the university of life

the university of life

The informal education one receives by learning from one's experiences, both good and bad, rather than a formal educational institution. My uncle might not have made it past grade school, but he's learned more from the university of life than most of our professors. A proper education is indeed important, but do not neglect the lessons you receive from the university of life.
See also: life, of, university
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the university of life

the experience of life regarded as a means of instruction.
See also: life, of, university
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • the school of life
  • uncle
  • Uncle!
  • cried all the way to the bank, he/she
  • grade
  • above (one's) pay grade
  • beyond (one's) pay grade
  • paygrade
  • make points
  • make points (with someone)
References in periodicals archive
He'd graduated with high honours from what was then called the University of Life.
What major changes have occurred since 2005 when major changes were undertaken by The University of Life Sciences?
"The military was the university of life. Afghanistan was the experience of your life.
I'd joined "the university of life", but if you use its resources and teachers well, going straight into the world of work o'ers an ability to learn that can be just as valuable as a set of letters after your name.
Once he has graduated from the University of Life, he may someday realise the heartache that has been foisted on these poor souls.
I have grown up with the University of Life where facts outweigh prayer.
Due to the fact that my only university education is in the university of life, people don't listen to me.
People who never studied for a degree sometimes like to say they attended "the university of life" instead.
ANYONE who has been to the university of life will have learned a couple of things.
I come from Cambridge (the city not the university - I went to the University of Life) and as a junior reporter there I covered the Boat Race up to the time they left for London.
Why should we continue to suffer to give transient residents experience in the University of Life when it comes at a heavy price?
Student destined for a bright academic future opts for classes at the university of life, bedazzled by the guile an older man.
She graduated from the University of Life, not Cambridge or Oxford.