After having completed my first semester of college in December, I went home for the semester break, scrolled down Facebook one day and read an article that was titled something like, "50 Things Every College Freshman Does Wrong Their First Semester," and as I sat there and read through each one, I was thinking to myself, yup, did that...and that...and that, more than once. The more I read, the more I realized I was going to have to make some changes my second year. I literally did every single thing wrong my first semester. But, like they say, the past is the past and all you can do is learn from it. So, that's what I did.
When I came back to school to begin my second semester, I decided I wasn't going to let myself do any of the dumb things I did when I was first a "typical college freshman" (which, of course, I may have still done a few, but I'm working on it). Though we've only been back at school for one short month, I can honestly say that my life has changed drastically after one semester of college, and here's how you can do the same for yourself.
1. Call. Your. Mother.
And your dad. And your siblings. And your grandma. And your cousins. And your aunt. And sometimes, it's okay to ask to talk to your dog--you know you miss him, too. These people are your backbone, your support system. No matter how busy you think you may be, I guarantee that hearing from your mom will ALWAYS make your day a thousand times better.
2. Your best friends from home are still your best friends.
You just have to remember, they are in college, too. They're busy, too. I know that it's really strange to go from spending every day with them to only really having a chance to talk on the phone once or twice a week, but sometimes, that phone call can change your mood for the whole week. Telling them about things going on in your life with people they don't know helps them to be unbiased when they give you advice, and allows you to see a whole new perspective on the situation. They know you better than anyone else, and they'll always have your back--no matter how far away you are.
3. Take time for yourself.
It's hard. When you're not constantly running to class or trying to make it to work on time and you have five free minutes, SPEND IT ALONE. You'll find times to hang out with your friends, but sometimes the peace and quiet of your own room can be the only thing that keeps you sane, and it's way too easy to go insane in college.
4. You can't do everything.
Sometimes, you're going to have to miss the party to go to work. If you don't get off until midnight, and you have to work at ten in the next morning, don't go swing by the party. It will only make your life harder. It's tough, but it helps you remember what's important. There will always be more things to do, but trying to do it all is the quickest way to ware yourself out.
5. Sleep is a must.
No, really. You have to sleep, the migraines and constant lightheadedness is not worth it. You'll get moody and say things you don't mean, you'll act with your emotions instead of your brain. Just trust me, you're not you when you're tired.
6. Go to the gym at least three times a week.
This is something every college student needs to take an advantage of. Let me remind you, your gym membership is included in your tuition. This is the only time in your life you won't have to pay to go to the gym, so GO. It helps so much with stress, and if you don't, you're really going to regret it come spring break...
7. Watch what you eat and don't forget to eat.
A lot of times, you'll find that you don't have time to sit down and eat a whole meal between classes, so you just grab whatever you can to eat on the way. Grab an apple, not a honeybun. I know, they are SO good, but they're SO not worth it. What you eat also affects the way your body functions, so provide it with what it needs to perform at the best of it's ability. Also, if you don't eat, your body can't function at all...make time.
8. Your friends will still be your friends, whether you hang out with them every day or not.
And if not, you need better friends. Their schedules are crazy too, and if the only time you have to spend with each other is on Tuesday afternoon at 4:37, so be it. Go to the gym together, or the grocery store! Do life with each other, it's always nice to have someone to run errands with. You make some of your lifelong best friends in college, and the one's who make time for you and understand when you're busy are the ones you should keep around.
9. Get a job.
You're in college, whether your parents supply you with money or not, those funds eventually run out and we're at that point in our lives where we're getting really close to being totally independent. Might as well practice while we can.
10. Don't forget where you come from.
Know who you are, what you stand for, what you believe in, and what you want for your life. Just because you're parents are there to make you, it doesn't mean you shouldn't go to church anymore. Stand by your faith, stand by your family, and always remember the goals you set for yourself when you chose the college you're at.
11. Don't waste your time on people who don't enjoy wasting time with you.
You really don't have to chase anyone. Keeping up with your friends in college is hard enough, much less putting effort into someone that doesn't have any interest in putting that effort back in to you. If you feel like it's a one-sided relationship, it probably is, and you can absolutely find someone way more fun to hang out with.
12. Grades actually matter.
Even your first semester. You seriously CAN get kicked out of college; it's called academic probation. Your grade point average ACTUALLY matters because you have to be able to get into your degree program come your junior year. It is NOT like high school, and I know that saying that doesn't really help you to know what it's actually like, but that's something you have to learn for yourself. You have a long way to go, and it al starts with your grades.
13. Take a deep breath.
College is a lot of new experience that each of us was forced to take in all at once, ready or not. But do this... Think about high school. What of it really mattered? What drama followed you to college? Now, think about this: At the end of the semester, what really mattered? What's so important that it's going to follow you into next semester? College is awesome because each semester you get to start fresh.
My life changed after one semester of college because I realized what and who was really important to me. I realized that I can't make it through a single day without being thankful that I've been given one more day. I talk to my parents at least once a day, I talk to my best friend from home at least three times a week, I take time to be alone, I've realized that it's okay to miss things, I sleep...every chance I get, I go to the gym every day, I eat healthier, I make time for my friends when I have my life together, I have an awesome job that helps further my future career, I remember who I am and pray every day, I put effort into those that put effort into me, my grades come first, and I am finally relaxed. All the things I did wrong last semester, I finally figured out how to do right, and my life has changed for the better because of it. My priorities are in line, and college has become something I love instead of something that constantly causes me anxiety.
