As I begin to approach the end of my sophomore year of college, I can't help but think of all the life lessons I've learned just from being a college student for a little over a year. If you were anything like me, you may have embarked upon your college experience with no friends, no plans, and absolutely no idea what you want to do with your life. And that's OK -- college (and life in general, as it may seem) is all about experience, and there's no telling what can happen if you just take a deep breath and allow yourself to really live the college experience.
1. Remember to call your family.
This may seem like a simple one, but it becomes tricky to find the time to make even a 10-minute phone call once you get caught up in studying, group projects, athletic events, parties, etc. Set aside some time to call your family, even if it's just to catch up on how their day is going. Your mom doesn't call you three times a day to ask what you had for lunch because it's good for her health -- she does it because she misses you.
2. It's OK not to have your life figured out.
Very few people graduate college with the major they intended to study when they arrived on their first day of freshman year. Try studying something new. Take a few different classes that spark your interest, and you just might end up finding your passion.
3. Keep in touch with your friends from high school.
Unfortunately, you will end up losing touch with the majority of people you went to high school with -- it's just a part of life. But keep in touch with your close friends. You'll find out who you truly need in your life if you can keep that friendship flame burning even from miles (and separate schools) away.
4. You don't have to go out every weekend.
The freedom of being away on your own will be overwhelming for the first few weeks (or months, for some of us) of college. You will want to go to every party you hear about, and pull the infamous "three day weekend" that college students are all too familiar with. And that's completely fine - but so is staying in. It's OK to let yourself rest. Sometimes after a long week, you just have to put on some sweats, watch a few episodes of "Friends," and call it a night.
5. Hooking up is overrated.
In a "Netflix and chill" generation, it's hard for us to find real, unadulterated romance. Don't let yourself fall victim to the trends of our generation. Go on dates. Actually get to know people. Allow yourself the chance find true, sparkling, pure love.
6. "Popularity" isn't a thing.
Forget about all the stereotypes from high school. No one cares if you're on the football team or if you like to solve math equations in your spare time. Each college student is just as much of a mess as the next one: We're all just trying our best to graduate on time and get our lives figured out before then. We're all in this together.
7. Don't procrastinate.
This is a tricky one. You will probably end up doing this many times, and every time you will curse yourself for the inevitable all-nighter that you will have to pull. Get in the habit of starting assignments early, and it'll become easier for you to manage your time. You may think you can write a 10-page paper before the night it's due or wait until the night before a big test to start studying. This is a risky game. Do not try it.
8. Join clubs.
Whether it's something you've been doing forever or something new you want to try, sign up for some clubs or try out for a sports team. It is important to be involved on campus, and it's also the easiest way to make new friends.
9. Mental breakdowns might happen.
When you realize you've been studying for 12 consecutive hours during finals week for the five cumulative exams you have to take, surviving on black coffee and Cheetos, it's understandable that a few (thousand) tears might be shed in the process. This is just a natural part of the college experience. You'll have to learn to embrace it.
10. Don't take life too seriously.
These are the last carefree, adventurous, (and ultimately irresponsible) years you have left before you're thrown into the "real world." Have fun. After all, college only accounts for four short years of your life. Make the most of them.
