Tip #4 Group Work

I’m posting one takeaway each day this week from my first semester at uni. What actually helped, what surprised me, and what I’d tell someone starting fresh. Let me know if any of it hits home!

You’re not just there to nod and agree.
Group work is unavoidable at uni. But it’s also an opportunity, especially if, like me, you’re used to working solo.

I’ve always been someone who works best independently. A bit of a lone wolf, maybe even a little particular about how things get done. But I know the world runs on teams - and uni is no exception.
This semester, I led a debate group where two members dropped out. It could’ve fallen apart, but I stayed focused and pivoted.
In another subject, I stepped up as the creative lead for our group presentation. I came up with the brand and campaign concept from scratch, something I genuinely enjoy. It felt good to contribute in a way that played to my strengths, and the team gave me space to do that.

That’s the shift: group work doesn’t mean losing your individuality.
It’s a space to apply it.

Here’s what worked for me:
- I identified what I could contribute
- I communicated clearly and gave others soft direction when they needed it
- I asked for help without guilt
- I didn’t get hung up if others dropped the ball
- I tried to show initiative, not to dominate, but to lift the group

Group work also helped me understand who I am in a team.
Do I like brainstorming? Researching? Organising? Presenting?
Once you know what you bring to the table, you can offer it with confidence.

You can’t control every teammate. But you can control how you show up.
And sometimes, that energy sets the tone for the whole group.