After being in college for a little more than three weeks, I have learned a few things and forgotten a few other things. There are moments when you get so caught up in doing college things, such as writing essays, reading assignments and going to class, that sometimes you completely forget that there is an entire world outside of doing homework. Here are nine things that I need some help remembering to do sometimes, and you might, too:
1. Do your laundry.
This is pretty self-explanatory but don’t let your laundry basket overflow and start to smell just because you keep putting it off and saying you will do it later. You won’t do it later, do it now, it’ll make you feel a lot better and you’ll have more options on what to wear with a full, clean wardrobe. Plus, your roommate will stop complaining about the smell of your dirty gym clothes. It’s a win-win situation.
2. Call your parents.
I know every single one of the college articles you have read and videos you have watched says this, but it’s so true. Your parents only want the best for you, but they also want to hear about what the best is that is happening to you. If you are walking home from class or driving to Walmart to pick up a few things, just give them a call, I promise the conversation you will have with them, even in the few minutes you are on the phone, will make their day.
3. Take care of yourself.
Everyone is very busy with their own schedules and their own work that needs to get done and you probably won’t have someone looking after you 24/7 like your parents once did. You need to remember to take time for yourself. If you have been working on the same project for three hours straight, take a break and go for a walk. If you think you’re getting sick, go to the health center. Your mom isn’t going to check in with you every day to see if you’re feeling okay, you have to do that for yourself.
4. Keep your room clean.
When I say clean, I don’t mean spotless; Currently, I have three shirts on the floor next to my bed and my desk is a little crowded with makeup and homework, but for the most part my dorm room is functional. It’s very difficult to keep your room clean, especially with a busy schedule and a tiny dorm; if you can pick up your clothes and organize your desk every once I in a while it will help eliminate stress, its a proven fact.
5. Socialize.
Even if you are going into a school completely blind, not knowing anyone, and you honestly believe you won’t make any friends, I can promise you that you are wrong and that you will make friends. Don’t stay cooped up in your room all day, go out, talk to the people in your hall and in your class, sit with a stranger at lunch, and get off your phone and have some actual face-to-face contact.
6. Update your Facebook.
This one sounds kind of weird but it’s easy to call your parents and tell them what’s going on in your life, but what about the rest of your family. I know that at least for me there is no way I could call every single one of my family members and tell them how my life is. Your friends on Facebook or rather your mom’s friends on Facebook really want to know how your life is going. They care about what you are up to and how you are doing. Your posts about loving college or joining a new club or getting a job will make them so happy.
7. Get involved.
In college, there is something for everyone, think of almost anything that you enjoy, there’s a pretty good chance that there’s a club or group of people who like that as well. College is a great time to find out who you are and meet new people, so get out there and get involved in your new school.
8. Leave campus.
Although college campuses are lovely places and it feels like home after just a few weeks, don’t forget to leave campus and explore the amazing things that your town has to offer. From restaurants to little boutiques downtown to the town’s hidden treasures to the Walmart down the street, every college town — and maybe the next town over — has a lot to offer. The best part about adventuring out of campus, is when friends and family members come to visit and you get a chance to show them how amazing your new home is.
9. Work hard, play hard.
College can be tough trying to balance homework and quizzes with your social life, but when you find the happy medium of getting your work done then going out, it is so much fun. Just be sure to take college seriously, you are paying to be here just like everyone else and I’m sure your partner in your Chemistry class doesn’t want you to waste your money nor theirs. Do your work,but don’t forget to have fun when you’re done.
I have been counting down the days until college since before graduation and now that I am here and it is everything I had hoped for and more, I could not be happier. I’m very excited for what the years to come have to offer me. But for now, I’m just trying to figure everything out just like everyone else, and I may need some help from time to time but I wouldn’t want it any other way.
