As college students, we always find ourselves giving advice to incoming freshmen on “how to survive college” or “how to survive your freshman year.” While this is all good and helpful, I feel like a lot of people are giving advice that they don’t even follow themselves. You come into college planning to listen to every piece of advice you were given beforehand; however, once you actually get to college and get caught up in everything, you realize following all of that advice is easier said than done. Here is a quick list to help remind you of those helpful tips you may have forgotten about after getting caught up in the crazy college life:
1. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help.
You aren’t going to understand everything you learn, and that’s okay. Tutors and office hours are there for a reason, so do yourself a favor and take advantage of these resources.
2. Go to class.
I know that there are probably a million other things you’d rather do than go and sit through a two-hour lecture, but you’re paying thousands of dollars for this class. You might as well do what you came here to do and get your money’s worth.
3. Grades are important, but they aren’t the end of the world.
Obviously, you should study hard and do everything you can to get good grades, but also understand that it’s important to make time for yourself and create a social life. You come to college to get an education, but it’s also a time to create experiences and make memories.
4. Check the weather every morning.
Nothing is worse than dressing for high 50’s and sunny then having to walk to class in the freezing rain. When you wake up in the morning, do yourself a favor and check the weather for the day ahead so you can dress accordingly.
5. Plan ahead.
You may not have any homework due immediately, but in two weeks you have two exams on the same exact day your ten-page research paper is due. Plan ahead so you can start assignments early and avoid the stress of crunching everything into one night’s work.
6. Naps are crucial.
There are going to be nights you don’t get much sleep, whether it’s because of work, hanging out with your friends, or homework. Always make time in your day for a nap, even if it’s only 30 minutes. It does wonders…trust me.
7. Always be friendly.
Not only does this make it easier to make new friends, but it also gives you a good image as a person in general. You never know who could be a helpful connection in the future, so be sure to have a good reputation with everyone.
8. Spend money wisely.
Everything about college is expensive: rent, classes, bills, etc. That being said, you should still try to save some money for your future, so you should probably put down those $60 heels…as you already have seven other pairs.
9. Ask for a student discount.
Believe it or not, there are lots of different places that offer student discounts, even if they don’t promote it. There’s no harm in asking, so next time you buy something, try and save yourself some money by asking your cashier before making the purchase.
10. You don’t need to be drunk to have fun.
Yes, partying is fun, but drinking shouldn’t be the only way you can have a good time. There are plenty of other things you can do to have fun while in college, whether it's playing sports, going to the mall, having a night out downtown or just hanging out at home with your friends.
So yes, everyone has their particular way they go about their college life, but I promise if you follow these basic guidelines, your life will be much easier. After being in college for a couple of years, you may think you have the college life all figured out perfectly, but maybe you should look back on either this list (or even a list of advice you would give to an incoming freshman) and see if you are actually following the advice you are giving out.
