College so far has taught me many things. I have learned to be independent and how to advocate for myself. I have had to completely change my lifestyle in order to successfully survive college, here are a few things that I have learned so far:
1. Procrastination is NOT a myth
Having a specific class once or twice a week is a blessing but it can also come with consequences. If a homework assignment is assigned on a Monday and due the following Monday, I make sure that I do it by Friday night. Putting off work is one of the worst things because in the end it all piles up and you will be stressed out. I am lucky to have friends that will do homework with me because then I will not have FOMO (fear of missing out) since we are all together. Setting aside a specific time of day or even week is key too because it gets you into a routine.
2. Dining hall food is not ideal
The campus dining hall is no five star restaurant. We are all used to home cooked meals, and food that we actually enjoy eating. Once you experience campus dining hall food, it's a whole different game. You will find a select few things that you like (hopefully), but you will come to realize that it is basically the same food everyday. If you are extremely lucky then it will be good food, but for some people eating on campus it is a nightmare. Going out to eat and ordering takeout are the greatest because it gives you a little variety when it comes to eating.
3. Naps are 100% necessary
In college you are often awake for hours and hours, constantly doing work, and studying. College is and can be extremely exhausting. After a long day of classes or studying for exams, naps are a life saver. People often undermine how great naps are. I cannot function if I am tired which is why I often curl up in a blanket and nap in between classes. We go back to being our little kid selves again because we now understand the importance of allowing our bodies to take a break after all of the stress and demands we put on it.
4. Coffee is necessary
When you have an 8AM or have to stay up late at night studying, coffee truly becomes your best friend. More often than not the amount of sleep I get at night does not fully prepare me for the day that I have lying ahead. I am fortunate enough to have Dunkin' Donuts on campus so that I can get coffee when I need it throughout the day. If there is not enough time to nap or you feel like you cannot make it through your next class, a cup of coffee is key.
5. You don't need to dress up
No one really cares if you are wearing designer clothes or sweatpants, it completely comes down to personal preference. The one thing that matters is your comfort. If you are comfy in skinny jeans and heeled boots, go ahead and wear them. For myself and a few of my friends, we would rather be comfy instead of dressing like we are going on the runway for attending class.
6. Calling home can help you feel better
If I have had a stressful or horrible day, I often find myself calling home since it helps me feel better. Being away from my family can be very challenging, but knowing that they are just a phone call away makes everything easier. It is nice having the ability to call my parents and vent about my day, or simply just call them to talk when I am feeling homesick.
7. Time flies by
The first semester of my freshman year is just about over and I cannot believe it. It seems like just yesterday that I moved into Angela Hall and was trying to maneuver my way around Regis College. After being at Regis for almost four months, I can honestly say that I am having a great time which is why my first year must be flying by. I now see why they say '"time flies when you're having fun", I have certainly had a lot of fun and cannot wait to finish out the year with my friends.
8. Find a balance between being social and studying
College classes are expensive, so it is important to make sure that I am doing well in them. Putting in the right amount of time for studying and homework is very important. It is also important to make sure that I am also finding time to be social and hangout with friends. Without having a social life, it would most likely lead to me being unhappy at school, but with too much of a social life I will flunk out of my very expensive classes.
These first few months of my freshman year have been a great yet challenging learning experience. I can't wait to see what else it has in store.
