As I bring my sophomore year of college to a close, I cannot help but think about how transformative these two semesters have been. Let's talk about some of the things I learned.
1. You are not prepared for college food.
When I moved into my off-campus apartment I was not expecting how difficult it would be to transition from having my mom's home-cooked meals to pizza rolls and Chick Fil A. Luckily I got sick of it pretty quick and my mom was readily available with dinner suggestions.
2. People are not as scary as you think.
I spent a lot of time this year being pretty afraid of people. Here is the thing though: nobody in college cares. Walk up and talk to someone, chances are they will not care. We are all in the same boat and nobody is phased by anything.
3. College is a weird place.
Bouncing off of the last point... college is a very weird place. I have encountered many an anomaly on campus such as a man dressed in a chicken suit, another man in a kilt, and multiple students who choose to ride to class on unicycles. All in all... they all made me feel less judged. Nobody seemed to mind and honestly neither did I.
4. GO TO CLASS.
I know everyone says this... but seriously going to class makes a huge difference in your grades. It may be hard especially with early classes, but do your best. This is with the exception of taking mental health days of course, there is nothing wrong with that.
5. Mental health days are ok.
To coincide with my last point, if you need a day for mental health then TAKE IT. Mental health is important especially when you are working on your future.
6. Roommates can suck.
This is also something that is said a lot... but seriously they can suck. Make sure you really think about who you are choosing to live with (if you are choosing your roommate.)
7. Get some sleep.
It is important to have as much fun as possible, but don't forget to also get some sleep. Take care of yourself as much as you can.
8. The library is your friend.
Listen... the library is honestly the best study place and you should utilize it! Study rooms are usually open for reservation (unless it's close to finals week then forget a study room unless you reserve ahead of time.) Also, Bracken is open until 3 in the morning, so it really is there pretty much all of the time.
9. Study groups.
Honestly, it sounds pretty gross... but making study groups with the people in your classes can be incredibly helpful! If you get the chance to form one then you should.
10. Just be yourself.
At the end of the day, college is about learning. This learning can be done even outside of class and outside of your major. Take time to be yourself and find yourself and your place. Join a club do a sport do whatever you want and what makes you happy because these are the best years of your life!
