As August continues to fly by and many of my friends are returning to school, I can't seem to shake this sense of melancholy. No longer do I have to worry about buying school supplies or energy drinks to fuel my academia through many a college night. Seeing as this will be the first year since kindergarten void of a "first day of school," I find it only fitting to share five tips I wish I had known before move-in day my freshman year.
1. Your roommate arrangement probably won't be perfect.
When I first got to school four years ago, I was both excited and nervous to be sharing a small room with someone I had never met before. Of course, everyone hopes for an amazing roommate match-up that leaves you with a new best friend, but it's far more likely that the pairing will be less than ideal. If conflict does arise, don't be too hard on yourself, not all living situations are necessarily meant to work out. Just be sure to clearly communicate your sentiments with your roommate as well as your Resident Adviser. The sooner you express your feelings on the issue, the quicker you can find a new, more compatible match.
2. Don't fret if you fall short on a test, class, or semester.
Looking back, there were so many restless nights spent worrying about my grades. Whether I hadn't prepared well enough for a test or I was looking at a low class grade for the semester, the stress consumed me. At the end of my four years, these nights were somewhat wasted. Don't spend your free time being overly self-critical for a bombed test, just look forward and do your absolute best work going ahead.
3. Take care of yourself.
College may be a fresh and exciting experience, but it can certainly leave you run down and sometimes even sick. Listen to your body and don't push yourself too hard if you're truly under the weather. Take the day off, get some sleep, eat well and take a multivitamin. Over-exertion will only exacerbate that sore throat or headache. When speaking about taking care of yourself, you cannot neglect your mental health, as it's easy to become overwhelmed and swallowed up by your new surroundings. Take time to meditate, listen to your favorite songs, and talk to friends and loved ones if you notice a change in your mood or emotional state. Being cognizant of your physical and mental health as much as possible is integral to a successful and enjoyable college experience.
4. Don't box yourself in too quickly.
Sure, you'll have friends, and maybe even romantic relationships that sprout up right when you get on campus. It's always great to have a support system, a home away from home, but don't limit yourself. There are so many people to meet, even at a small school. Don't close yourself off too quickly, you may miss out on the friendship of a lifetime as a result. In addition, you'll be meeting a lot of new intriguing and sometimes off-putting personalities. Try to keep an open mind when you meet someone for the first time, the most unexpected people may end up being your closest confidants.
5. Be selfish.
These four years are a time for learning, friendship, and new experiences, but most importantly, they're a time for personal growth. Don't be hesitant to put yourself first, be selfish. If you don't want to go to that huge party, don't do it. If you really want to sing at your school's talent night, go for it! It sounds so simple, but sometimes your own voice gets lost in a sea of "suggestions" projecting from those around you. At the end of the day, you know what's best for your well being physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Don't ever allow that to be compromised.
Hang in there, you'll be glad you did when you get that degree.
Oh, and set more than one alarm every morning, you'll thank me later.
