The Unwritten Rules
The Rules Nobody Tells You
These aren't in any handbook. But break them at your own risk.
Academic Unwritten Rules
Attendance
- 75% is the official requirement
- 85%+ is the safe zone (for when life happens)
- Bunking is an art—know when, know limits
- The "one class won't matter" mindset is a trap
Assignments
- Submitted ≠ Good
- Last minute work shows
- Plagiarism is checked—be smarter
- One good assignment > 5 copy-paste ones
Group Projects
- Choose your team wisely
- One person always does more work—try not to be the one who does less
- Communication is everything
- Document contributions (CYA—Cover Your Achievements)
Exams
- Previous papers are gold
- Study groups work IF everyone contributes
- All-nighters don't work for most people
- Exam week diet is temporary—don't make it permanent
Social Unwritten Rules
Making Friends
- First semester is for experimenting
- Your real friend group forms by second year
- Quality > Quantity
- Don't gossip—it comes back
Seniors
- Respect doesn't mean fear
- Good seniors are mentors—find them
- Bad seniors exist—avoid them
- One day you'll be the senior—remember this
Juniors
- Help them if you can
- Don't rag (it's illegal AND stupid)
- Share resources—your notes might save someone
- They'll remember kindness
Relationships
- College relationships happen
- Breakups in the same class are awkward
- Keep it professional in group settings
- Your degree > Drama
Professional Unwritten Rules
Networking
- Every event is a networking event
- LinkedIn is mandatory by final year
- Alumni connections are underrated
- Help others get opportunities too
Internships
- Start looking in second year
- College placements aren't the only option
- Skills > CGPA (after a threshold)
- Referrals work better than applications
Career Building
- Build something—portfolio, project, skill
- Online presence matters
- Your batchmates are your first network
- College achievements expire—real skills don't
Life Unwritten Rules
Health
- Mental health matters as much as physical
- Sleep is not optional
- Eating junk daily will catch up
- Walk sometimes—between classes, to the station
Money
- Track your spending
- UPI makes spending easy—too easy
- Emergency fund = 1 month expenses
- Learn to say no to expensive outings
Time
- Time at college goes fast
- You'll miss it—eventually
- Don't spend it all in the canteen
- But don't spend it all studying either
The Final Rules
- Show up: Half of success is just being present
- Be kind: People remember how you made them feel
- Ask for help: No one succeeds alone
- Document everything: Photos, notes, experiences
- Fail forward: Mistakes are lessons
- Stay curious: The learning doesn't stop at syllabus
- Have fun: These years don't come back
The Survival Philosophy
College is not just about passing exams. It's about:
- Finding what you're interested in
- Building relationships that last
- Learning how to learn
- Becoming an adult (gradually)
- Making memories worth keeping
The degree gets you the interview. Everything else gets you the life.
Survive first. Thrive next. Remember always.
You've reached the end of The Unwritten Rules.
Take these lessons with you—they'll serve you well.
— The Survival Manual