Starting college is a big deal, emotions run high and you have to learn how to do mostly everything on your own. But down the road and a couple years later, what else is there when you've already mastered the art of pizza rolls and procrastinating? Is there a rule book for the middle years of college too? What happens in those 4 years? We walk into college being an awkward teen and come out of it being a full grown adult expected to be capable of ruling our own world. So, if you're halfway down the wild road of college, here are some things that should be a must by this point in time.
1. How to make friends/ be sociable:
In college, most of what you do is on your own. When you're halfway done with school already, you should be completely okay with starting and holding a conversation with a stranger. Whether it be a new partner for a project or a new coworker, this skill is something you should master by the time you reach adulthood.
2. How to be on time:
This might seem doable, but hangovers, laziness, and an unorganized sleep schedule can get the best of us sometimes. Soon you will have a real job and you should get in the habit of being where you need to be when you need to be. So stick with this quote," early is on time, and on time is late."
3. When and when NOT to have fun:
Sleep, a social life, and good grades cannot all be 100% at all times, you have to give a little to get a little. You can't say yes to going out, or hanging out with your friends all the time. By this point in time, you should be able to prioritize and know what needs to be done, like that assignment that's due or the 7-hour long shift you have tomorrow that you need sleep for.
4. How to be professional/ do an interview:
If you haven't had interviews or experience with a professional business yet, you definitely should. You want to have a few previous jobs and interviews under your belt before going for what you really want when you've got your degree. You need to prepare yourself for the real world because after you graduate, there is no messing around when it comes to getting a real job.
5. How to get yourself to go to class when you really don't want too:
You might have slacked off a semester or two through your first couple years, but you can't forever. Nothing is worse than when you are completely exhausted but still have to get up, get ready, and walk across campus. Do you want to sit in an uncomfortable wooden chair next to annoying people with a professor that you hate? No, you don't. But once again, this is where things count, including your attendance, and no I'm sorry there is no such thing as senioritis in college. You have to finish your last half off strong and force yourself to go to class!
6. When to spend time with your family:
Even though the first two years or so has gone by really fast, your parents probably still sulk about your empty bedroom. You still left them with an empty nest and even winter and summer breaks are not enough time for them. Even though your family might be strange, you should be thankful if you have one to come home too. It will make your parents extremely happy when you spend time with them and call and text them when you can. Even though you enjoy the college life, your parents still want to know what's going on how you're doing.
7. How to save your money:
Being on your own can be dangerous when it comes to spending. There's groceries, clothes, ordering takeout and more. But it's always easy to forget the important things you have to pay for like rent, books, etc. Even halfway through college, you may still find yourself spending instead of saving(oops). Budget your money and stop yourself from impulsive buys like the really cute coffee mug that you really don't need.
8. How to be safe:
Yes, I know your mom and dad have always told you this since you were 12, but you never know when the situation will happen to you when you have to make a quick decision in the moment for your own safety. Whether it be at a party, walking home late at night, or talking to a stranger you just met, it's always good to know how to defend yourself or how to make the right choice for your own safety. It's good knowledge to have in college specifically and for the rest of your life.
