9 Things All Malaysian University Graduates Wish They Could Tell Their Younger Selves

Being a freshman in college or uni is a huge first step for many of us. It’s like entering a brand new world. We’re unsure about a lot of things, we worry about whether or not we’ll have friends and we pray to all the gods that we won’t fail any subjects. Safe to say, it’s a pretty crazy time for most of us.

As graduates however, we’ve been there and done that, so here are some of the things Malaysian university graduates wished they could tell their young-still-studying selves:

1. Getting bad results during SPM/O-levels is NOT the end of the world (seriously!)

Of course, getting straight A’s is awesome! However, everyone needs to know that perfect grades don’t mean EVERYTHING. You still have a long way ahead of you and whether you got straight B’s or you failed a subject, as long as you’re able to enter uni, you’ll forget all about your past results within the first week of classes.

 

2. Be adventurous during uni, try EVERYTHING

Don’t just lock yourself in your room, stressing about your grades every day. Go on a spontaneous road trip to Genting or Melaka, take part in crazy events, just do it all!

The most exciting time of your life is probably during uni. You’re finally given a bit more freedom, you have a driver’s license and you can experiment with a lot more different things! *Wink wink*

Of course, make sure you have fun responsibly lah! Better safe than sorry!

 

3. Studying abroad doesn’t necessarily mean you WILL get a better job/pay

There’s this misconception in Malaysia that studying abroad in Australia, UK, US, Korea, or wherever, is definitely better than studying in a uni in your own country.

It actually ultimately boils down to your experience. Your future boss and employers are only ever interested in the internships you took and responsibilities you held. The place/country your uni was situated in is more often than not the last thing your boss looks at.

 

4. Good grades and cute girls/guys are important, but making memories and looking out for your friends are important-er

Remember ditching your friends for lovers that never even lasted for more than 3 months? That’s when you realise friends are the ones who will be there for you no matter what.

These are the people you’re going to graduate with and most probably whose weddings you’re going to attend too. These are also the people you’ll meet up for drinks or late night mamak sessions with after a stressful day at work.

 

5. Spending every hour of every day with your BFFs is great, but you might want to avoid becoming roommates/housemates with them

It may seem like a great idea at first, but it’s not necessarily one! Although your BFFs are probably the sisters and/or brothers you never had, or wish you had, no matter how much you love them, you might want to rethink being roommates with them! You know lah, all the dirty secrets or habits you never knew will come out of nowhere! It will be WWII all over again.

 

6. There’s so many more fishes in the sea, really!

Source: Pinterest

Looking back at our younger selves, we often facepalm ourselves knowing how much we used to sulk for months over that one guy or girl who didn’t like us back, or dumped us. Padahal, there’s soooo many more people you’ll meet in the future. Probably better than the last one too!

 

7. There’s a high chance you won’t get a job directly related to what you studied, and that’s okay

Maybe you’re studying Food Tech or Business, maybe even Graphic Design. Whatever it is, they’re all great courses! However, the moment you graduate, it’s extremely likely that you’ll apply for a job on the opposite side of the spectrum.

Look at me, I studied Design but ended up becoming a writer! 

 

8. Don’t waste time bumming around all day! Do something productive instead

Source: RGBStock

A lot of people say, “the best time in life is your uni life, because you’re able to bum at home without any worries”! However, overly chilling at home is not exactly the best thing. When you have free time, do something more productive and build more experience. For example, if you’re studying broadcasting, do some freelance video shoots or, create and experiment with unique effects that’ll make your video more seamless. I guarantee this will help you out in your future job applications!

 

9. Choose the course you want

Choosing the course you’re interested in is so crucial because that’s what you’ll be studying for the next three to four years of your life.

For many of us, we not only face the stress of wondering whether or not the unis we applied for will accept us, but we are also often pressured by family members around us on what courses we should be taking.

Yes, it’s important to honour and take into consideration our parents’ advice because, after all, they have way more life experience than we do, but it’s also extremely important to follow our dreams at the same time!

That’s why, together with Taylor’s Uni, we want to #changeyourlife and highlight the importance of daring to dream.

At the end of the day, our parents want nothing but the best for us and if we excel at whatever we do, they’ll be equally as proud. So don’t give up on your dreams!

But hey, don’t take our word for it! Check out the interview below to see what other students AND graduates think about making uni decisions:

There you have it, real answers, from real, everyday Malaysians. What about you? Are YOU going to do something to #changeyourlife?

Find out more about Taylor’s #changeyourlife campaign here!