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How to Start Documenting Your College Life (Without Overwhelming)
Take Your First Step Today
Vanakkam!!
I know, puriyudhu puriyudhu – the thought of documenting your college life can feel a bit overwhelming, right?
You might be thinking, “Enga irundhu idha aaramikkuradhu? namma kitta enna story irukku solradhukku, namma kitta oru nalla photo kooda illaye, or share panra alavukku namma kitta onnu illaye?”. Correct ah? Podu, Hifive!!
Trust me, you're not alone in feeling this way.
Before you read this further, I strongly recommend you read this - Why should you start Doumenting Your Journey Today?, especially the “Why No One Else Will Do It for You” section.
It’s easy to think that documenting your journey has to be some grand, polished thing. But here’s the truth: the magic is in the small, authentic moments – the ones that don't need editing or filters to be special ✨
And the best part? I'm here to help you through this. Let’s break it down into 5 simple steps, so you can start documenting your college life in a way that feels fun, easy, and meaningful. Ready?
Create a list of “everyday incidents” you want to capture, like:
Your favourite snack spot on campus.
Your conversation with a friend that made you laugh.
A class moment that made you think (or cringe! 😅).
Your crush, and you meeting eye to eye for 0.2 seconds 😂
A gut moment in front of the HOD etc, hehe.
A moment in the past week that made you smile or feel proud
If you cannot recall all such incidents, it’s absolutely fine.
You don’t need to capture everything all at once. It’s the little, everyday moments that often turn into the most meaningful memories.
Instant Note-taking
As soon as something happens,
Jot it down in 2-3 sentences in your notes app. It doesn’t have to be a big deal – even the smallest wins/happenings matter.
Click one photo, whether it’s your study desk, a group project in progress, or even a sunset on campus – anything that captures a genuine moment.
✨ These small moments are the ones you’ll cherish most down the line.
But wait, when you do this, you’ll feel - “Avlo nalla va irukku? Idhellam post panna mudiyum ah? Namakku ezhudha varalaye, photo edukka varalaye…“. Haha, I’ve been there too. So…
Daily enna pannanum?
No need to make everything “perfect”. Seriously! The real beauty of documenting is showing the real you – imperfections as well.
Write an entry in your notes app about how you felt during a moment (don’t worry about grammar!).
For example: “Today was tough with the project, but andha tea kadai la the time with friends made it all better.”
It doesn’t have to be polished – it just needs to be real. Write a quick caption that tells why this moment matters to you.
It can also be something like: “Tired, but happy after pulling off our event” is enough.
Appdiye, adha vachu post an unedited photo or video, to the Instagram story as well.
😂 The biggest barrier would be your mind voice…
Your Egoic Mind voice: “Yaaraachum paatha enna ninaippaanga? Nammala scene podrom nu solliruvaangalo? Illa paavam ah paapaangalo?”
Your Nalla Mind Voice: “Ada chi, stop! Seriously, namma post pota, adha paakradhu our naalu peru, adhukku ivlo yosikkanum ah? 😂”
👉 Key Tip: Authenticity makes your story relatable and real. Don’t focus on perfection. It’s all about you. You don’t need fancy gadgets or setups. Your phone is more than enough!
Create a folder on your phone called “College Chronicles” Use it to store photos, notes, and voice memos about your journey.
🌟 Pro Tip: Before bed, spend just 2 minutes reviewing your day and adding one quick memory to your folder.
“But, naane oru reserved type uh, introvert nu sollalaamm.. naan eppdi personal vishyangala share panradhu…?”
Appdi thaane yosikkureenga? Haha, I’ve been there too.
Let’s say if you're not interested to document your life, but only your career, here’s another way you can consider.
Before, During and After a Project
It’s easy to think that you should only document the final results – like winning that award or finishing the big project. Aana unmailaye, the real magic happens in the process thaan.
Take photos before, during, and after a project:
Record a voice of the messy brainstorming,
Capture the work-in-progress and the final result.
Write down three things you learned or felt during the process, like:
What was the biggest challenge?
What moment made you laugh the most?
What would you do differently next time?
Share your takeaway: For example, share on social media: “This week’s group project taught me how to lead under pressure. Grateful for my team, the late-night laughs, and the coffee that kept us going!”
👉 Key Tip: The messy middle is often more inspiring than the finished product. Don’t be afraid to share it. Else it would become like “Nadula konjam pakkatha kaanom“
Once ok, Twice ok, but regularly eppdi?
“Consistency is key” 😂
Seri seri, I hear your mind voice, “Adhu theriyudhu nae, but eppdi eppdi?”
The thing is, ditch consistency! Don’t stress – it doesn’t have to be hours of work. Just 20-30 minutes a week is enough to get started. I write every Saturday/Sunday. You can try this too, and label it “College Chronicles Time”
This way, you won’t forget to sit down and write.
✨ Consistency Hack: Pair this habit with something you already do (from Atomic Habits) – like Sunday family time ku appram, or first work in the morning after brushing the teeth. Make it part of your routine!
Btw, ungalukku onnu theriyum ah?
Even after years of running a full-time job and mentoring students, I still make time to document my journey. Why? Because when I look back at it, I’m reminded of all the growth, challenges, and little wins I never want to forget.
One day, you’ll look back at your college days and say, “Pahh, college la semmaya vaazhndhurukkom la…!” nu.
I don’t remember, 6 or 7 years of writing regularly… I’ve built a system around me that helps me writing, creating content, distribution easy!!
Adhuvum, ChatGPT and Arc Browser vandha appram, sollave thevai illa… paah. Nalla productivity!
Some resources for you…
Rightu, ippo enna pannanum?
✨ Onnu illa, just don’t wait for the “perfect” moment; avlothaan!
Start right now with me; with us, namma community la!
Write one note about something that made you smile this week.
Take one candid photo of your desk, a sunset, or your friends.
Record a quick voice note: “Today, I felt proud because...”
What’s the first thing you’ll document this week?
I’d love to hear from you – share your first entry thoughts in the comments below!
You’ve got this. I’m here to help every step of the way.
Feel free to join our Documenting Club, where we can help building your purpose to write, and a system to keep up the consistency without stress 📝✨
Let’s make sure your college life is one you’ll never forget. 💪
Cheers 🚀,gsthina