College has been undoubtedly the most difficult and rewarding time of my life thus far. I've spent thousands of dollars on this higher education and I'm about to be tossed out into the big wide world (December grads, yas). As new freshman are preparing to enter the college world, here are a few things I would do differently if I could start my college experience over.
1. I'd make more time for extracurricular programs.
I would really have liked to have been a part of more groups on campus. While I probably wouldn't have rushed a sorority or joined a huge political organization, it would have been nice to be more involved in communications programs and groups that would be helpful for my future.
2. I'd eat healthier + be more active.
College cost me $40,000 and all I got in return was 20 extra pounds. If I could start all over I would focus on preparing healthier meals and taking advantage of the facilities and programs offered at UT for health and wellness.
3. I would pay more attention in class and take better notes.
I'm sure everyone says this in hindsight, but that is because it's true. I wish that I hadn't overslept so many times, or drawn out my entire life plan instead of taking better notes in my classes. Classes are what college is about. It's important that you focus on them!
4. I would take advantage of my professors and advisers.
I would have liked to talk more with my professors who are masters of their departments. I had a really awesome advertising professor whose brain I would have loved to pick, but I let time get away from me and I got too shy and just never did it. So I would definitely talk more with people who have been in my shoes.
5. I would find an internship that I liked and get my foot in the door career wise.
It is extremely difficult to work + study + intern all at the same time. I, unfortunately, had to pay to eat and live and commute to UT, so an internship at a big PR firm was not in the cards for me unfortunately. If I could do college over I would try and get a fabulous internship somewhere.
6. I would travel/study abroad.
Again, college is expensive. I had to spend most of my summers working to save for the school year. So I definitely would have liked to study abroad.
Take advantage of your college years. They fly by, trust me.
