Dear College Students,
No matter what year you may be in, these are just some tips to help you survive college.
1. Go to class.
This should be a given, but the amount of people that dwindle from classes after sylly week is astounding. You are paying at least a thousand dollars per class, so to not show up is basically wasting money.
2. Read the syllabus.
Your syllabus isn't just given out for no reason- it contains everything you need to know for a specific class. Best of all: it contains your professor's name (nobody actually pays attention to what the professor's name is on the first day of class, you aren't alone.)
3. Meet with your adviser.
Your adviser is kind of like your high-school guidance counselor, yet they won't track you down to make sure you're doing what you are supposed to. Be sure to visit them at least twice in the semester: once in the middle to go over how your classes are going, and once right before scheduling classes for a new semester.
4. Asking questions in college isn't scary.
Even though it may seem kind of scary not knowing something in a room full of people who you think will judge you, chances are you aren't the only person who may need a little help. Asking questions are to your benefit, and may help out others as well!
5. Everyone is in the same boat as you are.
You are all in a new environment with new people. Nobody is 100% confident in what they are doing.
6. Schedule nap times.
Yes, you may be an "adult", but adults need naps. More than likely, you'll be up until three am whether it is binge watching Netflix, going to a party, or studying. Making sure you have designated nap times is crucial.
7. Set multiple alarms.
One alarm probably won't cut it, especially if you have an early morning class. Sure, you'll wake up on time for the first week. But once you get used to going to classes, you'll think it's okay to skip. Setting more than one alarm will ensure that you get to where you need to be on time.
8. Learn something new.
Never knew how to cook? If you're living in an apartment, try it. Want to try a new experience? Join a club.
9. Be yourself.
You have nobody to impress. You are in college to better yourself, so being who you really are is truly the best option.
10. Treat yo self.
Seriously, at least once a week do something for you. We're all broke college kids, it's rough. But if you reward yourself for passing a test, or even for something small, you'll feel like you actually accomplished something.
11. The freshman 15 is a thing.
You'll probably gain weight. Not a full fifteen pounds, but you'll gain some. And it's okay. Your body is adjusting to a new environment. You're under new stress. That late-night pizza will happen, and probably more than once. It's okay.
12. Go to at least one party.
Even if partying is not your scene, you should probably attend at least one a semester. You won't be invited to parties (unless it's a frat party), so just show up if you hear about one. You'll make new friends, you'll get to socialize, and you'll probably recognize at least one person while there.
13. Don't pee in the showers.
This really should be something that you should automatically know not to do. You aren't at home; you cannot be uncleanly to the point where it may disrupt others. I only say this because of my freshman year, the showers had open-bottom stalls. One girl peed, it flowed into my shower, and somehow landed on my foot. Not cool.
14. It's okay if you don't get along with your roommate.
It really may seem like the end-all if you discover you can't get along with the person you have to share a room with. But it's okay. It happens to most of us. I didn't get along with my freshman year roommate, either. You can find creative ways to co-exist in (somewhat) peace. Build a curtain (rope, curtains, command hooks- I did just that), or go to your RA to see if maybe you could switch rooms.
15. Pet every dog you see on campus.
If you're at Penn State, there will be tons of furry friends on campus. Owners, more than likely, would be happy to have you pet their dog. Trust me, it's a mood booster.
16. Use all of your meal points.
If you don't finish your meal points by the end of the year, they will probably go back to the school. You won't get a refund on any money you didn't use. Even if this means you have to stock up on Gatorade bottles, do whatever you can to finish your meal plan out.
17. Make sure you have Nyquil, Dayquil, Aleve, Immodium, Tylenol, etc.
You'll probably get sick once the seasons start changing. Being sick with a cold isn't an excuse to lay in bed all day like it was in high school. Stock up on medicines, and don't be afraid to take them.
18. Don't get an underage.
This one should also be a given. It isn't cool to get obliterated to the point where cops can notice it. You won't just get a warning; there will be fines and a court date. Not fun.
19. Attend your schools' sports games.
Even if you have no understanding of Hockey, Basketball, or Football, just go. It will give you all the feels of why you picked your school in the first place.
20. It's okay to change majors.
You may know exactly what you want to do now that you're in college. You may be dead-set on a major. Unfortunately, college may change that. And it's 100% okay to switch. Nobody will look down on you, nobody will judge you.
21. Double and triple check class drop deadlines.
You don't want to be stuck in a class that you can't handle. Make sure you drop it before it becomes an inevitable fail.
22. You may not graduate in four years.
That's okay too. People sometimes take five years to complete a Bachelors degree. Not everybody does it in four, don't be discouraged if you think this is a bad thing.
23. You may wind up taking summer classes.
Classes in the summer are not the equivalent to "summer school" in high school. Nobody will look down on you for doing extra work to get ahead of the game.
24. Don't wear your lanyard around your neck.
Seriously, don't do it. Upperclassmen will judge you.
25. If there is an opportunity for a free t-shirt, take it.
Who doesn't love big, free t-shirts? Go to all the activities that may earn you free stuff from your school. Chances are, there will also be free food.
26. Attend tutoring sessions.
More than likely, teachers will offer extra credit if you go to a tutoring/review session. They take that into account when deciding if you're going to get a "C+" or a "B".
27. You may not keep in contact with your friends from home.
It's okay to distance from the people in your hometown. You are finding yourself, your focus should be on you. If people no longer have time for you, that's okay. Everyone has a different schedule, everyone has their own lives.
28. Call your family members as often as you can.
Yeah, you may think that because you're in college you don't need them. But they miss you, and chances are everyone spends some time either texting, calling, or skyping their family members when they can.
29. Have alone time.
Pick a spot on campus and make it your place. Everyone needs time for themselves, so having somewhere to go when you just need some space is crucial.
30. These will be the best four/five/ however many years of your life.
Take advantage of all college has to offer. This is a time to experience new things and find yourself- who you really are. It's a time to learn, and to grow. It may be hard at times, but you'll get through it. Make the most of it, love your school, and enjoy the ride!
