Being in college can be one of the most stressful and life-changing experiences. Whether you are still getting used to living on your own or an old pro, it comes with a great deal of responsibility that we all have to get used to having. However, we still know how to let all the stress fade away for a while. Whether your preferred method of coping is staying in and watching a movie or drinking Jack Daniel'ss after a long day, you can get through just about anything. Who better to show that then America's favorite dramatic family, the Kardashians? No one—that's who.
1. Preparing for the weekend.
Alright, everyone, the weekend is finally upon us. Or if you're feeling rebellious, your weekend begins on Wednesday. If you aren't at "Pub Wednesday," are you actually in college? You already know the second your last class is over, you mind instantly shifts into weekend mode. It may not always make for the best decisions, but you better believe it sets you up to have some of the best times. Whether you decide to unwind at a house party with some beer and jungle juice or you'd rather get a slightly more classy buzz at the bars, the choice is yours to make. Drinking will never be this cheap again in your life, so enjoy it while you still can. $5 for a cup of unlimited beer? Um yes. Always yes. $4 long islands are classy, right? We'll just let you keep thinking that.
2. Hangovers.
This is the direct aftermath of the above. It would appear you didn't seem to keep it as calm, cool and collected as you promised yourself you would. Let's be honest, how often does "I'll just have one drink and be done" actually work for you? Maybe following a beer with a few shots of tequila wasn't your best decision, huh? Yes, the phrase "beer before liquor, never sicker" is a real thing. No need to test it out every weekend. No matter how you got here, you've made your bed and now you have to lie in it. This day is going to be full of messy buns, old makeup from the night before, hands covered in stamps from God knows where and sunglasses. Bright lights and movement are not going to be a thing for you today. And you can forget even attempting to go to the gym. Let's not kid ourselves here.
3. Phone calls home.
As much as you love your family, they always seem to call at the most inconvenient times. It's as if they have a sixth sense for knowing when you're right in the middle of something, I swear. Your usual conversations go something like this: "My classes are fine." "Yes, Mom, I'm getting enough sleep." "No, I won't be home again till May." Parents need love, too, so don't completely blow them off, but keep most responses limited to "mhmm" and "yes" unless you'd like to kill a few hours on the phone. Even though you can't be all too mad because you know you'll just be doing the same thing to your own kids someday. For now, you've still got some sass in you.
4. Going home for break.
The laundry is free and there is a fridge with more than just my Brita filter in it? Sold. Now if your mom is anything like mine, she will try to feed you as soon as you enter the door. Not sure if it's more of a Polish thing or a mom thing but she does it every time without fail. The house is stocked with your favorite snacks that she got just for you (sorry to my older brother). After all, she still thinks of you as her "baby." Although you remind her that you are indeed 21 years old, you don't mind being pampered a little after spending months all on your own.
4. Family parties
Closely related to number three, family parties are certainly a part of what makes going home worthwhile. However, you must be aware of all the poking and prodding that is about to take place. For some reason when you enter college, your family members unload a boat load of questions on you. "What are you studying?" "Where do you go to school?" "Are you still not seeing anyone?" "How are your grades looking?" And last but not least, "Do you know what you want to do in the future/with your major?" By the time you respond to all of these, you feel a bit like a broken record. Be prepared because you will be asked some of these questions at least twice from different family members by the time the night is over. Sure, they are just asking because they care, but shouldn't they just be more happy that you showed up? Deep down, you know they love you and want the best for you, but on the surface, the judgment is so real.
5. Finals week
This is probably going to be one of the more nerve-wracking weeks in your college career. Your emotions will be running high as you are running on little to no sleep combined with the stress of having to remember something that was only briefly mentioned months in advance. I swear I get PTSD from all the test-taking during finals week. No matter how much you study, you still can't help but feel terrified when your teacher says, "OK, now put everything away, except for a pencil." Not to mention if they even hint at the exam being comprehensive, a chill runs down your spine and you may even start to sweat a little. Do I look like Albert Einstein? Expecting students to remember all of the information in all five or more of your classes is beyond ridiculous. Just breathe and remember that you can get through this. Don't forget to still eat, get plenty of rest and budget your time out accordingly. Everything will be alright, I promise.
All your hard work will all be so worth it in the end, and you'll finally be doing something that you love (maybe then your family won't ask you a million questions). Who are we kidding? They still will. Remember to be confident in all that you do even when you're feeling weak. As said by one of my childhood favorites, Winnie-the-Pooh, "Promise me you'll always remember, you're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than think." Take it all in day by day.
