And just like that, my first semester of college is over. I've learned so many things (I mean, that's the goal right?), but most of the things I learned in my first semester go far beyond the classroom.
1. Dining hall food isn't so bad.
Going into college, everyone always warned me about the food in the dining hall. Even though dining hall food does get old sometimes, it isn't near as bad as I thought it would be, mainly for two reasons. First of all, I don't have to cook anything. Second of all, it's only a few steps away. There are many days where I am just super lazy, and it's on those days I'm most thankful that I can just walk into the dining hall and get food instead of worrying about fixing myself something.
2. But doing laundry is the worst.
I've always hated doing laundry, but this hate was multiplied when I moved away to college. It feels like I always have a load of laundry I should be doing and it's my absolute least favorite thing to do.
3. Waking up early can be a good thing.
When I was in high school, I absolutely HATED to wake up early. I was the exact opposite of a morning person. Oddly, that's changed since I've gotten to college. I've learned that I actually feel better throughout the day when I wake up early. Plus the earlier I wake up, the more productive I can be during the day. I usually get my workout out of the way or study some before my first class when I wake up earlier, and it makes my day less stressful being able to get something done.
4. Take advantage of opportunities.
One of the first things I realized when I got to college was all of the opportunities I had. With literally hundreds of clubs and organizations on campus and many other things to get involved with off campus, I can literally participate in anything and everything that my heart desires. It's important to take advantage of these opportunities because they are right at your fingertips. And the memories you make with the people you meet are priceless!
5. It's okay to say no.
With so many opportunities, however, it's easy to get caught up in wanting to do everything that you overload your schedule and wear yourself out. Everyone has limits and there's only so many hours in the day. Remember to be realistic and balance your time with extracurriculars while also giving yourself time to study and relax.
6. Study.
This isn't high school anymore. The days of the effortless As are over. I managed to finish my first semester of college with only one all nighter and a few other late nights, but I sure did have to put in a lot of studying hours to get the grades I needed on my exams. It's important to have fun in college, but it's also important to remember sole purpose of going to college- to get a degree.
7. Sometimes you're going to be stressed.
I realized this the moment that I had two tests to study for, a project to do, readings to catch up on, and three meetings to attend all in the same week. After this week was over, I celebrated with ice cream and binge watching a season of Gossip Girl on Netflix. I truly believe that crazy weeks like the one I had are the make or break moments of college. Yes, you're going to be stressed but you just have to get through it.
8. You're Not Alone.
It's really easy to feel alone in college. Whether it's searching for a solid friends group or struggling academically in a class, there are many times where it seems like no one can relate. However, throughout the semester, I began to see that no matter what I was dealing with, there was always someone who was going through the same thing and could relate to how I felt. With college comes a lot of changes, and I learned that I was not going through these changes alone.
9. Take some time for you.
In the process of college and life, it's easy to get caught up in the busyness of it all, that we forget that we need to take time for ourselves. During my first few weeks of college, all I did was go, go, go. I would be studying or doing homework, and if I wasn't that, then I would be at an event for campus organization. And if I wasn't doing that, I would have plans to go out with friends. After a few weeks of constantly going nonstop, I began to feel the toll it was taking on me physically and mentally. I finally decided to dedicate a Saturday for me. No plans. No commitments. Just a day filled with laying in bed and watching Netflix. And what a difference that day made! Now, I try to find time for myself once a month. Whether it be watching a favorite movie, reading a new book, or even exploring the town, nothing feels more refreshing than taking some time to just relax.
10. Time flies.
The biggest thing I've learned from my first semester of college is that time flies. It seems like just yesterday that I moved in and began my life in a new place. Even though the days seemed so long sometimes, I can't believe that my first semester of college is already over. If every other semester is like this one though, I'll be doing just fine.
