1.) Wash your sheets and dishes at least once a month.
This seems pretty self explanatory, but it is something often overlooked. Washing your sheets and dishes should be a priority at least once a month.
2.) Get involved with something!
Getting involved with something is such a good way to make new connections and find people with interests that are similar to yours! (Getting involved also looks good on your resume!)
3.) Ration your Cafe Cash.
After spending all my cafe cash within the first month, I highly recommend rationing it so it lasts you the full semester and you don't have to keep dropping loads of money to get more.
4.) Therapy dogs make life better.
See the therapy dogs. They can alleviate so much stress and make you so much happier. For Winthrop, the therapy dogs come every 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday from 11:00-12:30. Next week for finals they will be here as well!
5.) If you think you've packed just enough, you've probably packed too much.
I learned this the hard way as well. I packed half of my clothes, and they didn't fit in my dresser. I had to send back a suitcase full of clothes with my parents. Make sure to only pack the essentials!
6.) Studying is key.
Some of you may be like me, I never had to study through high school at all. Let me tell you, it is COMPLETELY different in college. Studying is such a vital part of passing your classes.
7.) Studying may be key, but breaks are important as well.
Studying is definitely a good thing, but taking breaks and de-stressing is important as well. Take that 10 minute Facebook break. Go to a basketball game. Breaks are what keep you from having a meltdown. So take that break!
8.) Find a good study space!
Finding your study space is also an important thing to think about. If you're distracted in your room, find somewhere to study where you can actually get things done like the library or your dorm's classroom.
9.) Be yourself.
Being yourself is possibly one of the most important things I have learned this semester. Being myself has caused so many good and different opportunities this semester alone. I never would have made half of the friends I have if I wasn't my crazy self. Let your true colors shine!
10.) Invest in a raincoat, rain boots and a good umbrella.
If you go anywhere similar to Winthrop climate-wise, rain gear is a must. When it rains, it rains for days on end. The puddles get out of hand.
11.) Become friends with your RA(s).
Not only can your RA help you when you have an issue on your floor, they can give you advice about boys, classes, workloads and much more. My RA's are very important to me. They have both helped me through breakdowns. My RA's are very important to me, and many other people.
12.) If practice problems are assigned, but not checked, do them anyway.
Doing practice problems may seem really trivial and repetitive, but in the end, they can really make a difference in your grades.
13.) Do something outside of your comfort zone.
Doing things outside of your comfort zone is a great way to test the waters and see what can happen. Apply for a position you might not normally go for. Go to something you usually would avoid. Take risks!
14.) Realize that not everyone you meet will like you, your opinions or how you present yourself (and vice versa).
Not everyone you meet will love you, or even like you. The sooner you understand and come to terms with that, the better off you will be. If you come across someone who doesn't like you, or vice versa, be cordial and shake it off. Hater's gon' hate.
15.) Have fun!
College is about getting an education, yes, but it also about getting out there and having a good time! Do what you love, and love what you do.
