If I was a student again, I’d do this

About this video

• Video Title: If I was a student again, I’d do this
• Channel: Ali Abdaal
• Speakers: Ali Abdaal
• Duration: 25:23

Overview

This video offers advice to current students on how to approach their university or college experience, especially in the current uncertain economic climate. The speaker, Ali Abdaal, suggests viewing student life as an open-world video game with a main quest (graduation) and numerous side quests. He emphasizes that while enjoying the experience, learning, getting a certificate, and making friends are important, actively pursuing "high-income skills" through side quests is crucial for future financial security and career success.

Key takeaways

• Student life as a video game: University is presented as an analogy to an open-world game, where graduation is the main quest, but side quests are essential for development.
• Four objectives of university: Enjoy the experience, learn knowledge and skills, obtain a certificate for job prospects, and make friends/network.
• The importance of "high-income skills": Beyond the degree, students should focus on acquiring skills like coding, copywriting, sales, AI proficiency, and data analysis through side quests.
• Skills for real-world success: These high-income skills directly correlate with the ability to add value in the free market and secure financial stability after graduation, unlike many traditional degree subjects alone.
• Utilize free time: University provides a unique period with ample free time that students should leverage to develop valuable, marketable skills.