College is truly the most challenging time in my life mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Since I am only a junior I know that my learning is nowhere near over, but I am dying to share with you the plethora of knowledge that I have gained so far.
1. Dry shampoo does hold all my secrets.
2. Without a budget, you will spend all your change between cookout milkshakes and Taco Bell quesadillas.
3. Text your mom.
"Hey mom, still alive."
4. Never pay for a piercing.
The friend with a needle and an apple will totally save you a few dollars, AND give you a priceless parent trap experience
5. Learn how to email someone back.
This is not a drill, real life people.
6. Time management will be your nemesis.
Write out a schedule with all your classes and when you're going to get that stuff done.
7. Crying (happy and sad tears) has got to happen.
You might even break out the chocolate, life is hard so have a pity party. Then move on.
8. You have to be aggressive with your parking spots.
You might need to come back early because that spot that's a half mile closer to your apartment is so worth it.
9. Never miss out on a friendly outing.
You're with your lifelong friends. Don't throw them to the side.
10. Learn the definition of business casual.
Maybe you should ask your roommate before you leave your apartment.
11. Pray about it.
12. Try to make friends with the cute guys at the gym, maybe it will make you go more often.
13. Carry Febreze so you don't smell like the cafeteria all day.
"Hey girl, you smell good."
"Hehe oh thanks, it's their new scent called fresh cotton."
14. Make yourself a de-stress playlist on Spotify, and then put it on repeat.
15. Force yourself into awkward situations.
You have your whole life to live in the comfortable. Take some risks!!
16. You don't have to shower every day... or even every other day.
Who is here to tell you otherewise?? Dreads are so freaking trendy.
17. Communicate with your professors about how you're doing.
"I don't know why I failed your test, I stayed up all night studying. I drank like 6 cups of coffee and 2 Monsters!"
18. Eat more veggies.
19. Become a Pinterest addict.
It helps you stay motivated. I mean it's pretty much homework for your future, right?
20. Take some personal time.
21. Make some spontaneous decisions.
22. Go on Spring Break with your best friends... and bring some strangers too.
23. Reread the syllabus.
24. Don't be afraid to ask questions in class, everyone else needs to know too.
25. Hydrate... with water.
26. Always say yes to a first date.
It is a free meal.
27. Talk to the people around you in class.
I have found some undercover best friends sitting right beside me.
"Hey do you have any gum?"
28. Exercise needs to be the real MVP.
Endorphins make you happy, and happy people just don't fail classes.
29. Stay in contact with your hometown bestie.
30. Take the road trip.
You might run out of gas money, but think of all the memories!
31. Skip class... but not every day.
32. Do you really need that shirt?
Think about how many quesadillas that could buy.
33. You DO NOT have to buy every textbook.
34. Take advantage of as many opportunities as you can.
TRAVEL, VOLUNTEER, MAKE CONNECTIONS!
35. Write thank you notes.
They might be old school, but who doesn't love a handwritten note??
36. Make a college bucket list.
37. Get connected in a church.
38. FaceTime your family.
"Hey grandma! Look at my new tattoo!!"
39. Tutors are free and it is not embarrassing.
40. Pull at least one all-nighter.
For the sake of "I did it"
41. Make yourself drink coffee. (Heavens nectar)
42. Muffin mix is only $0.99, and you only add water!!!!
43. Buy yourself a razor scooter, and ride it all over campus.
Think of all the steps you're saving.
44. Buy the memory foam topper for your bed.
A lot of things are superfluous and not needed in your dorm room. This is something that you MUST buy.
45. You can only say you were "sick" for one test per class.
"Dear Dr. Smith,
I am so sorry but I have suddenly become deathly ill. I will bring a nurses note on Monday."
46. Don't sleep through your final. (Made that mistake once)
Freshman year, first final, and it was an 8 a.m. Sorry Psychology.
47. Zero calorie soda
Needed.
48. Read your notes before class.
Because who can actually remember what was talked about in class last Monday?
49. Nothing beats a home cooked meal.
Even just the thought of a home-cooked meal can bring me to tears.
50. Practice all your speeches until you can say them in your sleep.
I have seen it happen many times. There will be a walk of shame back to your seat when you forget it all due to lack of practice.
51. Look up all the student discounts.
Food, clothing, and movies... THEY LOVE US.
52. Most of all stay true to self.
New places, new people, and new experiences. Remember who you are because if you don't no one else will.
... and to only think I am only halfway done with this adventure called college.
