Life Lessons from 3 Years at Rutgers: 17 Things I've Learned | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

17 Things I've Learned in the 3 Years and 6 Months I've Been At Rutgers

6 more weeks until it's all over

54
senior class of 2017

Since the fall semester began back in September, the idea of graduation has seemed kind of far away. But then Halloweekend came and went, and then it was Thanksgiving, and then it was finals, and POOF! The first half of our senior year was finished. Winter break sped past, and we were back at Rutgers getting ready to begin our final semester. Now spring break is over, and we are realizing that we have six weeks left until we are college graduates. If you're like me, you're freaking out a little bit. I've had the pleasure of attending this school for three and a half years, and I would to share what's I've learned thus far.

1. Not everyone is going to like you and that's okay

Not everyone loves peanut butter, so find the people who do and you'll be fine. I'd rather have one close friend than thirty fake friends any day.

2. Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body

Take a moment to breathe and concentrate on how YOU'RE feeling every once and a while.

3. Learning and experience are just as important as your grades

Memorization can be fun, sure, but what you get out of it in the real world application side of things is much more useful and much greater. Don't let the stress of your GPA get in the way of actually gaining insight from what you're studying.

4. Brower doesn't get any better

One thing I will not miss when I graduate.

5. Rutgers will screw you over any way it can but so will life

We complain and complain and it's easy to blame it on Rutgers because, let's be honest, it can be pretty crappy at times, but so can life! We should be thanking Rutgers for teaching us how to roll with the punches.

6. Friends come and go but don't forget about the one's who stick around

You may focus on the people you have distanced yourself from, but don't forget about the people who stuck with you through the good, the bad and the ugly. They're the ones you want to keep around.

7. The line at Queens is never worth it

I mean, if you're into the whole sardine-can thing, it might be.

8. Do what you love; don't settle

If you don't, you may hate yourself five or ten years down the line.

9. Caring what other people think will only harm you

You've got enough to worry about, so worrying about what other people are saying about you. Do what makes you happy (as long as you're being respectful in the process) and everything else will fall into place.

10. You'll hate every single one of your roommates at one time or another

This is just a fact. Throw a group of people in close quarters for any amount of time and things are going to get a little tense sometimes, but don't let it take over your relationship.

11. Joining a club or an intramural sport is more fun than you think

I have recently joined a flag football team (We were the Dirty Punts but now we're The Department of Flagriculture), and though we have not played our first game, it has been one heck of a bonding experience thus far.

12. Know your limits

College may be about experimenting, but it also important to know your limits. You may seem invincible now, but it's always good to know when to stop.

13. Never take the bus from the SAC stop unless it's an F or a EE

I think that is all that is needed to be said, to be honest. May the odds be ever in your favor.

14. Go to class

I know it's hard, and after four years you're ready to throw in the towel, but you have to go to class. You're paying thousands of dollars and maybe, you're professor might say something worth listening to.

15. Try something new even if you try it alone

We're so used to hanging out with people and doing things together in college. It's just expected. But soon enough, we are going to be out on our own and we need to start being more independent.

16. Listen

When someone is taking the time to talk to you about something, listen to what they have to say. Maybe they aren't looking for advice, but the simple act of hearing them out can make a world of difference.

17. If it is to be, it is up to me

So, technically I got this one from my dad. He was always filling us up with all these cheesy sayings to motivate us, but this one stuck with me. If you want to make something happen, you have to go for it. No one is going to help you get there. All they can do is offer support, but in the end, it is you who has to get it done.

Report this Content
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

22385
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9375
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6777
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5828
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments