The five most common temptations you’ll face at university

University life provides many young adults with their first taste of independence and freedom and, let’s face it, that can be challenging. It’s a period where you’ll have to make your own decisions, form new friendships and take on new challenges. It’s also a period of time when temptation is rife, and it’s all about navigating those effectively to not only ensure your studies stay on track, but your life does too.

With many people heading to university for the first time in the coming weeks, here are five temptations to be careful about, and how you can avoid them and ensure you live your best life during a life-shaping couple of years…

Procrastination

There’s very much a reputation when it comes to students that they are lazy. And, let’s face it, there is no smoke without fire. While of course it doesn’t apply to the vast majority of students, procrastination is perhaps the most common temptation faced by university students.

There are fewer structured hours of class, more freedom and you don’t really get chased by lecturers and tutors, certainly not as much as you would in school. That makes it easy to put off assignments to have fun. However, that can lead to last-minute cramming, stress and a decline in academic performance, which can be incredibly problematic for you in the long run.

Be organised and break down assignments into manageable tasks, setting your own deadlines for each and use planners and apps to track progress and hold yourself accountable. You’ll certainly feel the satisfaction and sense of achievement when you’ve finished and handed that work in!

Partying and Excessive Drinking

Of course, one of the biggest temptations is getting too involved with university’s lively social scene. While socialising is an important part of the experience, far too many people fall foul of drinking too much, indulging in drug taking and essentially leading to a huge range of problems for both your studying and overall health. Many people who find themselves in a rehab clinic can trace their addiction issues back to university, so it’s incredibly important to be responsible.

Set yourself limits and be mindful on how frequently you’re going out. Stick to your values and show conviction in saying no to limit the risk of temptation. It may even be that you consider alternate ways to socialise that don’t involve alcohol or drugs.

Overcommitting to Extracurricular Activities

However, you also don’t want to overcommit to extracurricular activities too. Your academic work is a priority, but it can be easy to throw yourself into other things like sports teams, societies and volunteering opportunities. While all that is great, you don’t want to find yourself doing too much you can’t focus on your work.

It’s all about finding a balance, so prioritise the activities you’re most passionate about. After all, quality is far more important than quantity and if you commit to a few things you love, then it can be incredibly rewarding without spreading yourself too thin.

Skipping Lectures and Seminars

With the flexibility of university schedules, it can be tempting to skip lectures and seminars, especially if they’re early in the morning or you feel confident in the subject matter. However, regularly missing classes can quickly catch up with you, leading to gaps in your knowledge and making it harder to keep up with coursework.

Attending lectures and seminars not only helps you stay on track academically but also allows you to engage with the material, ask questions, and participate in discussions that can enhance your understanding. If you’re struggling with motivation, try to remind yourself of the long-term benefits of attending classes and the impact on your overall academic success.

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is a significant temptation at university, where the desire to fit in and make friends can lead you to engage in behaviours you wouldn’t normally consider. This could range from experimenting with drugs or alcohol to participating in risky activities or compromising your values. It’s crucial to stay true to yourself and make decisions based on your own beliefs and comfort levels, rather than succumbing to the influence of others.

Surround yourself with friends who respect your choices and support you in your goals. If you ever feel uncomfortable in a situation, it’s okay to walk away. Your university experience should be about personal growth, not about fitting into someone else’s mould.