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.

3445
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.
beer on the beach

Summer is hot and humid, and it's almost like summer was made specifically to drink the refreshing, cold, crisp wonderful, delicious, nutritious nectar of the gods. Which is none other than beer; wonderful cold beer. With summer playing peek-a-boo around the corner while we finish up this semester, it's time to discuss the only important part of summer. And if you haven't already guessed, it's beer. There are few things I take more seriously than my beer, in order are: sports... and beer. Here are my favorite summer brews:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

7 Reasons SoCal Rocks!

75 degrees and sunny, plus, no humidity. I mean do I really need to say more?

714
woman in black and white long sleeve shirt carrying girl in red jacket in Venice beach
Photo by Jeff Hopper on Unsplash

SoCal summers are the best summers by far, and honestly, no argument is needed. But, if you aren't sure why SoCal summers are the best, here are 7 reasons why!

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

25 Lyrics for Selfie Captions

Because let's be honest, we all use lyrics.

53399
woman takes a selfie for social media
Pixabay

Sometimes you can't think of the perfect caption for your Instagram post. I love using lyrics as my captions because there's so many great lines in songs that just seem to fit in the moment. Here are some lyrics that could work for your selfie or pictures of you with your friends!

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Bruce Springsteen's Top 7 Lyrics

Everything Bruce says in his classic rock songs.

19866
bruce springsteen album cover born in the usa

Anyone who was born and raised in New Jersey (or anywhere really) knows of Bruce Springsteen, whether or not they like him is a whole other situation. I hope that his hundreds of classic rock songs and famous high energy performances, even in his sixties he can put on better concerts than people half his age, are at least recognizable to people of all ages. Love him or hate him (I identify with the former) you have to admit that some of his songs and interviews have inspirational quotes and lyrics.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

New England Summers Are The BEST Summers

Why you should spend your next summer in New England.

3047
Marconi Beach

Three years ago, I chose to attend college in Philadelphia, approximately 360 miles away from my small town in New Hampshire. I have learned many valuable lessons away from home, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in Pennsylvania. One thing that my experience has taught me, however, is that it is absolutely impossible to beat a New England summer.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments