What I Learned During My First Semester of College | The Odyssey Online
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What I Learned During My First Semester of College

Sh** Happens but, so does some amazing sh**

Meghan Rose Murphy
Dec 26, 2016
University of New Hampshire
35
What I Learned During My First Semester of College
Meghan Murphy

You Don’t Have to Gain the Freshman 15

Because I joined the rowing team (And love it) I was able to go down 1-2 dress sizes in 3 months… Yah, I shocked myself!

Naps are ESSENTIAL

Call me a baby or grandpa… I love em’

I Spend Little to No Time in My Dorm

Literally, there’s always something to do or somewhere else to be. Whether it’s hanging in the game room, eating food at the dining commons, doing homework in the library or just spending time in the gym…

College Partying is Something You Choose, Not Something That Happens to You

Protecting yourself is so important, and it’s absolutely okay to wait until you feel comfortable going to a party and drinking, or anything of that nature. Seriously, if your body and heart is saying no, then listen!

Put Your Name on EVERYTHING

The number of things stolen from me, or that I’ve lost is ridiculous.

I Need to Schedule the Majority of My Life

I love making willy-nilly plans but, when it comes to making sure I get my work done while still taking care of myself, my Google Calendar has become a part of who I am.

It Sounds Dumb but, You Regret the Chances You Don’t Take and the Things You Don’t Do

I’m not saying to continuously put off homework to go hang out with friends or do illicit things. I am saying, the times when you could either get ahead on a paper or go to a hockey game on a Friday night, try to make life work so you can go to the hockey game, or concert on campus, experience a new town, meet new people… College is WAY MORE than just academia.

Use the University’s Resources

Literally. You’re (or your parents are) paying for them. I struggled terribly in a good chunk of my classes and it wasn’t until halfway through the semester that I found the time and courage to take advantage of the campus’ math center or my professor's office hours. They are so worth it!!!!

People:

You’ll make some amazing new friends who you have a lot in common with

You’ll also meet people you never really want to see again… you don’t have to. This is very different than high school, and I am so fortunate for a large campus and the freedom to be with who I want. Don’t be mean, but understand you are not obligated to be with anyone you don’t want to or feel uncomfortable with.

Give people a chance! Sometimes those people you were unsure about, could be better than you thought. Take that risk once in while, it may surprise you.

People are better than you think.

It Goes By WAAAAAAAY Faster Than High School

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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