As my first full year of college comes to an end, it gives me time to reflect on all that I have learned this year. Sadly, I do not mean anything I have learned in classes. Instead, I found there are 8 valuable lessons I learned in my first 8 months of college.
1. Only you can control your college experience
I spent a lot of time getting mad at one person who I thought ruined my first year. I still believe she made it a bit miserable but, in the end, a lot of it came down to my mentality. You only get out what you put in.
2. Stressed? Spray some room spray and put on your jams
This lesson comes courtesy of my best friend from back home. One night I was stressed and a simple text from her read "you know what spray from peppered suede [room spray] in the air, put in your earphones, and listen to 5 Seconds of Summer." Honestly, one of the greatest and most valuable texts I have ever received.
3. A lot of people are going to suck
You are not going to like everyone and not everyone is going to like you. It's a sad thing for someone like me to grasp but its just how the real world operates.
4. School spirit is key
Buy some merchandise, go to some games, and cheer for your team. It's your own school's team for crying out loud! This isn't high school -- you aren't too cool to have a little school spirit.
5. Talk to everyone
The greatest thing that ever happened to me was the entire floor I lived on bonded at once. A group of us have a group chat and we talk almost everyday. I can't imagine living on a floor where they just don't socialize with one another.
6. It's okay to not dress your best
There is no shame in showing up to your morning lecture in sweatpants and a t-shirt. No one cares, no one is going to judge you. We all get that this college stuff gets hard and no one has time to go all out.
7. Eat ice cream if you want ice cream
Throw those Freshmen 15 fears out the window and let loose for once. Treat yourself to some nice ice cream or some cheese fries. One time won't kill you.
8. This place becomes home
No matter how much I tried to avoid calling the dorm "home", I eventually couldn't help myself. Of course it isn't exactly home but it has become comforting enough.
