College. It's more than just a location - college marks the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. In college, we are expected to grow as individuals and to discover more about ourselves. We are guided to accept what makes us different and embrace the unique parts of our lives; however, there are certain things that all college students experience, regardless of how different we may be. Who better to point out these shared moments than our queen herself, Beyonce.
Beyonce is known for sharing things we can all relate to, yet in unexpected and innovative ways. To celebrate the release of her new album, Lemonade, here are 10 Things All College Students Experience, As Told By Beyonce.
1. Luck on tests.
It's inevitable; there will come a day in which you walk into class with positivity and happiness, only to find out that there is an exam you forgot about. It happens to everyone. In times like these, when phoning-a-friend isn't an option, just remember to breathe and hope that C is the right answer for all of the questions. The forgotten test scenario won't always end badly; there will come a time in which you will miraculously pass your test. When that time comes, rejoice and celebrate by treating yourself to another study-free night.
2. Student loans.
The broke-college-kid stereotype is not far from the truth. Like a group of loyal friends, your student loans will be by your side throughout your entire college experience - and then some. Just don't forget to still enjoy college; if you are going to be racking up a debt, you might as well make it worthwhile.
Also, never forget to take any opportunity to get things for free. Every now and then, your campus will sympathize with you and give out free clothing or food. Take it without hesitation, and never let anyone tell you that nothing in life is free. My entire collection of University t-shirts says otherwise.
3. Indecisiveness.
No college student is ever 100% certain of what they want. Learning how to "adult" comes with so many choices, and things can easily go from being exciting to overwhelming. From changing your major and classes to changing your roommates and significant others, college can lead to you feeling as though the letters "IDK" should be your Greek life symbol. However, things will get better. Although life seems like it is starting to fly by and that responsibilities are coming at you left and right, you're still young and have time to be indecisive. It's normal, and it's what makes you a college student (other than you being enrolled in a college and all...).
4. Feeling like a boss in class.
The old notion that those who do well in class are "nerds" or not cool does not apply in college. You are PAYING to get your education; doing well is how you will get your money's worth. Sometimes, doing well in class may involve you embarrassing that one condescending professor of yours by showing them you know your stuff. Have no shame in your game.
Professor: Zero.
You: To infinity and beyond.
5. Being single.
A new environment. Tons of new people. A new chapter of your life. College seems like the perfect place to find the love of your life. What would beat meeting your true bae on the first day of class, somehow having all of your classes together, and having someone to share your entire college experience with, happily and full of love?
As magical as that sounds, it isn't realistic. College does come with an abundance of newness, but that also includes new responsibilities, new needs, and new desires. You are most likely going to be busy for at least the next four years of your life. A relationship is not impossible, but don't stress if you feel perpetually single during this time. Trust me; you are not the only single college kid wondering why everyone seems to be in a relationship except you. Just take this time to bask in your freedom to spend your time however you want to, and when the time comes for a relationship, then it will happen for you...even if that means having to wait until after graduation.
6. Phone attachment.
If you thought your connection to your phone was bad in high school, just wait until college. You will literally always need your phone. You will need it to keep in touch with your friends at other schools, as well as your family. You will need it to plan things with your friends on campus. You will need it to help you keep track of your busy schedule. You will need it to check your important emails. You will need it to wake you up in order to get to your 8 am classes in time. You will need it to pre-order your usual Chipotle bowl at the closest campus location so you won't have to wait in the ridiculously long line...Shall I go on?
7. Loss of patience.
College is all about being open-minded; this is the time in which you'll be thrust out to meet a much larger and more diverse group of people than in your grade-school days. This can be exciting, but sometimes, no matter how much you try to remind yourself to be open, you'll encounter someone who will drain all of your patience. There will always be those people who will be rude or offensive, and they may not even realize that they are that way. If you encounter someone like this, remember the golden rule: if you don't have anything nice to say, throw on your shades and twirl on them haters.
8. All-nighters.
YAY COLLEGE! YAY EDUCATION! YAY SLEEPLESS NIGHTS!
Wait, what?
Sleepless nights are something often accompanied with college, and not all of those nights are spent having endless fun. The term "workload" gets a whole new meaning in college - the amount of work you will receive from time to time will make you miss those SAT studying nights from high school. At some point, you'll also begin to question why college students aren't required to have naptimes. You'll begin to reminisce on those pre-school days in which you had an abundance of time to sleep until your heart's content.
Oh, what beautiful memories.
9. Skipping class.
I never fully understood this notion until I, myself, began college. I always thought it was a ridiculous idea to skip a class that you were paying for. Now I know better.
Don't get me wrong; you should NOT skip your classes. But you will. Sometimes you will skip because the other classes that day were cancelled (so why not cancel that one too?). Sometimes you'll skip because you have so much other work to get done that you'll need the extra time. Sometimes you'll skip simply because you just are not feeling it. Don't beat yourself up for playing hooky; just make sure you don't skip too many classes or you'll end up having to retake it. Retaking classes is something that you'll definitely not feel like doing; if you skipped it the first time around, what makes you think you'd be up for having it a second time?
10. Slayage.
Being a college student comes with many challenges, but at the end of the day, being in college is one of the greatest perks anyone can ever have. You are on the road to pursuing what you love, of making something out of yourself. This is your time to shine, slay, and show the world that you are most definitely, irreplaceable.
