No matter who we talk to, how much we prepare, or how much we think we know, we'll never be 100 percent prepared for all that the college experience has to offer. I'm only halfway through my undergrad career and I've been blindsided too many times to count. Here's 20 (but definitely not all) the things I wish I knew before I came to college.
1. Get to know your professors on a personal level.
They will appreciate this and will be more likely to help you.
2. Exercise as much as possible!
It's a great stress relief and keeps you in shape, as well.
3. Bring plastic bags or containers to the dining hall.
Why waste your dining dollars or money on snacks you could literally just bring home with you for free?
4. Take some time for yourself.
It is OK to be alone once in a while. Take "you" time because you deserve it.
5. But also go out and have fun.
No homework or tests to study for? Go out on the weekends, let loose and enjoy yourself/others.
6. It is OK to remember your past.
Whether we like it or not, it'll follow us around wherever we go. Learn from it and do better this time.
7. NEVER let a boy come between a friendship.
It's girl code and no boy will ever be worth a lifelong friendship.
8. You need to make yourself happy before you can be happy with anyone else.
You are your own savior.
9. Being in a relationship isn't something to be ashamed of.
Often college relationships turn into lifelong ones.
10. But neither is being single.
You're young. Go out, have fun. Don't be ashamed of being single, but be smart as well.
11. Call your family.
They miss you. Whether you're having a blast at school and not missing home one bit, or not, call them. They need to hear your voice. You need to hear theirs.
12. Stay in touch with your friends from home.
Don't blow them off, especially if you know they're lifelong friend material.
13. Alcohol will not solve your problems.
It may push them off until the next morning, but often alcohol just makes your problems worse. Much worse.
14. Everybody's 10 is a 10.
Your 10 on a pain (physical, emotional, etc.) scale maybe different than someone else's. Everybody's 10 is still a 10.
15. If something isn't making you happy, don't do it.
Self-explanatory.
16. Try something you never thought you would.
Cliché, but true. If you wait too long, you just might miss your chance.
17. STOP GETTING INVOLVED IN DRAMA.
JUST STOP.
18. Don't procrastinate.
That 30-page paper will be FUN the night before it's due...
19. Use your resources.
Tutoring, counseling, everything. USE IT!
20. Be yourself.
Change for no one. If they don't like you for you, they're missing out and they're not worth it anyways.
