As my first semester of college comes to a close, I have been reliving my first moments at USF, from move-in day to my first college midterms. The transition from high school to college was a bittersweet event, and I’m sure that if I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I would make some changes. So, here’s my list of realizations I have taken from my college experience thus far:

1. Never take an 8am class unless you are ABSOLUTLY sure you can wake up by 7. I made the dubious decision to take a philosophy class that early for three days in a week.
2. Use the “Degree Evaluation” in your myUSF account. It helps you avoid taking classes that you do not need.
3. You’re advisors are there to help. That’s what they’re paid for. So take advantage of them, but do not expect them to come directly to you. Take initiative!
4. College is NOTHING like high school. I am responsible for doing my own work, and there will be no teacher breathing down your neck to turn in your work.
5. Join clubs as soon as you feel comfortable with college. I was a bit lazy, and missed out on the organization fair, so I spent most of this semester finishing assignments in my room. And Netflix.
6. Do not ALWAYS eat at the cafeteria. It’s smart to cook at least once a week, helps add diversity to your culinary options.
7. NEVER forget your ID card. It’s basically your life in college, so buy a lanyard or keep it safe in a wallet.
8. It is okay to ask for help, whether it be professors or fellow classmates. The rigor of college classes is higher than high school AP classes, so it’s okay to ask for help when needed.
9. I think this has been drilled into my mind for many years but I still do not have this amazing skill: Time Management.
10. An “A-“ is not weighted a 4.0 like it is in high school; the grading scale is slightly different. This epiphany gave me anxiety because I realized a 4.0 GPA would be harder to achieve.

I can honestly say that I have learned a couple tips this semester, and I am sure that next semester, I will be better prepared for college. Coming from a family where no one has obtained a college education, every step to me is a milestone. But I am so glad this semester is almost over!