My 12th floor friends and I have only been college students for exactly one month. We have had to learn how to adapt to being away from home, living with a roommate, managing our time, public transportation, and fattening dining hall food. Here is a list of some of the important life lessons and "hacks" we have learned and accumulated from our first 31 days at Wagner:
1. Be yourself. Don't waste time being someone that you're not or spending time with "fake", superficial, judgmental people. Your real friends will accept you for being who you are. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you.
2. ALWAYS wear flip flops in the shower. Always.
3. Set alarms. In order to wake up on time for your 8 A.M., always remember to set multiple alarms and double check that the volume is loud enough to wake you up. Allow yourself plenty of time for your morning routine, walking uphill to Starbucks, waiting in line, and getting to class. "To be late is unacceptable."
4. Save your quarters (preferably in a jar). And don't forget them when you take the elevator 12 flights down to the basement to do your laundry.
5. Make your bed everyday. Do it first thing in the morning. This simple task will prevent you from staying in it all day and increase your productivity.
6. Get the Google Photos app. If your phone is running low on storage space and you want to capture every amazing college experience, get this app ASAP. You should take LOTS of photos of your adventures... Just make sure you aren't spending all your time on your phone.
7. Take risks. Want to run for student rep, audition for a play, or tryout for a sports team? Just go for it! You have nothing to lose and you never know what could happen if you open yourself to new opportunities.