Here are five ways to make your own luck at the University of Exeter

Luck is often seen as something beyond our control, but the truth is, the luckiest people aren’t just lucky – they create their own opportunities. By staying open to new experiences, trusting your instincts, learning from setbacks, and taking more chances, you can increase your own luck and shape your future.

So, what new habits should you pick up just in time for exam season?

1. Be open to new opportunities

The more experiences you expose yourself to, the more chances you have for something great to happen. Getting involved in societies, attending guest lectures, and applying for research roles all increase your likelihood of making connections and discovering unexpected opportunities.

Many students stumble upon life-changing experiences just by saying “yes” – that’s joining a society on a whim, signing up for a course outside their usual field, or taking an internship they weren’t initially sure about. Openness to new opportunities expands your social circle, builds skills, and boosts confidence. The more open you are, the luckier you’ll get.

2. Trust your instincts

Did you know that 90 per cent of lucky people follow their gut when making decisions! Intuition is often the result of subconscious experience and knowledge guiding you toward the right path. While overanalysing can lead to hesitation, trusting yourself allows you to make quicker, confident decisions that open new doors.

Most Read

Helicopter pilot who crashed into Hudson River relayed one final message before fatal impact

Bonnie Blue shares shocking ‘aftermath’ of her second filthy world record breaking stunt

Here’s how to do the viral AI Barbie box trend with ChatGPT and become an action figure

If something feels right – even if you can’t fully explain why – trusting yourself can lead to great opportunities. This might mean applying for a job that seems out of reach, speaking up in a seminar, or introducing yourself to someone who could become a mentor or collaborator. Learning to recognise and act on these gut feelings can make a significant difference in your personal and professional life.

3. Reframe setbacks as learning experiences

Luck isn’t just about things going well – it’s also about how you respond when they don’t. A lower-than-expected grade, a rejected job application, or an unsuccessful project isn’t the end of the road; it’s a step toward future success.

The most successful people see setbacks as valuable lessons rather than failures. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, ask yourself: What can I learn from this? How can I improve next time?

Many well-known figures faced repeated failures before achieving success:

• Walt Disney was once fired for lacking creativity.
• Albert Einstein’s teachers thought that “nothing would become” of him as a boy.
• J.K. Rowling (Exeter alumni) faced multiple rejections before publishing Harry Potter.

By adopting an optimistic and growth-focused mindset, you turn setbacks into stepping stones toward future achievements.

4. Take more chances

The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities you create. Apply for scholarships, send that email to a potential mentor, pitch your ideas, or start a project – even if you’re unsure of the outcome.

Successful people don’t wait for luck to come to them; they actively seek it. Many of the best opportunities come from taking a risk, whether that’s applying for a competitive program, starting a business, or travelling to a new place.

The more chances you take, the luckier you get. Luck thrives on action – if you never try, you’ll never know what opportunities you might have missed. Even small risks, like volunteering for a leadership position or networking at an event, can lead to bigger rewards over time.

5. Final thoughts: Luck favours the bold

Luck isn’t random – it’s a combination of preparation, action, and mindset. By embracing new experiences, trusting yourself, learning from setbacks, and taking chances, you can create your own good fortune. The more you engage with the world, the more opportunities will come your way. So go out, take a chance, and make your own luck.