The name “Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka” still carries a certain charm to it. A few months into my journey there, life quickly picked up pace. Classes, labs, and assignments came rolling in, and before long, I found myself amid one of the most dynamic academic phases of my life.
Looking back now, with the degree finally behind me, I realize those early months taught me stuffs that went far beyond textbooks and lab worksheets. Shaped how I see academics, people, career, and even time itself. I’ll try to lay down a few thoughts for anyone currently walking this path or about to hop in it.
People and Perspectives
University life was for me a conical flask of different personalities. Within a single classroom, I met people from every corner of the country. Each carrying their unique values, beliefs, and quirks. This diversity is one of the most powerful learning experiences I have ever had the pleasure be in.
Discussions rarely stay one-sided. Opinions clash, debates emerge, and through it all, you learn to see ideas from angles you never imagined. In a way, your classmates become your first real research collaborators, constantly challenging your assumptions and broadening your thinking.
That said, a truly student-friendly culture is still rare in many public universities. The system doesn’t always make it easy to explore ideas freely or find mentorship beyond the curriculum. But for those who persist, the reward, in both skill and perspective, is worth it.
Time and Regularity
If I had to condense all my undergrad survival advice into a single phrase, it would be this: respect your time. Regularity, more than raw talent, defines how well you’ll do.
One hour of focused, daily effort can make all the difference in a place like Dhaka University. But skip that hour repeatedly, and soon you’re buried under a mountain of catch-up work. Time spent well not only boosts results — it keeps you sane when things get tough. Managing your day, showing up to class, and sticking to your routine might sound basic, but they’re essentially what separates smooth progress from academic chaos.
Resources and Referencing
Back then, I used to roll my eyes whenever a professor dropped a list of “recommended readings.” They seemed unnecessary, maybe even pretentious. But as I matured in the program — and later interacted with people pursuing postgraduate research — I realized how wrong that assumption was.
Those references are gold. They build the foundation of your understanding, help you write with authority, and prepare you for higher studies. Whether it’s a textbook chapter, a journal paper, or a review article, they give your learning context and depth. Think of them as breadcrumbs left by people who’ve already walked the hard path. Follow them — they’ll take you further than you think.
Networking and Connections
For many students, university is just a degree. But for a few, it’s a launchpad. The people you meet here — seniors, classmates, mentors — can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Join clubs and societies. Volunteer at events. Stay connected. Years later, those same faces often reappear — sometimes as recruiters, collaborators, or even project partners. The professional world, it turns out, is much smaller than it looks, and connections can often turn into opportunities long after graduation.
The Hidden Traps
Freedom is both a gift and a test. University comes with new choices — and not all of them are good ones. It’s easy to fall into cycles of endless hangouts, procrastination, or messy relationships that drain your mental energy.
I’ve seen brilliant people lose focus because they underestimated how quietly these traps creep in. The best way out is mindfulness — being aware of where your time, emotions, and energy are going. Once you learn to navigate that, your university life stops feeling chaotic and starts becoming purposeful.
In Retrospect
Looking back, life at the University of Dhaka wasn’t perfect — but it was real. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of community. More than anything, it showed me that growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when you keep showing up, learning from others, and staying curious despite the noise.
If you’re just starting your undergrad journey — breathe, stay consistent, and make it count. The degree you earn will open doors, but the person you become along the way is what truly matters.