10 things to leave behind in 2024
From 9:00 A.M. classes to fearing office hours, here are 10 ways to make your upcoming semester a success for your grades and mental health.

University life can be a mix of chaos and charm. The habits you build during these formative years can last you a lifetime.  Whether it is bragging about pulling an all-nighter or the universal loathing of group projects, students cling to certain quirks like they’re part of the syllabus. But let’s be honest, some of these habits and mindsets do more harm than good.

With the new year ahead, it’s time to pack up the excuses, outdated mentalities, and overpriced latte, and trade them for a healthier approach to university life. After all, university is about growth, not suffering. In this list, we’re calling out the most overdone, overrated, and downright unnecessary aspects of campus culture and offering better, more fulfilling alternatives.

So, grab your reusable coffee cup and your half-empty planner, and let’s leave these ten relics of student life where they belong: in the past.

1. Romanticizing all-nighters

Picture this: it’s 3 A.M., your laptop opens, and a half-empty energy drink sits next to you as you frantically type on the keyboard, trying to finish an essay. Sound familiar? All-nighters have become a flex in student culture, but they are less about “productive grind” and more “poor planning meets caffeine overdose”.

Pulling all-nighters ruins your health, zaps your focus, and leaves you drained for days. Instead, ditch the sleepless night for smart time management. Break projects into small, manageable tasks and prioritize quality rest. Contrary to popular belief, success doesn’t require self-destruction; it thrives on balance.

2. Post-exams trauma narratives

Real terror begins after the exam ends: students dissect every question, swapping horror stories and collectively panicking about how badly they think they did. While it feels necessary in the moment, these post-exam trauma narratives only increase anxiety and self-doubt.

Reminiscing about every mistake won’t change your grade, it’ll just keep you in a worry loop. Instead, leave the exam in the past where it belongs. Take a deep breath, grab a snack, and focus on what’s next. If you must debrief, do it briefly and move on. Your peace of mind deserves better than endless “what ifs” about a test that’s already over.

3. Fear of networking

Networking often feels like a chore, mixed with social anxiety. Just the thought of walking into a room full of strangers or sending that first LinkedIn message can send students into a spiral of dread. But avoiding networking means missing out on valuable opportunities: internships, mentorships, and maybe even lifelong friendships.

Here’s the real deal: networking doesn’t have to be awkward and formal. Start small, attend casual campus events or chat with classmates about shared interests. Introduce yourself on LinkedIn with a genuine message that highlights your enthusiasm. Remember, it’s about forming connections, not delivering a TED Talk. The more you practice, the less intimidating it becomes. Who knows? Your next coffee chat could lead to your dream job.

4. Clinging to high school glory days

We all know that person who can’t stop bringing up their high school accomplishments: “I was captain of the debate team,” or “Back in my high school, I won prom royalty.” While those achievements were great, clinging to them in university is like your desperate ex crawling back into your life, it doesn’t quite belong anymore.

University is a fresh start, a chance to reinvent yourself and achieve things that matter now. Instead of reliving past glories, focus on building new ones. Join a club, take on leadership roles or explore new opportunities. Let’s ditch the nostalgia and create new accomplishments. You will be surprised by how much more satisfying it is to live in the moment.

5. 9 A.M. classes you know you’ll skip

It starts with good intentions. You enroll in that 9 AM lecture, convinced that this will finally be the semester you become a morning person. Fast forward a few weeks, and your alarm is on snooze, your attendance is questionable, and the only thing you’ve mastered is regret.

Let’s be honest: if you’re not naturally an early riser, those 9 AM classes set you up for failure. Instead, opt for later class times or asynchronous options when possible. If you must take an early class, pair it with a foolproof morning routine to get you moving. Life’s too short to rush to class half-awake with a coffee you can barely hold.

6. The fear of office hours

Walking into office hours can be daunting. Sweaty palms, a racing heart, and the persistent fear of sounding dumb, but here’s the thing: professors don’t schedule office hours just to sit alone, they’re there to help.

Leaving this fear behind opens doors to better understanding course material and building relationships with those who could write you glowing recommendation letters. Start small and bring one or two specific questions to break the ice. And remember, professors were once students, too. Office hours aren’t a test of your knowledge but a chance to expand it. Plus, free academic advice? Why not take advantage of that while you can?

7. A campus coffee dependence

I get it, coffee feels like the only way to survive. But relying on overpriced coffee to keep you awake isn’t a quirky trait, it’s an expensive habit. Those $6 lattes add up fast. Plus, they’re barely keeping you functional during that 9 A.M. lecture you swore you’d attend (you didn’t).

It’s time to be responsible. Learn how to brew your coffee. Not only will you save money, but you can customize your caffeine precisely how you like it. Your wallet will thank you.

8. Procrastination excuses

You’re not alone when you tell yourself, “I work better under pressure,” as you binge-watch Netflix. But let’s face it: procrastination is just stress in disguise. Waiting until the last minute doesn’t make you an academic weapon. It leads to panic, guilt, and sleepless nights. Leave behind the endless excuses and get things done. Break tasks into smaller pieces, set mini-deadlines, and reward yourself when you hit them (perhaps with a $6 latte). You’ll find less stress, more free time, and a guilt-less existence can do wonders for your health.

9. Ignoring free fitness facilities

Take a look at your invoice. See that $200 you’re paying for the gym? So why aren’t you using it? The RAWC offers many resources: fully-equipped gyms, group fitness, and even swimming pools. Yet so many students let these perks go to waste, opting instead for overpriced membership or skipping fitness altogether.

Exercise isn’t just for the aesthetics; it boosts energy and increases focus. Hit the treadmill, join a drop-in yoga class, or try the equipment you’ve been eyeing. You already paid for it, so you might as well flex those muscles, literally and financially.

10. Constant campus Wi-Fi rants

It happens to the best of us: sitting in the library, furiously clicking “refresh” while the Wi-Fi mocks you with its eternal loading circle. The campus Wi-Fi is not the best, and venting about it to friends is easy. But the truth is that complaining about the Wi-Fi doesn’t fix the Wi-Fi.

Instead of wasting time ranting, try finding alternatives. Use offline tools, download materials beforehand, or find study spots with better connections. And hey, if the Wi-Fi is really a dealbreaker, consider investing in a better internet plan. The Wi-Fi might be trash, but your productivity doesn’t have to suffer because of it.