A summary of my two years of university experience—dedicated to freshmen.

September 1st is just around the corner. For most students, it's the start of the new school year, but for university students, it's not necessarily the same. I haven't felt the urgency of starting school on September 1st for two years now; the end of August no longer feels so special.

I've already spent two academic years at university, and these two years have been filled with experiences and profound feelings. In a few days, I'll be entering my third year of university. My junior year is very special; I've moved to Xiasha, many things have become new, and I have new goals. For me, this is a new beginning. Unlike the previous two years, I will be focusing on my studies. In my junior year, I will prepare for the GRE and TOEFL, and I aim to achieve high scores in my major courses. My junior year is my ideal starting line; everything begins here.
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At this juncture, I should summarize my experiences from the first two years of university. Often, it was because I knew too little that I was hindered in my progress. I hope that my summary can provide some guidance for new freshmen, especially the juniors in the School of Information Engineering.

[b]Learning Section[/b]

Why go to university? How many people have truly considered this question? Many go to university because of societal pressures: after junior high, you go to high school, and after high school, university is the natural next step. Indeed, that's how our education system works. And because most people take it for granted, they don't know what to do in university. University life is completely different from the previous twelve years of schooling; it's entirely free and open. No one cares if you skip class, no one will urge you to submit assignments, and you can even pass exams by cramming beforehand. This kind of environment can cultivate talent, or it can destroy a person, and most people who don't know what they want to do are destroyed.

The purpose of entering university is quite clear: to learn more knowledge. What you learn is entirely up to your interests. If you're not entering university to acquire more knowledge and skills, then hello, you can drop out and go work. You are allowed to study whatever you want in university, provided you pass all your courses. Under this premise, you can choose to delve into what interests you most, even if it's unrelated to your major. Interest is the best teacher. With diligent study guided by your interests, you will definitely become someone with expertise in a particular area in time. This is something every university student must do; otherwise, your four years of university will be lost in your history.

[b]Student Leader Section[/b]

Many freshmen aspire to become outstanding student leaders, arriving at university full of ambition and ready to showcase their talents. To become a student leader, from the student union president to a dormitory head, the most important thing is to gain the recognition of others. In my two years of study, I've always encountered people eager to show off and gain approval. These people are often not given significant responsibilities. Humility, composure, and a hardworking attitude are essential qualities for an excellent student leader. Don't be afraid that others don't know your abilities, don't worry that teachers won't see your potential. Learn to remain calm, assess the situation, secretly hone your skills, and wait for the opportunity. When the opportunity arises, seize it; the abilities you demonstrate then will become your bargaining chip for promotion.

Wanting to be a student leader is certainly a positive thing, but don't forget why you came to school. Don't neglect your studies because of your involvement in student organizations. Student organizations can help you gain social experience, and this experience needs to be applied with your knowledge. Be clear about the purpose of everything you do. Passion will gradually fade, but goals will motivate you to move forward.

One thing to remember is that student leaders are still students, no matter what. Once they leave school, they are no different from anyone else. Don't boast about your past leadership experience. The only advantage you have as a leader is experience. Never take yourself too seriously; humility and prudence are always virtues. Those who didn't become leaders shouldn't be discouraged. There are plenty of opportunities to develop yourself; improving your abilities is the key.

[b]Life Section[/b]

Most of the time in university is spent in the dorm, and by the end of the semester, you might not have even spoken to all your classmates. The dorm is like home in university, so it's crucial to maintain harmonious relationships within this "family." In university, we'll encounter all sorts of roommates—people from different places, with different family backgrounds, and naturally, vastly different lifestyles. At this point, two key elements are crucial: communication and tolerance. Communication channels shouldn't be closed off. More interaction fosters mutual understanding, and understanding each other naturally leads to comprehension of each other's actions and intentions. Some bad habits might be acceptable to one person but not to another; through communication, everyone can reach a consensus, and this consensus promotes harmonious relationships.

Another key element is tolerance. Many people struggle to get along with those around them because they lack tolerance. Everyone has flaws, and everyone will be disagreed with by some. Mistakes can be corrected through understanding. When someone displays a style you dislike, try to subtly point it out and encourage them to change. Tolerance is crucial when both sides cannot reach a consensus. Everyone has different views on life and values. A small dormitory is a microcosm of society. Even if you don't agree with something, you must learn to tolerate different ideas and behaviors, and embrace a diverse society. As you gradually learn to be tolerant, you will feel happy, experience personal growth, and realize how beautiful the vast and open world is.

Sometimes, reflecting on your own actions reveals that most problems stem from within yourself.

[b]Reading Section[/b]

You'll have plenty of free time in university. You can give it to your boyfriend/girlfriend or use it for extracurricular activities (like class officer, club, or student union positions). But aside from these, you must set aside specific time for reading. This doesn't refer to classroom books, but rather to classic works that interest you. You could choose to read psychology books, economics books, or even spend a significant amount of time reading through *War and Peace*. Choose several books on topics that interest you; recommended reading lists are available online.

If you don't read these books in college, you'll rarely have time to read them after you enter the workforce, and you'll miss out on them for the rest of your life.

[b]Certificates Section[/b]

In your spare time at university, you can selectively obtain certificates. This serves two purposes: it demonstrates your abilities and lays a foundation for your future career. Some certificates are essential, such as the CET-4/6 certificates and degree certificates, while others will set you apart. If you want to pursue a career in accounting, you'll need to acquire accounting certificates; if you want to work in computer science, you'll need to obtain computer certificates. No one in university will pressure you to take certificate exams. If you don't actively seek out information, you'll never know what certificates are available or how to obtain them.

Spend some of your spare time on certificates, do some research, create a phased plan for taking the exams, and then take action. Many certificates are easy to obtain, as long as you put in the effort.

[b]Events Section[/b]

University life offers a wealth of activities and numerous awards. The vibrant university experience provides ample opportunities to showcase oneself. With a skill or the courage to take on challenges, one can potentially become a celebrity on campus. Having dreams of fame is commendable, but if you fail, don't blame fate; always maintain a positive and easygoing attitude.

Although there are many activities, most are not as perfect as people imagine. Sometimes there may be inadequate notification, lack of advance notice, unfair judging, poor organization, and so on. These are all normal occurrences; reality is not as perfect as in the movies. When such situations arise, please be more tolerant and understanding.

[b]Goals[/b]

Finally, let's talk about goals. Always have goals, and seize opportunities whenever they arise. Develop the habit of planning; nothing can be done well without a plan. While plans may not keep up with changes, having a plan is always better than having none. As a freshman, you must know why you're at university, what kind of person you want to become after graduation, and what you need to do while you're there. These will guide you through your university life.

Postscript: Two years of university have passed, and two more years await my exploration. September 1st has arrived, and a new journey is about to begin.