This blog is an archived post written by Sanya during her 4th year in the Environmental Politics stream
1. Take advantage of the Career Centre: There are many services that York offers that have helped me. The one I would like to highlight is the Career Centre. The sooner you are able to decide for yourself what value you want to add to the world plus your own life and prepare your resume according, the better you will feel. It'll help you organize your assignments, volunteer and work into a master resume copy.
2. Develop your time management and budgeting skills: Building off of the first point, even if you don't know what your calling is yet, two keys to success are time management and budgeting. They are not only transferable skills, but it'll make balancing between volunteer, work, family & friends a lot easier, while also making you financially aware. It is important to have fun while you are young but also to practice discipline by taking the time to learn how to efficiently use your time and money.
3. Practice Mindful Meditation and any form of exercise, sport or activity: For me, it was Running, Archery, Weight Training, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Hip-Hop which worked wonders for becoming more self-aware and disciplined. 
4. Explore all the opportunities life presents you with: My next point especially applies if you are still figuring out your passion. Explore life, in books (the more you read, the more you know) and through experience (the more you network, the more you grow). Do a co-op or internship, join clubs, attend conferences as student delegates (email the organizers even if they don't put out an official call for volunteers), or talk to professors, advisers and professionals in your field.
5. Have a mentor: I have met professionals through networking at panels, events etc., that have become my mentors. You might just find your own mentor in someone that has been through a similar process or foresees a similar goal. I would recommend seeking out mentors regardless of age and always help others when you can.
6. Spend the time learning: And finally, one rule of thumb is: for every hour in lecture, you should spend 3 hours outside studying. Never be afraid to go back and take something you weren't interested in before. Learning is a lifelong process. It is NEVER too late.
I wish you a fulfilling university and career life ahead.
Feel free to reach me @santdn on Instagram for any questions related to environmental issues or university experience.
