up with, it comes in waves. Some days, I felt like that girl, other days, imposter syndrome had me doubting everything. What helped most was realizing that no one has it all figured out—not even the people who seem like they do on Instagram. Confidence is showing up even when you are unsure. Do not wait to feel 100% ready—you will wait forever. 

Some tips were total game changers like time blocking. It is boring at first, but once I started planning my week with colour-coded blocks (yes, I am that girl now), I stopped feeling like I was constantly behind. Another thing that worked for me was asking for help. Whether it was going to office hours (nerve-wracking at first but worth it) or texting a friend to explain that one lecture I mentally blacked out in—asking for help made everything lighter. 

Now, what did not work? Forcing productivity 24/7. I used to feel guilty anytime I was not studying or working on something, but all that does is turn you into a robot. Some of the best university memories I have were not in lecture halls—they were in the Breakroom playing pool with my friends, in cafés talking about life, in late-night walks after stressful exams, or during club events that made me forget about grades for a while. Therefore, take breaks, binge watch, go to random paint night; do activities that rejuvenate your battery. 

Now, let us talk about networking—yes, it is slightly scary but totally necessary part of university life. It is not just about handing out business cards or LinkedIn adding sprees. It is about building real connections with people who get what you are about, whether that’s classmates, professors, or that one person you met in the library who is into the same hobby as you. Networking can open doors you did not even know existed—internships, job offers, collaborations, or just a mate to bounce ideas off. Here is the secret: it is not about collecting contacts, but about showing up, being genuine, and supporting each other. So, do not wait for a formal event—start chatting in clubs, during lectures, or even over coffee. Your future self will thank you. 

Let us talk about passion—the stuff that makes you light up when you talk about it, even if most people do not quite get why you care so much. Whether it is art, coding, dance, writing, fashion, or even crafting the perfect Notion dashboard; your passion deserves your time and energy. However, here is a plot twist: giving your best does not mean giving everything. You do not need to grind 24/7 or monetize it to prove it matters. Some things are valuable just because they bring you joy. 

We all feel demotivated sometimes—even when we are doing something we love. I have had weeks where I did not touch a single project, skipped meetings I was excited for, or just stared at my screen like... “meh.” That does not make you lazy, it makes you human. Passion is not always fireworks—sometimes it is a quiet spark that flickers, waits, and comes back stronger. The key is not giving up just because it does not feel magical all the time. 

One thing that surprisingly helped me was, touching grass. I did not realize how much I needed to unplug until I started taking nature walks—no phone, no headphones, just vibing and listening birds chirping. Connecting with nature cleared my head more than any productivity app ever could. Sometimes the most powerful reset is just getting outside and reminding yourself that the world is bigger than deadlines and DMs. 

Now, let us talk about the most underrated duo: self-care and academics. People act like they are on opposite ends of the spectrum—like you can either be that mysterious, candle-lit, matcha-sipping soft girl OR the grind-till-I-collapse library warrior. Spoiler alert: you can (and should) be both. 

Here is the thing that no one says enough: your body and mind are the real MVPs of your university journey. You cannot pour from an empty cup—caffeine is not a long-term solution (I have tried). Self-care is not just face- masks—it is eating real meals, moving your body, drinking water, and booking that counselling session even if it feels scary. I have powered through semesters with no sleep, high stress, and smile glued on—trust me, it catches up. Taking care of yourself is not slacking, it is choosing longevity over burnout. When you feel good, everything else just works better. 

Now let us talk academics—because marks do matter… but not more than you. There is so much pressure to “perform”—to get that 4.0, land internships, and collect awards like Infinity Stones. Hard work is key, but your GPA does not define your worth. That said, do not neglect your studies like I did when my GPA took a hit in second year. I have had plenty of “study sessions” that were just scrolling marathons followed by last-minute cramming. Spoiler: it does not work. 

What does is starting small, staying consistent, and finding study methods that click—flashcards, tutoring a friend, or even a plant (no judgment). Show up for yourself, even when you do not feel like it. The small efforts add up. Remember, grades are not your whole identity. You can mess up, restart, and grow at your own pace. Study for your growth, not just the grade—and that mindset shift is everything. 

Conclusion? Making university life “worth it” is not about being perfect—it is about being present. Try new things. Fail. Learn. Pivot. You are not supposed to have your five-year plan figured out. Honestly, you are doing amazing just by showing up and trying. 

By Bani Galhotra