So the adrenaline has stopped rushing, the campus isn't a blur anymore, and you have made a solid group of friends. You've coasted through the first clustered weeks of college and it's time to really buckle down as exams, practicals, and papers begin to take over your life. There are things you must remember though!
1. YOU CAN AND SHOULD MAKE MORE FRIENDS. The first few days of college are hard if you're in a new place, not just for you but for everyone. It's natural to cling to the first person you think you "click" with. Please realize you are not locked in on this friendship. As semesters change and everyone gets more comfortable relationships with people will come and go. It may not be anyone's fault, but now is the time you will meet a million people and only a few will stay.
2. IT'S OKAY TO BE HOMESICK. If you have made a big move and you're anxious and sad that's okay! You can be happy and excited simultaneously. College is overwhelming, craving things and people you know is something that is human.
3. IT's OKAY TO NOT BE. If you're anything like me, you've been eager to get out for awhile now. I love my friends and family back home but I love where I am at too. I don't miss home particularly but that's okay! You should love where you are at. There is nothing wrong with that.
4. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF. Get used to eating meals alone, going places alone, being alone. This is very crucial because most people will not have the same class schedule as you! I enjoy this time so much. It's a good time to be productive, reflect, organize, and get to know yourself.
5. HAVE GOOD HYGIENE. The last last thug your roommate wants to smell is dirty hair, clothes, bedding, breath, ect. It's easy to go like 10 days without washing your hair in college....this does not mean you should lol. Ladies I'm sure we depend on dry shampoo more than we would like to admit, but please don't forget to take care of your physical being.
6. GET OUT THERE. If you have moved some where miraculous, explore! It's easy to always say get your work done, and that should be a priority but the term balance flows in both directions...be sure to get your adventure fix. The coffee can be brewed at midnight and your all-nighter studying might be worth the memory.
7. CALL YOUR FAMILY. It's so easy to get caught up in the new life you're living, but don't forget to call home. They are curious about the new life you're living that they aren't a part of daily anymore. They worry, care, and love you. A single call means more to them than you probably realize.
8. DON'T NEGLECT YOUR PREVIOUS FRIENDS. Just because you're in a new sea of people doesn't mean you need to drop all your friends you grew up with. Call or text them at least once a week. Just because our generation is emerged in social media doesn't mean you know what's going on in their life. Liking a picture on Instagram or favoriting a tweet is nice, but I bet they'll appreciate a more intimate conversation.
9. STUDY. By yourself, in a group, with a partner I don't care just do it. Trial and error different study techniques find the magic method for you! Reach out to professors, make sure they know your name, utilize the tools the school provides you with.
10. ENJOY YOURSELF. Most of all make sure you're happy. If you're overwhelmed, breathe. If you're bored, join a club. If you're struggling, reach out. Put yourself first. Everyone's going at a different pace and it's important you stay in tune with yourself!
