20 Things Every University Student Must Do Before Graduating (Or Forever Regret It)

Ah, university—the only place where you can be completely broke, stressed beyond measure, and still somehow have the best time of your life. But all good things must come to an end, and before you know it, you’ll be standing in your convocation gown, pretending to know what’s next while your parents eye you like an investment that better start yielding returns ASAP.

So before you step into the real world and adulthood hits you harder than a sudden server reload during an online exam, here’s a checklist of things you must do before you graduate. Miss these, and you might as well sign up for another four years (I’m sure your university wouldn’t mind giving you another round of torture).

1. Pull an All-Nighter That Has Nothing to Do with Studying

Yes, you’ve had sleepless nights, but have you truly lived if you haven’t stayed up till 5 a.m. debating whether pizza belongs with pineapple, or whose mum is worse with technology, making questionable life decisions, or just laughing at absolutely nothing with your friends? Trust me, you’ll miss these nights more than you’ll miss your favorite lecturer (if you even had one).

2. Attend a Class You’re Not Registered For

Walk into a random class, sit confidently, and take notes like your destiny depends on it. Maybe it’s a cool philosophy lecture, maybe it’s medicine (because why not?), or maybe it’s engineering, so you can finally understand why that one friend is always suffering.

3. Befriend a ‘Plug’

No, not that kind of plug. I mean the person who knows where to get everything—cheap textbooks, past questions, handouts, even food (some people act like they came to school just to eat, but who are we to judge?). Having a reliable plug is the key to survival in university life.

4. Experience Hostel Life (At Least for a Night)

Even if you’ve been enjoying your soft life off-campus, spend a night in the hostel. Just one night. The struggle is real—mosquitoes, heat, water scarcity—but so are the stories you’ll tell later. Plus, you haven’t really suffered in university if you haven’t queued for a bathroom or had your food mysteriously disappear with no one to blame.

5. Pull a Grand Stunt Before Leaving

University is the only place where you can be unserious and still get away with it. Maybe it’s wearing your convocation gown to class just to confuse people, starting a random flash mob in front of the library, or leaving a mysterious note on the school notice board. Be memorable.

6. Join a Random Society or Club Just for the Experience

Drama club, chess club, student protests (the peaceful ones, please), or even that cult-like fitness group that wants you to  run for 12 miles straight—immerse yourself in something outside your usual routine. Who knows? You might discover a hidden talent… or just collect free snacks at meetings.

7. Get a Side Hustle (Because Being A Broke Adult Is The True Cause of Depression)

If you’re not already making money on the side, what are you doing? Learn a skill, sell baked goods, start freelancing, sell thrift clothes or cheap items from Amazon, do graphic design, become a plug (see number 3). Because once you leave school, the “I need money urgently” texts to your parents will become embarrassing really fast.

8. Eat the Most Overrated & Overpriced Food on Campus

You’ve complained about how that one restaurant charges outrageous amounts for food that barely slaps. Now, before you leave, go eat there. Why? Because your future self will randomly crave it one day, and it’s better to eat it now than spend years regretting not doing so.

9. Confess That Crush You’ve Been Eyeing Since Year One

What do you have to lose? If they say no, at least you won’t have to see them every day after graduation. If they say yes, congrats! You just dodged the painful “what if” that will haunt you at 2 a.m. five years from now.

10. Take an Emotional Walk Around Campus

Yes, I know you’ve insulted your school multiple times, sworn never to return, and threatened to sue your school union for emotional damage. But take one last walk, breathe it all in, and let nostalgia hit you. This chaotic, stressful, hilarious university experience will one day be something you deeply miss.

11. Attend a Concert

Whether it’s a big-name artist or just some random campus show where a wannabe superstar’s off-key performance makes you question humanity, experience the hype of a live concert with friends before you leave.

12. Have a Movie Night

Gather your friends, pick a classic Nollywood, Bollywood, or Korean drama, or some chaotic action movie with hilarious effects—basically, watch the most dramatic show you can find—and just vibe. Extra points if you do this during exam week when you really shouldn’t be watching movies.

13. Have a Drinking Contest

(Not encouraging reckless behavior, being drunk is never truly fun.) One night, gather your friends, stock up on something, could be soft drinks and make it a burping contest (remember the Sprite challenge?) See which of your friends can hold their own. Just be prepared for questionable life decisions and plenty of blackmail material the next morning.

14. Attend/Throw a Night Party

Go out, dance like no one’s watching, and enjoy one wild night before adulthood makes you too tired to function past 9 p.m. If you’re more of a homebody, host your own little party—blast music, play games, and make memories.

15. Visit and Rate Top Landmarks in the City

Be a tourist in your own university town. Visit the most famous spots, take pictures, and give them dramatic ratings like you’re a professional critic.

16. Break One School Rule

Nothing serious, of course (we don’t want you expelled). Maybe it’s sneaking into a restricted area, climbing a forbidden structure, or wearing something completely outrageous to class (maybe a batman costume or your fave anime character costume, just for kicks). Just a little rebellion for the memories.

17. Plan a Career Day

Gather your friends and dress up as your future selves. Lawyer, CEO, struggling entrepreneur—whatever. Walk around campus in full character. Who knows? It might even manifest into reality. Then go home at the end of the day and plan out what careers you may be interested in. Look into freelancing on Upwork or Fiverr to get a taste of what a full-time job in the career of your choice might feel like. You can laugh about it in ten years when you all end up with mid-life depression and dead-end jobs. Hahaha, right?

18. Start a Beef with a Lecturer

Not actual violence, please. Just a funny, low-key academic rivalry. Maybe they never gave you an A, maybe they always ignored your raised hand. Whatever it is, start a personal vendetta, and make sure it’s harmless but memorable.

19. Do Something Recklessly Spontaneous

Take an unplanned road trip, crash a wedding reception for free food, or get a wild (but temporary) haircut. Do something that future you will laugh about—just make sure it’s not something that will land you in serious trouble.

20. Take a Picture with That One Popular Campus Landmark

Every school has that statue, that old tree, or that iconic gate. Take a picture with it and create a collage on Canva. Years from now, when nostalgia kicks in, you’ll be glad you did.

University is wild, unpredictable, and at times feels like a never-ending Nollywood movie. But it’s also one of the most defining experiences of your life. So, before you throw your cap in the air and step into the real world, tick off as many things from this list as you can.

And most importantly—take pictures, make memories, and don’t forget to actually graduate. Your parents didn’t suffer for nothing.

Good luck out there!

Wishing you peace and funds,

Dee