Brutal Advice for my First Year self | College First year Advice

Summary

This video offers candid advice to first-year college students, emphasizing the importance of self-improvement, academic performance, and communication skills. The speaker shares personal experiences and regrets, encouraging students to balance fun with responsibility, prioritize mental and physical health, and build meaningful relationships. They also discuss the reality of college life, including the challenges of ragging, substance abuse, and the value of connecting with seniors. The overarching message is to make the most of college by embracing experiences and focusing on personal growth.

Takeaways

• 🎓 College is a transformative experience that goes beyond academics, teaching valuable life and social skills.
• 🏆 While college offers freedom, it also demands discipline to avoid sabotaging health, self-confidence, and academics.
• 🚫 Avoid demeaning yourself or neglecting your responsibilities in pursuit of relationships or infatuations.
• 📚 Maintain a good CGPA as it significantly impacts future opportunities like internships and placements.
• 🗣️ Prioritize developing communication skills, as they are crucial for personal and professional success.
• 👔 Pay attention to your appearance and dressing sense, as it influences how others perceive you.
• 🤸‍♂️ Engage in regular physical activity to boost self-confidence, discipline, and overall well-being.
• 📈 Use tools like Notion to manage your life, including academics, health, and personal projects.
• 🎉 Enjoy college life but differentiate between high-intensity fun (like trips) and low-intensity fun (like casual outings).
• 🤝 Make meaningful connections with both peers and seniors, as they can provide support and valuable life perspectives.
• ⏰ Stay in touch with your parents, as they remain an essential support system even during your college years.

Q & A

What is the main lesson the speaker learned from their college experience?

The main lesson the speaker learned from their college experience is that college is not just about academics but more about personal growth, understanding people, and oneself.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of making the right decisions in college?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of making the right decisions in college because it can significantly impact one's physical and mental health, self-confidence, and overall personal transformation.

What is the speaker's advice regarding relationships and crushes during college?

The speaker advises that while it's normal to have crushes and be attracted to others, it's crucial not to let these feelings negatively impact one's self-esteem, academics, or personal life.

How does the speaker define 'simping' in the context of college relationships?

In the context of college relationships, 'simping' is defined by the speaker as demeaning oneself, hurting one's academics and life, and excessively chasing after someone's attention, often leading to being used or neglected.

What is the significance of CGPA according to the speaker?

The speaker stresses that CGPA is very important, as it can determine eligibility for internships and job placements. They recommend aiming for at least an 8-plus CGPA in engineering.

Why does the speaker consider communication skills to be the most important skill in the world?

The speaker considers communication skills to be the most important because the world runs on stories and emotions, and the ability to invoke emotions and engage people in one's narrative is a powerful asset.

What is the speaker's stance on the importance of dressing well in college?

The speaker believes that dressing well is important as it influences how others perceive you. They suggest learning about outfit building, color coordination, and dressing appropriately for different situations.

How does the speaker differentiate between high-intensity fun and low-intensity fun?

High-intensity fun, according to the speaker, involves memorable and significant experiences like college trips or throwing big parties, whereas low-intensity fun includes routine activities like hanging out at a mall or ordering food.

What is the speaker's perspective on friendships formed in college?

The speaker views friendships as valuable experiences, regardless of their longevity. They encourage being grateful for the time spent together, even if friends are lost over time.

Why does the speaker urge students to maintain contact with their parents while in college?

The speaker urges students to maintain contact with their parents because they believe that as students transition into college life, they may underestimate the importance and emotional needs of their parents who are left at home.