I recently graduated from University with a bachelors in Psychology and a minor in Counselling. I have 5 years of experience in post secondary so I thought I'd share some of the things I learned along the way!
1. People aren't as smart as they seem
There's always that student in the class who seems to know everything about the course material, and they probably do...but that doesn't make them smart in everything. I met brilliant psychology students who thrived in a research environment but would make horrible counsellors, and visa versa.
2. If you aren't passionate, don't do it
I know some people feel lost and think going into a particular program will solve their problems, and truthfully you may end up finding out what you like from taking random classes...but honestly, I know too many people who went into a program that they really weren't passionate about and ended up hating their post secondary experience because of it. On the positive side, I know people who were almost done their degree and ended up switching into something else because it made them happier!
3. University doesn't make you Educated
In University you learn some amazing material from some amazing professors, but you are the one who decides whether you're going to just memorize material to get you through the class, OR if you are going to do further research and apply what you learn to your life.
4. It's what you make it
I was quite involved in my University the last two years and this made all the difference in my experience. Get involved, meet new people, broaden your horizons. Thanks to getting more involved in school it opened the doors for me to opportunities I never even thought of. If I had not gotten to know some of my professors I wouldn't have had my wonderful practicum experience which lead me to my current job, or I wouldn't have known about potential career avenues through campus jobs and volunteering I did. Build connections with everyone around you because you never know where those connections could lead.
5. Do what's best for you
You don't have to finish your degree in 4 years. You don't have to be a full time student. Find what works best for you, you do not need to follow the same path as your peers, in fact...you'll go a lot further when you pave your own.