Going through life being a girl is already a struggle. Each day is a whirlwind of working to look cute, impress boys, and figure yourself out. Putting a girl into the college world makes for an even bigger challenge. Here are some tips for every girl in this stage of life to help ease the struggles along the way.
1. Take pictures to document everything.
Pictures really are worth a thousand words.They are your documentation of your best memories, treasure these pictures so that you can look back years from now and remember these moments.
2. Know the power of dry shampoo.
Whether you realize this now or not, this product will become your best friend. You never know when you may have to sacrifice an actual shower for five extra minutes of sleep.
3. Be able to identify your real friends.
Find your real friends. Friendships are built upon more than drinking buddies and the kind of people who are only there when they need you. Find the group of people who can love you through the good times and the bad, never judge you, and who you can be your most genuine self with.
4. Keep your secrets contained to few because you never who will strike a match to start a fire.
Do not spill your guts to anyone that will listen. Trust only a few people with your secrets because as soon as one person in a small town knows, everybody knows. Do not let yourself be that girl whose business everyone already knows before they get the chance to tell anyone themselves.
5. Do not talk about others; pray for others.
This one pretty much sums up itself. Be kind. Try to put yourself in someone else's shoes before you jump to conclusions. You do not know what anyone else is going through so always remember to take a step back and think about what struggles others are going through first.
6. Tough times never last.
Throughout your college experience, you will be faced with failed relationships, bad grades, being sick, crazy roommates, and everything else you can imagine. Tough people make it through these tough times. When you feel like giving in to all of these struggles just keep pushing through. You can make it through anything you will face, and come out as a stronger person throughout the process.
7. Naps are bae.
As a college student, you will spend most of your nights studying for a big tests, going out with your friends, or even staying up until the early hours of the morning just laying in bed watching TV. That is okay! Embrace the tired eyes and groggy mornings like a champ! Fix yourself a nice big cup of coffee, and be ready to take your day head on.
8. If something you are doing is something you have to hide don't do it.
It's college, people are going to find out what you do. Nothing is a secret. Just remember when you think you are sneaking, somebody else probably already knows or will know before daylight. In a small town you wouldn't believe how much the circles and clicks overlap. Somebody will always find out.
9. Gaining a few pounds is not only expected, it is okay!
Nobody can expect to be a high school size zero forever. You're a women now, and carrying a little extra weight is not a bad thing. It is acceptable to weigh more than 120 pounds! Eat up!
10. Random nights are always the best.
The nights you do not expect are always the best. Never turn down the opportunity to go ride backroads until the sun comes up or spend an entire night laughing and hanging out with your friends because you never know how many of those unexpected nights you have left.
11. Do not fall asleep with your makeup on.
At all costs, try to take your makeup off before bed. Because what girl really wants to wake up with raccoon mascara eyes and a nasty breakout?
12. Don't let your mistakes define you.
Mistakes are exactly that, a mistake! Do not let one bad decision define who you are are or what you think of yourself. However, do not let being under the influence of anything give you the idea that you can make the same mistakes over and over again and be given an excuse to do so.
13. Stay in touch with your family.
Just remember your family is watching their baby girl begin her life on her own. They will have a hard time adjusting with your new schedule, not knowing where you are at all times and who you are with, and not being able to see you every single day. Call them and have a real conversation as often as you can.
14. Plan ahead.
If you know you have a big test tomorrow or a paper due but you also know your friend are wanting you to go out then work on your schoolwork early! You do not want to miss a party or any opportunity to hang out with your friends, but its not worth getting behind on your schoolwork for. Just think ahead and get your stuff done early so you can have a good time.
15. Always charge your phone before you go anywhere.
This is so important! Your phone battery is very important, and having a charged phone always helps out in a pinch. You never know if you will have to call a ride home after a long night or even make an emergency call.
16. Show up to class.
8 a.m. classes my seem pretty early, but the mornings when you don't want to go to class tend to be the most important days in class. Attendance grades can help you out more than you will ever realize until it comes down to finals time and you are doing everything you can just to boost your grade.
17. Know how to manage your money.
Do not be frivolous with how you spend your money. Make smart deicsions. It is sometimes better to spend your money on groceries to last you an entire week rather than two meals at the local Mexican restaurant in town .
18. Taco Bell at 3 a.m. is sometimes the best decision you will make all day.
Late night hunger pains are best answered by the sweet relief and insane enjoyment you get out of a chicken quesadilla or a beefy rice burrito at 3 a.m. These can sometimes be the best meals of the day, and just what you need to help you through the struggles of an all nighter before cramming for a big test.
19. Use coupons.
Do not be afraid to ask for a student discount anywhere in town you go to. You never know that the boutique you are shopping at may offer this discount or have a student special until you ask. Get coupon apps on your phone. They can save you hundreds of dollars on groceries throughout an entire semester.
20. Be you.
College is where you find yourself. Who you are and you want to do with your life come out of your college experience. Learn to stand up for yourself, and what you believe in. Even if you are standing alone. Become you. You can be anyone you want to b. Find yourself, find happiness.
Just remember that years from now you will be telling your own children about your college days, let those stories be some that they can respect and aspire to achieve for themselves one day. Live your college years to the fullest, they will fly by before you know it. Make each day a step to who you want to be. Use college as the best possible tool you have to build yourslef in who you wants to be and the future you will have.
