Last year, one of my best friends was going to college and asked for a list of tips on how to handle the experience of college. As a rising junior, I'm pretty confident that I know my way around the large, confusing maze that's called college life -- for the most part. Even though I still have a few things to learn, here's my list of tips on taking collegiate life head-on.
1. First off, there are a few things you should always have when going to class.
I'm not going to scare anyone off with horror stories, but there are just some things you should always have on hand in your backpack. You never know when emergencies will happen, right? Here are a few things I always make sure to have in my backpack, just in case: keys, ID card, some form of snack, water bottle, umbrella, a small amount of cash, a book to read (optional, but you never know when you'll be stuck somewhere), and Advil. Most of those are pretty basic, but it's always nice to have a guideline to go by.
2. Yes, studying is important, but so is your mental health.
If I could, I would shout this from the rooftops to every college student. As a person who has always strived for good grades, the first semester of college was hard. Perfectionistic ideals? Studying for maybe an hour before a test and still getting an A? All of that is gone. Some classes in college will be the easiest classes you'll ever take while others will require studying for more than 15 hours just to make a 75 on an exam. That's the nature of the beast. So, please, study. Work your hardest. But realize that stressing yourself out and destroying your mental health will not help you in the long run. Take your time. Breathe. It's OK if you get a C on a test -- it's not the end of the world, I pinkie-promise. You'll get back up, better for pushing through your failures.
3. Coursework is fairly light -- until about a month before break. Beware.
This is probably the worst part of college, in my opinion. Instead of having steady assignments throughout the semester, you'll have tests. Probably four, all the same week for every class, with a few smaller assignments not worth much. Yes, it's stressful. Yes, you'll probably cry at least five times final exams week because of the three tests, two research papers, and one essay you have to have done in five days. But you'll make it, possibly a little dead inside by the end of it all.
4. Realize that it takes time to make friends.
Friends in college aren't instant unless you're extremely outgoing. Everyone is confused for the first two months, trying to figure out their new life. While you would think that people would be desperate to find friends, everyone is so new to the college life that, well, it can be a bit awkward. This stage (along with just staying in your room watching Netflix alone) will eventually end, and you'll either meet tons of interesting new people or find your own special group of friends that feels like your home away from home. After all, I'm still making friends almost two years in. Don't rush it -- you'll find your people.
5. If you can, plan out your class schedule for the next four years.
This one doesn't need much explaining, other than that it will make your life 10 times easier. While some colleges already have this planned out for different majors, it's always good to have your own schedule planned out. This is especially useful if, like me, you go to a smaller school where certain classes you need are only offered specific semesters. In other words, plan. Go. Don't waste time.
6. Get involved on campus.
Yes, I know, I sound like your orientation leaders or parents. But seriously, college life is all about getting out and experiencing new things. You can't do that by sitting in your dorm every night watching Netflix. That's also not the way to make friends -- how can people figure out what an amazing person you are if you're always cooped up? Answer: They can't. So put yourself out there! As an introvert with an anxiety disorder, I realize how hard that can be. I really do. But college is all about getting out of your comfort zone. Take some time to figure out what clubs you're interested in, what cultural events the school is hosting that you'll enjoy, and even what's going on downtown next weekend. Some of my best experiences -- getting to meet Buddhist monks, seeing a Taiwanese band, helping bake cupcakes while laughing with new friends -- have all been because I branched out.
7. But also realize it's OK to have some alone time.
Obviously, as an introvert, I'm advocating alone time as well. While social events are so much fun, it will be necessary to recharge your batteries every once in awhile. Take a nap, read your favorite book, binge-watch some Netflix. Finding the perfect balance between exploration and down time is an essential part of college.
8. Eat healthy.
OK, I realize how hard it is to stay away from the fast food, especially if you're lucky enough to have it right on or near campus. While it's a quick and easy fill-up, your body will not thank you. Of course, it's OK to eat junk food every once in a while -- but try to eat fruits and veggies as much as you can. Your body will thank you when the next sickness rolls around and you're still OK -- trust me, mine has.
9. The library is your best friend.
This may be a no-brainer to some, but I know so many people who don't use the library. Literally, people, you're missing out on a life changer! I can't tell you how many times I've gone to the library and found exactly what I needed -- whether that was the perfect study nook, a super helpful research assistant, great databases for a paper, or just a new book to read. As an avid library supporter for most of my life, I will personally be disappointed if you don't use yours while at school. Also, please, please, please, don't wait until a month until exams to go. At that point, everyone would be there, and all the best places would be gone. Claim your territory early and reap the benefits.
10. Take advantage of all that your professors have to offer.
This is another pretty obvious tip that people often don't listen to but really should. While larger universities may be different, I know that at smaller schools, the professors aren't there because they're making insane amounts of money. Yeah, not at all. They're there to teach because they genuinely care for younger generations, for the most part. They want us to learn about and to explore all that the world offers, and, on top of that, without the restrictions that public school poses, they're able to freely teach and interact with you on a more personal level than in high school. It's probably the best thing ever, especially when you can develop mentor-mentee relationships with professors that will last the rest of your life. They can be sources of insight, friends, and even avenues to future jobs -- don't overlook what they do for you.
While there are other topics I could address, this pretty much covers the many highs and lows that college has to offer. It may seem tough at times, but hopefully this will help you appreciate four of the best years of your life.
