College is "one of the greatest times of your life." People will always tell you that. But people are often not as honest with you about the struggles that you'll face, the biggest struggles of being a college student. So here you go, here is the honest truth about college.
1. Getting up and going to class.
This seems like it wouldn't be an issue. Take it from a senior, it is. It's hard when you schedule your first 8:00. It's difficult to wake up and motivate yourself to go sit through a class that you most likely don't want to sit through. My advice is to always plan something quick in the morning to look forward to. If that means eating a brownie for breakfast, then do it. Or maybe you plan a nap at 12:00 after your morning classes. Always plan something to look forward to in the near future.
2. Actually doing your homework.
Again, this seems a little obvious. But homework is a pain. It's a big pain and a lot of times you will do anything in order to avoid it. Your room will be spotless, all of your laundry will be done, and you will have watched through a whole season of Grey's Anatomy before you even consider starting your math homework. Start scheduling times when you will do homework. Schedule time that you will for sure work on your English paper and be specific. "At 4:00, I'm going to spend an hour and I will write two full pages." Set specific goals and stick to them.
3. Saving money.
Between hundred dollar textbooks, meal plans, and parking passes, you feel as if you're just throwing money into the wind. You watch your savings dwindle and you begin to forget what it felt like to be able to swipe your debit card and buy things. To avoid this, make a plan. Set a budget and don't go over that budget. You might not be able to see the new superhero movie the day it comes out or buy the new top you've been eyeing at Loft. But you'll feel a little better the next time your car breaks down or your refrigerator breaks.
4. Juggling being a student and an employee.
When you're a student, you juggle a lot. You spend a lot of time being a whole bunch of things to a whole bunch of different people. Sometimes you're a good student, sometimes you're a good employee, sometimes you're a good girlfriend/boyfriend or a good friend or a good church member or a good sports teammate. The list goes on and on. Basically, we can't be everything we need to be all of the time. But whenever you're being one thing, be that thing 100%. Whenever you're being a friend, be a friend 100%. Whenever you're being an employee, be an employee 100%. Give your all when you can. You'll be tired, but it'll be worth it.
5. Finding time for yourself.
Between classes, working, time with friends, homework, eating, bathing, and sleeping, there's not much time for you to read the new Harry Potter book or to catch up on Law and Order. So every weekend set aside some time to do something for yourself. Take a bubble bath, watch a movie, or go to the gym. Do something that feels good for you. Your mental and emotional health are way more important than any assignment.
College really is one of the best times of your life, but be prepared because it's hard. And it comes with its own issues and problems, but hopefully, some of these tips can help you.
