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I've Adapted To College, Yes, But Knowing These 10 Things Would Have Been Nice Beforehand

Adapting to the college life is intimidating yet once you get the hang of it, you will have the time of your life.

Pascale Bushaw

Feb 20, 2019

Arizona State University

382

I've Adapted To College, Yes, But Knowing These 10 Things Would Have Been Nice Beforehand

Pascale Bushaw

Before going to college, I was very nervous about what might happen with my friendships back home, how much homework I will have, if I will make the right group of friends, etc. I am not going to lie, it did take me a while to adjust to living on my own yet I can officially say I am getting the hang of it.

1. Learn How To Be Good At Time Management

One thing I struggled with during the first few weeks of college was learning how to balance my school work with my social life. Each course load is pretty intense and require hours of homework each week. On top of that, you need to balance out your social life so you can make sure you are still having fun while working toward getting a degree. By learning how to be good at time management, it becomes almost effortless to balance everything out.

2. Join Anything and Everything You Want To Do

When coming to college, I was overwhelmed by the number of opportunities handed to me. The clubs, Greek life, internships, and jobs, there are so many opportunities that you can take advantage of. One thing that I focused on was joining clubs that not only sparked my interest but also clubs that went along with my major. This helped me immensely because I can now start to build up my resume, starting as soon as freshman year.

3. It Is Okay To Feel Overwhelmed

If I tried, I don't think I could count the number of mental breakdowns I've had within just one semester. Whether it be friendships, schoolwork, relationships, it seemed never-ending at times. When running into an issue, all you can do is breathe and try to figure out a solution as quickly as possible. College is stressful in so many aspects and everyone is going through the same thing you are so it is completely okay to feel like it is too much at times. Just remember that whatever the situation may be, it won't last forever.

4. It's Time To Become An Adult

Get ready to clean your own bathroom, set your own alarms, do your own laundry, and make your own food. The world is in your hands now and you control everything. I cherish the times before college when I would wake up to breakfast made by my parents but now I am relying on dining hall food or whatever I can find in my fridge to keep my stomach from growling. This is something that I struggled with at first but now I love being able to do everything on my own. You will find yourself at times wearing the same clothes multiple days in a row because you are too lazy to do your laundry but after all, it's a learning experience.

5. Greek Life Is Amazing

Before coming into college, I was a little hesitant on what I wanted to join when I got here, especially Greek life. I can confidently say that I will never regret joining a sorority. Through all of the friendships I have made, the events, the social life, it is all amazing. Greek life definitely isn't for everyone but if you have an interest in joining, I say you do so.

6. Take Control Of Your Free Time

College is jam-packed with many things on your to-do list. Once you get the time to relax, do it. You do not want to be running yourself out by going out every night or going to every sporting event because trust me, this will start to take a toll on your body. Personally, I love being a busy bee but just being able to sit and relax every once in a while is the best feeling.

7. Deadlines Are Important

In high school, many of us could get away with late assignments due to many excuses but once college hits, it is due when it is due. Getting your assignments in on time could make it or break it for your grade. If you forget to turn in an assignment, chances are you will get a zero and that could damage your grade more than you could imagine. Focus on when things are due and get rid of the habit of procrastinating because it will only help you in the long run.

8. Reach Out To Your Professors

Your professors are there to help you. If you have a question, email them or schedule an appointment during their office hours if you are struggling in a course. Most professors will be happy to help and only want you to succeed. It may be intimidating at first to ask for help but you are here for an education and they know that.

9. Making Friends Is Easy

When you first come to college, everyone is trying to make new friends. Trust me, everyone is in the same boat. Being a social person, this was fairly easy because I love getting to know others. If you struggle with this, join a club, walk around campus, talk to your classmates, or reach out to people in your dorm. Almost everyone is super friendly and you will truly see that it is easy to make friends.

10. Have Fun

College shouldn't be all work and no play. After all, you are here for 4 years and you are in a new environment, so take advantage of that. Have fun but not too much fun because you still want your focus to be school. College goes by a lot faster than you think it does so why not take advantage of all of the good times you are having.

Overall, college is amazing. Having the freedom to do your own thing is by far one of my favorite things. There is so much more advice I could give to students starting their first year in college but for now, the 10 things listed are what I wish I would've known before coming to college.

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Recommended for you

I've Adapted To College, Yes, But Knowing These 10 Things Would Have Been Nice Beforehand

Adapting to the college life is intimidating yet once you get the hang of it, you will have the time of your life.

1. Learn How To Be Good At Time Management

2. Join Anything and Everything You Want To Do

3. It Is Okay To Feel Overwhelmed

4. It's Time To Become An Adult

5. Greek Life Is Amazing

6. Take Control Of Your Free Time

7. Deadlines Are Important

8. Reach Out To Your Professors

9. Making Friends Is Easy

10. Have Fun

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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