Freshman year was definitely a year of learning. There were many lessons learned the hard way, and enough memories to last a life time. I have come out of it knowing so much more than I did before. Looking back, I wish that I had someone to tell me "how to college". So, here are my top lessons on "how to college":
1. Don't wait until the last minute
As tempting as it is get that extra hour or so of sleep or to go out to the bar with your friends, don’t put off your schoolwork. I am great at waiting till the last minute and let me tell you, it is not easy to do that in college. And really, don’t you feel so accomplished when you get things done ahead of time??
2. Have fun, but not too much fun
Go out with your friends, go tailgating, have girls’ nights, but don't forget about school. College is all about branching out and doing all kinds of fun stuff, but you will regret focusing on the fun and forgetting about school. I’m all about t shirt night and wine night, all of the nights, and it’s totally okay to go to some every once in a while (or often) as long as you are staying on top of your work
3. It's okay to fail a test
The most important thing I have heard in college: your grades do not define you. Everyone fails a test, or tests, in their college career and it will be okay. I’m sure we have all walked out of a test on the phone with our mom because we’re pretty sure we failed and we’re going to have to drop out of college. I like to remember what my mom told me, one bad grade does not mean you won’t be successful.
4. Friends will come and go
I know it may be hard letting go of friends, especially ones you though would last forever. Sometimes it’s okay to grow apart from friends, it doesn’t mean you hate each other, you have just simply gone different ways in college. You will meet so many new people in college just enjoy it. Be open and friendly, this is the time to meet life long friends.
5. Don't forget about your family
I know my family is the most important thing in the world to me. In college you get wrapped up in a lot of things like school, work, friends, sorority, and it’s hard to always make that time for your family. Sometimes it’s okay to stay home on a Friday night to see your family. Sometimes it’s necessary! They are here for the good, they are here for the bad, and they are family.
6. There is such a thing as studying too much
Although studying is super important, it is not something you have to be doing 24/7. Focus on school, put in the study hours outside of class, but don't forget to enjoy college. Relax, go shopping, watch the bachelor, do something fun!
7. It's okay if you don't know what you're doing
Honestly, do any of us really know what we’re doing?? I know I don’t! You'll come to find out a good bit of people in college don't know what they are doing. Don’t know your major, don’t know what classes to take, don’t know what you’re doing this weekend? It’s okay not to know. Sometimes you just have to figure it out as you go.
8. It's okay to cry sometimes
College can be extremely stressful and sometimes all you can do is cry. So let it all out, then hold your head up and keep going. Even though it may seem like your world is falling apart or you are going to fail biology, it will be okay!
9. Always ask about student discounts!!
For real ya’ll, student discounts are awesome. For a broke student like me, even saving $1 is a huge deal.
10. Stop spending all of your money
Stop spending so much money on food, clothes, and bars. Save some of it! It can be super tempting to spend that money you just got, but in the end, you will be happier when you have money saved up.
