College is as they say “the best years of your life”, however, it’s also some of the hardest years. From freshman to senior year, you are thrown through a roller coaster of emotions, hard work and life experiences that can be difficult to balance at times. Take my advice and use these 16 key tips to surviving college without the freak-out.
1. Don’t forget to graduate!
I know this one sounds simple, but it’s easy to forget! College students have so much going on in their lives that their main goal might be lost in transition. Keep your goals organized and make a plan that helps you to get to graduation day in one piece and in one year. As Blink 182 would say “Nobody likes you when you’re 23.”
2. Have a daily routine and force yourself to be a morning person.
Life can easily get away from you. To ensure that each day starts right, plan out your day so that there are no drastic surprises. As for being a morning person? This is the most difficult step for me. I stay up late working and then can’t seem to leave my bed until 11 am… even though I set alarms for every 15 minutes starting at 8 am. Trust me, wake up early, eat breakfast, brush those teeth and take a shower. It will help you wake up and feel more positive about your day, and you won’t look like you just woke up all the time. After doing that for about 2 weeks, it comes more naturally.
3. Work out.
You don’t have to work out to get someone’s attention; you don’t have to work out so that you will look like a model. Work out to be healthy, feel better about yourself and to have more energy. As the awe-inspiring Elle once said, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't.” (Legally Blonde).
4. Don’t let your house be the party house.
College students can be reckless. Take my advice, and let the recklessness happen somewhere else. If there is a party at your place, make sure that you lock your door! Your home should be a place of rest, peace and somewhere you feel safe and clean. Going to a job interview after cleaning beer spills from the floor is not a healthy preparation process.
5. Keep your mom on speed dial.
There are two prime times that you will be calling your mama. When you are a homesick freshman, and when you are a senior, because you will be moving back with her real soon. You must insure that your room will not be turned into a gym!
6. Delegate the hard stuff.
“Delegating” sounds like some corporate b.s., but think about a world where you don’t do your own laundry, clean your own apartment, or move your own furniture. Arguably the best decision you could make in college. You think buying furniture and moving it is a nightmare? Try being a senior and having to deal with selling it, splitting the money with roommates, and moving it out when you’ve already graduated. Rent it from CORT. They’ll not only set you up with a houseful of sweet (clean) furniture, but they can deliver and setup your entire apartment, as well as move it all out. #worthit #shouldacalledcort
7. Figure out what you hate.
You don’t have to know what you want to do after college right now, but make sure you know what you definitely don’t want to do! Plus, it is always an advantage to know yourself.
8. Network.
Love everyone and do not burn any bridges; you never know when you will need those people again in the future. Also, set up a LinkedIn profile for future work networking. Send your resumes out well before you graduate so that you can have options waiting for you when you graduate.
9. Get ready to make new friends.
Wherever you go in life, keep an open mind. You need relationships in life; so put your best face on and be yourself! Be a social butterfly.
10. Follow politics, they are about to affect you.
I know it was fun to support this guy and that guy, but now those guys or gals can take money out of your pocket. Read up, be smart about voting.
11. Sell your posters.
You can’t decorate with pushpins for the rest of your life. Nobody will care that you like some random heavy metal band when you’re an accountant.
12. Do something childish every day.
Growing up isn’t all about growing up. Sometimes you need to play after a hard day, so don’t be afraid to go out and explore.
13. Get a new hobby or master your old one.
You’re not going to have a lot of down time anymore. When you do though, you should not spend it “gaming” online with friends (or strangers).
14. Learn how to tie a tie.
This goes for men and women. When it comes to the tie, the most embarrassing thing is when your tie is revealed in the back of your collar. That is called “The Wash.” It makes you look like a ring bearer at a wedding.
15. Don’t drink on weekdays.
You need to get stuff done, and the sober you is more efficient. Drinking during the week can also lead to some bad habits, so be careful!
16. Censor your social media.
No more pointless statuses on Facebook. No more complaining about your love life online. Delete old photos that could jeopardize your job possibilities. Employers who examine your social media will not be hiring the guy with the best Donald Trump joke. Rule of thumb: always behave like your mom is looking over your shoulder.
