Những điều nhất thiết cần làm trong 4 NĂM ĐẠI HỌC (từ một Giảng viên)

Summary

This video offers valuable insights for university students, breaking down advice by year of study. It emphasizes the importance of adjusting in the first year, focusing on your major in the second, developing essential skills like language, time management, and communication in the third, and gaining practical experience in the fourth. The video also stresses the importance of continual learning beyond graduation, highlighting the role of internships, thesis projects, and job applications. A strong message is to be patient and give yourself time to adjust, especially during challenging moments, as growth takes time.

Takeaways

• 😀 First-year university students should focus on acclimating to the new environment, adjusting to different learning methods, and taking time to reflect on their habits.
• 😀 It's important to treat yourself gently during the first year and avoid pushing too hard, as everyone needs time to adjust.
• 😀 Good university programs often make the first year easier, allowing students time to adapt and build a strong foundation for the following years.
• 😀 In the second year, university students should focus on their major, deciding whether it's the right fit for them and whether they want to pursue it further.
• 😀 If a major doesn't feel right, students should explore options like changing majors within the university or taking a gap year to reassess their interests.
• 😀 The third year is key for developing critical skills, such as language proficiency, time management, and communication skills, which will help in both academic and professional life.
• 😀 Language skills, particularly in English, are essential by the third year for students preparing for international exams like TOEFL or IELTS, which can open career opportunities.
• 😀 Time management skills should be prioritized in the third year, as they help students balance work, study, and personal life effectively, setting them up for success in their final year.
• 😀 Communication skills are crucial, and students should take every opportunity to engage in group work, presentations, and extracurricular activities to improve their confidence and proficiency.
• 😀 In the fourth year, focus on gaining practical experience, such as internships and thesis projects, to build a portfolio that showcases real-world application of academic knowledge.
• 😀 Lifelong learning should be the goal beyond university. Students should continue learning new skills, both academic and practical, like financial management and digital content creation, after graduation.

Q & A

Why does the lecturer emphasize that first-year students should focus on adjusting rather than studying intensively?

Because transitioning from high school to university requires adapting to a new environment, new learning methods, new friends, and new instructors. Students need time to build new habits and understand how university learning works before expecting high academic performance.

Why do many university programs intentionally design the first year to be easier?

Programs often structure the first year to be less demanding so students can adjust to the university environment, build foundational knowledge, and gradually prepare for more specialized courses in later years.

What is the main goal students should prioritize in their second year?

The second year should be spent focusing on the major to determine whether it is the right fit. Students should deepen their knowledge, learn about career paths, and explore internships to decide whether to continue, switch majors, or consider other pathways.

What alternatives are available for students who feel their major is not suitable?

Alternatives include switching majors within the same university, retaking university entrance exams, taking a gap year to explore interests, or pursuing a double major to broaden career options.

Why is the third year considered the best time to prepare for English proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC?

Because exam preparation typically takes at least a year, and taking the test by the end of the third year ensures the certificate remains valid for job applications or graduate studies during the fourth year.

Which key skills should students invest in during their third year?

Three essential skills are: (1) language skills—often English, (2) time management, and (3) communication skills, all of which become increasingly important for success in the fourth year and beyond.

How does the 'Make Time' framework help with time management?

It provides a simple structure with four components—Highlight, Laser, Reflect, and Energize—helping individuals focus on important tasks, minimize distractions, reflect on progress, and maintain energy levels.

Why is communication practice important for third-year students?

Because many students lack confidence and avoid speaking or presenting. Practicing communication through class activities, volunteering, or part-time jobs helps students overcome shyness and build essential workplace skills.

What should fourth-year students prioritize to prepare for employment?

Fourth-year students should focus on gaining practical experience through internships, thesis projects, and building a portfolio that demonstrates both academic knowledge and real-world application.

How can students make their thesis more valuable for future job applications?

By aligning the thesis with a target company or field. For example, using a company as a case study allows students to showcase relevant expertise and include their thesis in their job application portfolio.

Why does the lecturer stress that learning should not stop after graduation?

Because lifelong learning is necessary for personal growth and adapting to real-world challenges. Many valuable skills—such as financial management, communication, and digital media—are learned outside the classroom.

What is the purpose of the lecturer's 'Wednesday Lessons' newsletter?

It provides weekly insights, book recommendations, and practical lessons to encourage continuous learning for young people even after formal education ends.