10 Marcus Aurelius Quotes every University Student should read

What Marcus Aurelius can teach you about being a student

Life at university isn’t just about essays, lectures, and instant noodles. It’s also about figuring out who you are and how to navigate a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming. For that, there’s no better guide than Marcus Aurelius — Roman emperor, philosopher, and the original ‘deep thinker.’

Do you know who Marcus Aurelius is?

If he were born today, he’d probably be a famous influencer dropping wisdom on Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.

But instead, he was born way back on April 26, 121 AD. Thankfully, his reflections have stood the test of time — and they’re still surprisingly relevant to student life in 2025.

His book Meditations wasn’t meant for anyone else. It was a private journal of thoughts on how to live well, stay calm, and keep perspective — something all of us need, especially during student life.

Looking for student accommodation in the UK?

We’ve picked 10 of his lesser-known quotes that feel surprisingly relevant today — especially if you’re juggling deadlines, flatmates, and the occasional existential crisis.

1. “Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now take what’s left and live it properly.”

Sounds intense, right? But this is about urgency. If you act like this is your second chance at life, you’re more likely to make it count. Go to that society meet-up. Apply for that placement. Take the risk. What are you waiting for?

2. “You cannot lose another life than the one you’re living now, or live another one that you’re losing.”

There’s no dress rehearsal. This life — messy and unpredictable as it is — is it. So stop overthinking the future and focus on living the one you’ve got, even if that means embracing awkward presentations or solo trips to the library.

3. “If it’s not right, don’t do it. If it’s not true, don’t say it.”

Simple, powerful, and great advice for anything from navigating friendships to writing honest essays. Your integrity is one of the few things fully under your control — don’t trade it in.

4. “Our own worth is measured by what we devote our energy to.”

What do you spend your time on? Doom-scrolling? Netflix marathons? Or building something meaningful — even if it’s just showing up to that 9am lecture? What you focus on becomes who you are.

5. “When you wake up, ask yourself: Does it make any difference to you if other people blame you for doing what’s right?”

Doing the right thing might not always make you popular. Whether it’s calling out bad behaviour or just staying true to your values, remember: approval is optional — self-respect isn’t.

6. “You’ll find that none of the people you’re upset about has done anything that could do damage to your mind.”

You can’t control what others do or say, but you can control how much space you let them take up in your head. Don’t give away your peace of mind so easily.

7. “Stop perceiving the pain you imagine and you’ll remain completely unaffected.”

Worried about a grade? An awkward encounter? An imaginary worst-case scenario? Marcus reminds us: most of our suffering is made up in our minds. Focus on what’s real — and what you can do about it.

8. “You want praise from people who kick themselves every fifteen minutes, the approval of people who despise themselves.”

Before you let someone’s opinion ruin your day, ask: do they even like themselves? Often, the people we seek validation from are struggling just as much as we are. Stop handing them so much power.

9. “Remember yourself that your task is to be a good human being.”

No need to overcomplicate things. Whatever your degree or background, your real job is to be kind, thoughtful, and decent. Everything else is secondary.

10. “You have wandered all over and finally realised that you never found what you were after: how to live.”

Some answers don’t come from textbooks, Google, or even travel. Sometimes, the most important discoveries happen when you sit quietly with yourself and ask the hard questions.

Final thoughts

You don’t need a toga or a Roman empire to follow Stoic wisdom. Just a little courage to live intentionally, study honestly, and be kind to yourself and others. Save this post for the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or lost — and maybe grab a copy of Meditations while you’re at it.

Oh, and before you go — Rate & review your student accommodation on Hallbookers to help others find their perfect home away from home!