Right now I am deep in the heart of my first summer since starting college. Soon I'll be beginning my second year at UAH and I couldn't be more excited. However, looking back I wish I had known a few things before starting my college adventure. Whether they were laughable "duh" moments or serious life lessons, these 10 things I learned along the way would have come in handy a year ago and definitely would have made college just a bit simpler.
1. How to use an iron
Yes, I was 18 years old. Yet I still had no clue how to operate one. Lo and behold, come second semester I needed to iron my work shirts. Simply put, it went disastrously and I ended up "ironing" my shirts with my hair straightener. Points for originality?
2. How to use MLA or APA formats
It seems my high school is the ONLY one who didn't require either of these formats. Knowing these prior to college could have saved me loads of time and headaches.
3. Bring your bicycle
For some reason when you see the campus at orientation it seems like many more cars can fit in those parking lots. I had to learn the hard way that there are never any open spots when you need them and that those trips to the Shelby Center and the MSB are much more endurable when you can pedal instead of walk.
4. The beauty of Netflix
I didn't discover the beauty and subsequent curse of Netflix until the beginning of this summer. It could have really entertained me last year, but it also could have been the sole reason I flunked everything as well. I love you Netflix, but you may ruin my life.
5. Planners are total life savers
Never once had I invested in any type of planner or calendar prior to me starting college. Now with school, work, events, meetings, and having to remember to eat every now and then, I don't know how I managed without one.
6. How to navigate Huntsville
Moving from the suburbs to a city like Huntsville was very daunting, but I assumed I would catch on quickly. It was only after ending up lost in the medical district for the sixth time that I realized this city thing might be harder than it looked.
7. You WILL get tired of the cafe
Please invest in some Charger Bucks. The cafe is certainly delicious and of course it's all you can eat, but you can only eat there so many times before you start craving the true grease of Papa John's.
8. Don't work so much
I definitely had to learn the hard way that while working and making money is great, it can really effect your studies. The stress of handling both school and work was making me pull my hair out and I realized I was sacrificing my education and future for a few extra spending dollars and that's a no go.
9. You can't drink 6 monsters in place of sleep
Because they not only make you feel like a completely unfocused, wired mess, but I'm pretty sure they can literally make your heart explode or something.
10. College is the most challenging yet rewarding thing I've encountered
Being completely responsible and held accountable for yourself and your actions is terrifying and difficult. However, when you achieve something on your own without having to lean on others, the taste of victory is that much sweeter. #yougotthis
