As a student at Queen’s University Belfast, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of expectations—your own, or that of parents or even those of society. With the pressures of university life, many of us feel the need to excel in every area, whether it’s academics, extracurriculars, or social activities. However, embracing imperfection and managing expectations can lead to a more fulfilling and less stressful university experience.

Mastery over your priorities

First and foremost, it’s important to figure out what truly matters to you. We are all unique, and so should be our priorities. Maybe you're passionate about sports, the arts, or you're set on excelling academically. It’s essential to align your focus with your personal interests and long-term goals.

Align your focus with your personal interests and long-term goals

If you’re training to be a professional athlete, building your own business, or think of education as a backup while building a career in music, academics may not be at the very top of your priorities. And that’s perfectly okay! Education, while crucial, is just one aspect of your life. Determining where it fits in the context of your other ambitions will help you set realistic expectations for your academic performance. Remember QSU’s motto: Be Bold, Be Brave, and Be You—embrace what makes you different and let it guide your path forward.

Balancing Ambition with Realism: Is It Worth the Stress?

It’s essential to note that excelling academically, whether aiming for honours in an undergraduate programme or a distinction in postgraduate studies, can open doors. But there are other doors of opportunity out in the world too. You might be the only one who cares about this in most scenarios. It might be good to sit back and reflect if the undue stress of it is even worth it and if yes then for what reasons.

If you're eyeing a funded PhD, you probably need that honours or distinction. But this comes at a cost: significant effort, long hours of study and research, and potentially sacrificing time from other interests. Therefore, deciding on your priorities and being aware of the trade-offs is essential. It’s okay to aim high, but make sure you understand what’s required and whether that aligns with your overall life goals.

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The Myth of Perfectionism: Be Kind to Yourself

As a former perfectionist, I know the pain and in my last year here I have come across plenty of students who struggle with perfectionism. Perfectionism often sneaks up on students, especially those who have always excelled in their academic journey. The standards at Queen’s are undoubtedly high, that achieving excellent grades is quite difficult, and it’s important to be compassionate to yourself when things don’t go as planned.

Constantly pushing yourself to perfection leads to unnecessary stress. It can even backfire by leading to burnout. If you fall short on an assignment, don’t be too harsh on yourself. Consistency is what leads to sustainable success, not perfection. Queen’s University offers support systems like tutoring, academic advising, and mental health resources to help you navigate the challenges. Don’t hesitate to use them when things get tough.

Find out more about the Queen's Wellbeing Service

Academic Success Isn’t Everything

While academic achievement is significant, it’s not the only thing employers look for. Most employers value things like Resilience, Communication and Teamwork over your grades. Queen’s offers a range of programmes that can help you develop the much-needed transferable and transversal skills for the current job market. For instance, CAREERS – Selling Your Transferable Skills is an excellent programme that helps students reflect on the skills they already possess and what they need to improve and how they can go about it. 

University experience is not just about the grades you achieve; it’s about developing a broad range of skills and experiences that can help you in your future career and life while having fun and making lifelong friendships. By balancing your academic performance with personal growth, you’ll be much better equipped to navigate the real world after graduation.

Find out more about Queen's career services

Feedback: An opportunity to Step-up

Learning to interpret feedback and make necessary adjustments can greatly improve your grades. Rather than viewing constructive criticism as negative, treat it as a valuable tool for growth. If you're struggling to understand feedback, don’t hesitate to reach out to your lecturer for clarification. Use your feedback as an opportunity to refine your work.

Final Thoughts: Building around your priorities

In the end, your time at Queen’s University Belfast is a journey of self-discovery and growth. Managing expectations, embracing imperfection, and focusing on what truly matters to you will help you create a more balanced and fulfilling university experience. By reflecting on your priorities and being kind to yourself, you can find your own kind of success.

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Sai Sree Kurra MSc Management | Postgraduate Student | India Hello fellow students and passionate readers!! I'm an enthusiastic cinephile, cynophile and bibliophile. Watching and occasionally participating in sports gives me immense joy, with cricket being my favourite. I am extremely passionate and devoted to mental health awareness. Volunteering for significant causes makes my heart feel full. Coming to my professional background, I'm an ambitious student pursuing a Master's in Management. Former perfectionist, now striving to balance ambition and passion with compassion and self care. My professional interests include Leadership, Marketing, Strategy, and Business Consulting. As a lifelong learner, I constantly seek opportunities for learning and development and love to challenge myself.