What I Learned After My First Year At College: Covid-19 Edition
Start writing a post
Student Life

What I Learned After My First Year At College: Covid-19 Edition

Covid-19 didn't completely ruin my college experience and I promise it won't totally ruin yours either.

3443
What I Learned After My First Year At College: Covid-19 Edition
Photo by Changbok Ko on Unsplash

I really wanted to make this like a "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide", but for Covid-19, and then I realized that I my experience was not nearly enough to make a TV show out of. However, I think I've learned enough these past few months to share a few good nuggets of truth, so here's everything that I've learned so far.

Even With All Online Classes, Going to Campus was Worth It

Online Learning GIFGiphy

Technically that's a lie- I was able to go into the recording studio not once, but twice! That being said, I barely count those instances because I wasn't able to use any of the equipment and I didn't learn a damn thing. However, after spending my first semester at home, coming to campus was the breath of fresh air that I didn't know I needed. I finally feel the most like an "adult" that I have since I turned 18, which was way back in freaking 2019. Meeting new people, living in a new environment, and getting the hell away from my family was all totally worth the lack of in-person classes.

You WILL Make Friends

good mythical morning friends GIF by Rhett and LinkGiphy

Sometimes it takes a 12-hour long power outage in the middle of winter, but I promise that somehow, someway, you will meet people and become friends with some of them. Not everyone you meet will instantly become your friend, and that's okay. It takes a few weeks to figure out who you really click with, especially when you can't hang out as much due to Covid-19 restrictions. Give things time, and if you're really struggling just know that you're not the only one. Joining a student organization will 100% help with getting to know people, so do yourself a favor and find one if you haven't already.

It’s Good to be Prepared, But Preparing For Everything is Impossible

season 6 netflix GIF by Gilmore Girls Giphy

For those with anxiety this can be super scary, but I promise it's not a big deal. Surprises happen, and as much as you might want to plan for everything, sometimes sh*t happens that you can't control. You might end up outside in the cold at 12 a.m. in nothing but a robe after the fire alarm goes off, and there's not much you can do to prepare for that. Always make sure to have the essentials in your dorm (medicine, cleaning products, clean clothes), but trying to have things for every possible scenario just isn't feasible, so stop trying to fit extra crap that you don't need into your moving boxes.

The Food Doesn’t Suck

hungry chicken tenders GIF by Roanoke CollegeGiphy

Will some of it be super gross and totally unappealing? Heck yeah, but you won't know how bad something is until you try it at least once, so go ahead and use that meal plan that you paid for to good use! There are so many options to choose from when it comes to dining hall food, so make sure to give everything a fair chance before you knock it. Chances are you'll be pleasantly surprised by the food, and even more so by the desserts.

Sometimes You Just Gotta Live Your Life

Talk Show Reaction GIF by iOne DigitalGiphy

When you start college, people will constantly be giving you unsolicited advice- don't date during your freshman year, always make friends with your RA, don't room with a friend from high school, blah blah blah. The only person who can decide any of those things is you, so don't listen to what everyone else is saying. You've gotta make mistakes and learn what works for you because that's how life works. Sorry, I don't make the rules here/

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

96630
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments