First Semester Taught Me Lessons To Get Me Through College
Start writing a post
Student Life

8 Crucial Things I Learned During My First Semester

With second semester here, these are some extremely valuable lessons I learned during my first semester.

Mary Clare Halpin
Feb 08, 2019
Kansas State University
558
8 Crucial Things I Learned During My First Semester
EveryPixel

Life is very different going from high school to college. Literally, everything changes and there is nothing you can do about it but embrace it. Here are a few of the things that I have learned during my first semester of college:

1. High school made us feel REALLY special. 

In high school, leadership opportunities were easier to attain. I could study the night before an exam and still get an A and doing my homework the night before it was due was perfectly acceptable. In my first semester of college, I learned how to work, and then how to work harder. I learned how to prioritize, plan out my week, and what energy drink works best.

2. Failure. 

I have become a firm believer that the first semester of your freshman year is designed for your own personal small (or big) failures. While starting to live on your own for the first time on top of being exposed to many new different ways to use your time and taking college classes, how could you not run into a few slip-ups? After all, you can't see without a few L's. I learned that, while you may have not succeeded in all the ways you wanted to this semester, what is really important is how you choose to grow from your small (or big) failures you had this semester.

3. "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." 

In the craziness of college, I learned that there are so many things that will not only not go our way, but also there are so many things that we cannot control. However, we can control our attitudes all the time. I've learned to try to keep a smile on my face, be optimistic, and go the extra mile for others is the keep to being in control and having a joyful life.

4. Don't be afraid to embrace the awkward. 

This is quite possibly the most valuable lesson I've learned all semester. Talking to people in the elevator, going to events alone and introducing myself to strangers, and sitting at lunch with people that are sitting by themselves has helped me grow more than anything I've done all year. I've learned how to have conversations with all types of people, and I've learned how to be confident in myself. It hasn't been easy, but people appreciate it more than you would think.

5. Find your "spot."

Being surrounded by roommates, classmates, and sorority/fraternity people almost 24/7 can be extremely overwhelming when combined with the stress of college. Finding a quiet "spot" that is all your own that you can go to escape all the craziness of college is extremely valuable. A spot in a park, a table in the corner of a coffee shop, or even a store can all be great potential spots.

6. Make an effort to find out who you are and what's important to you. 

College is an extremely valuable time to find who you are and start to figure out your future. I've learned that it is extremely valuable to spend time thinking about people you admire, morals you have, and what makes your heart beat as you make decisions and form friendships that will affect the rest of your life.

7. "Fake it until you make it." 

I've learned that faking can be more valuable than you think. If you want to be a good student, faking it by going to class and spending time studying can actually help you do well. If you want to be a happier person, smiling and being optimistic can actually make you feel happier. While convincing others, you start forming habits and find that you're convincing yourself.

8. Have fun!

I've also learned to make time to have fun or do things for yourself. Drive with the windows down, read a couple chapters of a book, or go to Taco Bell in the middle of the night with your friends. We are only in college once, so enjoy and make the most of it.

college
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
13990
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
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
291303
​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.

Smith College
88967
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
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
151461
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
58271
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments