Even though you thought you knew it all in high school, college teaches you how to really become an adult. There are life lessons that you learn outside the classroom that will shape the person who you were always meant to be. Here are nine things that every college student realizes during their time at school.
1. Becoming independent
I wouldn’t say that I am fully independent just yet, but baby steps. You’re not there yet if you’re still on your family’s cell phone plan. I have learned how to have intellectual conversations, how to make an adult phone call. Getting nasty with the Sodexo staff will not make the food any tastier. Be kind. Laundry will not do itself (It will not fold and put itself away either).
2. You find your “people”
It’s hard to envision my weekends without you. Thank you for laughing at my jokes that weren’t funny…… And for not judging my dance moves after 1 am. I really think I’m a professional after a few drinks, just go with it.
3. Mastering proper study habits
High School had taught me how to study for a test in ten minutes, but college has taught me that if I want to be here that rule simply does not exist. A professor once taught me that studying a little material every day is essential. Take 10 to 15-minutes each day, analyze it and remember it. Do not cram, it’s useless. It’s almost just as bad as not studying at all, I promise you.
4. Getting less than eight hours of sleep is okay
Whether you are up all night studying for a tough exam or having a little too much fun at the bar. 8 hours Is for children and adults, we’re in the in-between mark. So, it doesn’t count. Go to class with the largest cup of coffee you can find, if you don’t like coffee, drink it anyway.
5. How to balance school work with a social life
I cannot express enough how important it is to balance the two. If you want to make it out of college alive, you need to get out, at least, one night a week (two for me). College doesn’t always mean you have to drown yourself in cheap beer. Try a movie, a dinner date with your girlfriends or meet new people.
6. Calling your mother is cool
Talking to my mother is a keen way to blow off some steam. She’s the best to talk to because she is obligated to listen to your stupid college stories on how that girl threw up all over the bathroom last Saturday. Even better, she keeps all of your secrets. Mother’s will give you the best advice. She is the one person that will be 100% honest about your stupid choices. Appreciate her honesty.
7. You learn better cleaning habits
Leaving toothpaste all over the sink just isn’t acceptable anymore. Living with a roommate, it is courteous not to leave your clothes all over the bathroom floor. (Weekends are acceptable) I have learned keeping a cleaner living space is easier.
8. It’s okay to eat the last slice of pizza
Staying skinny shouldn’t be the main concern. Being healthy is important, but it isn’t everything. I am a calorie counting enthusiast, but it is okay to pig out every now and then. My friends have taught me that weight is just a number. Appreciate your metabolism while you still can. Remember, we’re still in our early 20’s.
9. You appreciate home
I cannot express how much I miss my sister talking about her daily runs. I haven’t fully ran a mile since middle school, but I still admire her company. I cherish real home cooked meals and the comfort of my not so organized bedroom. Taco Tuesday sadly isn’t a thing here at school. Driving around what was so familiar is one of the better feelings. Seeing old friends, they make you feel like a kid again. New surroundings are exciting but old places is comfortable. If possible, try to visit home more often.
