College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)
1. Don't Show Off
If you're one of those people who can write a 15-page story in one night, then congrats, my friend. Only needed one cup of coffee? Even better. However, for some of us, ideas don’t flow as soon as we open our laptops. Brainstorming is often a must and not everyone will finish things at the same time. Go at your own pace. Don’t be ashamed that an “easy” assignment took you so long. The point is that you got it done in the first place.
2. Fit in a Nap
College, has its perks: more freedom, friends living in walking distance, and binging on crappy food. But there’s one thing we all dread and it’s waking up in the morning and attending yet another tedious class. It’s strange that in high school we manage to stay there for eight hours straight but the idea of sitting in a two-hour lecture is mind blowing. Hearing a professor drone on for that long has a tiring effect. So, if you have time, don’t ignore that feeling. Give in to it. I’ve learned that a 20-minute nap can actually be effective (don’t get me wrong a two-hour one does the trick too). I’m more willing to do work as the guilt of previously wasting time motivates me.
3. Sit and Observe
Sure, you’ve been told that your “young years” are for mistakes. But why not let other people make those? Let that kid who got caught plagiarizing inspire you to submit all original stuff even if it’s complete shit. Let that girl who drank too much inspire you to stop double fisting and keep track of your limit. There’s no reason to spend another night by the bathroom toilet. Just watch the ridiculousness that goes on and somehow you’ll find yourself becoming the mature one in the room, otherwise known as the momof the friend group.
4. Reward System
We’ve all been through a rough cramming session that has taken a lot out of us. Sure, the real world is hard but studying for hours on end is no cakewalk. A necessary step in keeping one’s sanity is to go celebrate after finishing said studying. Skip the dining hall and order a pizza (suggestion: split with roommate for a cheaper outcome), go to karaoke night at a frat, or if you’re low on cash, have a "Lord of the Rings" marathon. The point is: unwind.
5. Procrastinate the Right Way
The first thing to note is that we all do it. Procrastination takes a hold of the best of us and there’s no way around it. So why not take advantage of that time you aren’t using for homework? Maybe reorganize your closet, throw a load of laundry in or (if you have access to a kitchen) whip up a real dinner for yourself. Ignore the temptation that is telling you to watch a whole season of Parks and Rec.
6. Be Civil with your Roommate
Only some of us are so lucky when we go the “random route” in choosing a roomie. This is a person you will have to see, hear, and sleep next to every day. You’ve got two semesters to perfect living with them. If the two of you aren’t friends, at least discuss schedules and be considerate when they have an 8 am the next day. Also, never start a fight about little things. There’s more of a chance their dirty dishes will get washed if you leave a passive aggressive note or casually mention it.
There’s a million to navigate college, but these small things can apply to life in general. For example, learning to be civil with your roommate can help you learn to put up with that annoying coworker who insists on undermining you at every given opportunity. Dealing with these type of situations can grant you more satisfaction in the long run, instead of taking the easy way out.
