Maybe you're just a newborn right out of high school, or maybe you took some years off, either way, going to college and living on campus is a huge adjustment. Here are 10 tips that will make the days go by a little smoother.
1. Buy an ID holder and/or lanyard.
Colleges charge a whole bunch for lost or stolen IDs and dorm keys. Save yourself a lot of cash and stress by just buying something to carry it in. I learned this lesson the first week of college. After leaving my ID card in the dorm and having to walk across campus to get into the cafeteria, I finally caved and bought a cute little ID holder and lanyard. You won't be sorry!
2. Don't spend every weekend in the library.
A weekend in the library every now and then to prepare for an exam is totally understandable, but some people seem to stick their nose into a laptop or book every weekend. College isn't meant for all work, no play. Enjoy your time at school. Meet new people, and explore new places. Don't turn yourself into a study zombie.
3. No one expects you to dress nicely for every class.
So, don't. Most people have to take an 8 A.M. or earlier at least once in their college career. Don't wake up an extra hour earlier just to curl your hair and do your makeup. Throw on some leggings and a T-shirt and go. You won't be judged, because everyone else will look the same... even us fashion majors!
4. Stock up on granola bars.
When you're late to class in the morning and you're starving, there is nothing better than grabbing a granola bar to keep you full until lunch. It's quick, easy and way healthier than a pack of donuts or Pop Tarts. Buy the big pack, you'll use them.
5. Drink lots of water.
There's nothing worse than being dehydrated. Coming from someone who learned the hard way, buy yourself a water bottle and keep it with you at all times. College students are almost always going to sleep late and are up early. You'll need the energy, plus your skin will thank you!
6. Invest. In. A. Fan.
Dorm rooms get steamy, especially when you're on the top floor. A cracked window and a box fan can make a world of difference.
7. Rain gear is VERY necessary.
When you're walking outside from class to class and an unexpected downpour hits, that's when you remember you forgot to get an umbrella. Grab a travel-size umbrella and some knee-high rain boots. Always check the weather before you step out of the dorm.
8. Keep up with the syllabus from each class.
Towards the end of the semester you are going to be seriously thinking about grades and finals. Keep up with the syllabus, because most professors keep all grade percentages on there. It will help you figure out just how well you'll need to do on that final!
9. Buy a Netflix account.
OK, so most people have one already, but if you don't, come on now. It's 2016. When you need a mental break, there is nothing better than turning on an addictive Netflix series.
10. Understand the different writing formats.
MLA is the most common, but if your major is in the sciences, you'll need to know APA. I was taught strictly MLA, and got to college only to have to write in APA format. Learn how to use Purdue OWL, and be prepared to have to learn from websites.
College may be four of the toughest years of your life, but it's also a time where you find yourself. You decide what it is you are meant to do in life. You grow as an individual in ways you never realized you would. Hopefully these 10 tips will help you out a little. Good luck!
