My experience as a Robotics Engineering Student

University can be an absolute grind—lectures, labs, deadlines, projects, and somehow still trying to have a life outside of coursework. As a third-year robotics engineering student, I’ve had to figure out how to juggle everything without completely burning out. Over time, I found a mix of strategies and apps that made life easier. While my experience is from an engineering perspective, these tips can help any student looking to stay on top of their studies, social life, and well-being.

1. Study & Productivity Hacks

●     Active Recall & Spaced Repetition

Engineering is packed with complex concepts, and just reading notes won’t cut it. Active recall and spaced repetition changed the game for me. Apps like Anki and Quizlet helped drill key formulas and concepts into my brain by forcing me to recall them, not just skim over them. Notion templates also kept my notes organized so I could quickly review when needed.

●     Optimizing Study Space for Focus

A messy workspace is a productivity killer. I found that switching up study environments helps. The university library is a lifesaver, with different floors for different study styles:

●     Level 3: Quiet, with PCs and monitors—great for solo study.

●     Level 4: Group work-friendly, with bookable rooms and lounge spots.

●     Level 5: Silent study pods for when I need zero distractions.

Also, apps like Forest and Freedom help me avoid the endless scrolling that somehow turns a “quick break” into an hour of lost time.

●     Managing Time & Avoiding Burnout

Between assignments, projects, and trying to have a social life, time management is everything. I swear by Google Calendar to track deadlines and plan my days. Notion helps me organize everything from coursework to personal projects, and the Pomodoro Technique keeps me productive without feeling drained.

2. University Social Life & Networking

●     Balancing Social Life & Academics

It’s way too easy to get stuck in the cycle of eat-study-sleep-repeat. But I learned the hard way that you need a social life too. I started scheduling everything using Google Calendar and joined Discord study groups to make studying feel less isolating.

●     Networking That Actually Works

Networking isn’t just some corporate buzzword—it actually helps. I connect with professors and peers on LinkedIn and use Handshake to find internships. University events are another goldmine for meeting people who might help land you a great opportunity.

●     Making Friends & Finding Communities

Clubs and societies made Uni way more enjoyable. Meetup and Discord helped me find people with similar interests. I joined the badminton, photography & robotics club in my first year, and despite it being nerve-wracking at first, you get to meet new people and make friends all over. Just remember—everyone at Uni is just like you, so give them a chance.

3. Health & Well-being

●     Eating Better Without Wasting Time

Cooking every day can feel impossible, so I’ve started getting into meal prepping and searching for easy recipes. Honestly, TikTok and YouTube Shorts are the fastest ways to find a solid 30-minute meal idea. They’ve definitely helped me avoid living off instant noodles (most of the time).

4. Life Skills & Independence

●     Adulting 101: Essential Life Skills

University teaches more than just academics—you have to learn real-life skills too. YouTube became my best friend for learning DIY fixes and cooking, and simple things like setting reminders for chores made life way easier.

5. Career Planning & Internships

●     Landing an Internship

Internships are everything in engineering. I used LinkedIn, Handshake, and Glassdoor to find opportunities, and Canva to create a solid resume.

Final Thoughts

University can be chaotic, but with the right tools, mindset, and strategies, it’s a lot easier to handle. Whether you’re studying robotics engineering or anything else, these apps and techniques can help you stay on top of things and actually enjoy the experience.

Find what works for you, stay consistent, and make the most of your time at Uni! It’s gonna be fun, trust me.

With special thanks to Charan Sangaru for submitting this article