My first year of college taught me a lot of things. Plenty of life lessons came my way and I gained a lot of world experience.
1. Write stuff down
I can't stress this enough. If I don't write an assignment, due date, lunch date or whatever else down within about sixteen milliseconds, the thought is lost forever. OK... Maybe it's not that serious. But write stuff down, I promise it will de-stress your college experience. Anything that helps.
2. Talk to everyone
Make connections! Be friendly. You don't have to be good friends with everyone you meet. I'm a firm believer in having just a few close friends and plenty of acquaintances. I apply this rule to college. The more people you know the better off you may be. Opportunities arise and it's always nice to see a familiar face while walking through campus.
3. Bring an umbrella
Story time! Picture this. The very first time it rains during this past school year, I grabbed the umbrella that was under my seat and went to open it before I began my Monday morning stroll and the umbrella pops right off of the handle. I never got around to purchasing a new one (see number one). So I strongly recommend having an umbrella and not breaking it.
4. Get a real coat
Ohio winters are, on a scale from 1-10, zero fun. Coming from high school where you can run in to the school from the parking lot in under thirty seconds, I was not prepared to walk clear across campus. Instead of having a coat that would actually keep me warm, I opted for a fashionable one that really served no purpose. Bad idea. While you're at it, pick up some gloves and maybe a hat too. The numbness takes a while to go away.
5. Force yourself to study
I don't know about you but I pretty much never studied in high school. My studying consisted of your basic cramming, which only lasted about five minutes. In high school, that is at least somewhat acceptable, but college is preparing you for the rest of your life. Don't take any short cuts.
6. Get a small laptop
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT get a huge laptop if you plan on taking it to class with you. They are so annoying to lug around with you all day, you can barely fit it in your book bag and if you just plan on carrying it around in it's case, you're sadly mistaken. You have to have both hands free for your coffee and your phone.
7. Learn to like coffee
Speaking of coffee- learn to love it. Sometimes that is all you can count on to get you through the day. Especially midterm and finals week! You'll be writing papers on top of papers and sleep gets knocked down to one of your last priorities.
8. Appreciate home cooked meals
I don't think I realized how truly expensive eating out was until I started college. There's so many temptations around you. Choose wisely. You won't find anything like mom makes on a college campus. And if you do, let me know!
9. Sit in the front row
Sitting in the front row can help you when it's time for your final grades. I've noticed that if your professors notice that you show up to class each week they tend to be more helpful. Listen to the attendance policy closely when they give out their syllabus. Sometimes the littlest things can help you in a big way. Get on your professors' good side.
10. Don't buy new textbooks
If a textbook is required for a class, try to find the cheapest used book that you can. There is no point in spending more money than you have to. Oh how I miss the good old day when you only had to pay for a textbook if you tore it up yourself.
11. Exercise
With everything that you have going on it can sometimes be hard to find time. But working out is so helpful in reducing stress. No one wants to gain the dreaded freshman 15...annnnd you'll stay looking great! Find a workout buddy and make a habit of it!
12. Take some time for yourself
College can often times be somewhat chaotic (I promise it isn't always like that) and sometimes nothing is going right for you. It is super super super important to go easy on yourself and to remind yourself that you're doing the best that you can. Take some time to just relax.
