As weekend festivities come to an end, college students are suddenly forced to confront their endless lists of looming responsibilities.Whether it means facing your advisor and finally choosing a major or writing that six page research paper due…tomorrow, the words of J.K. Rowling provide just the push of motivation necessary to get you to next weekend. Although our campus is not exactly plagued with a plethora of soul-sucking dementors, these ten ‘Harry Potter’ quotes are undoubtedly applicable to the struggles of everyday life as a college student.
Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
After hours of studying from dawn to dusk, sometimes you just need to tear your eyes away from your computer screen, turn the lights on, and go grab a carton of your favorite Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. At least I think that’s what Rowling meant by this quote…
Age is foolish and forgetful when it underestimates youth. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
This is to all of the professors that try to tell us procrastinators we won’t be able to successfully finish their assignments if we wait until the night before to begin them. Bring it on, Teach – I’ve written 24 pages in one night; I guarantee I can tackle your lab report in the two hours prior to the class it’s due.
The things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always in the way we expect. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
I think (at least I hope) I speak for all college students when I say that losing one’s belongings has accidentally become a daily habitual action. Whether it’s your room key, your headphones, or your dignity, the incessant search for each lost item remains a constant source of anxiety. Never fear – Rowling assures us each of our lost treasures will surely all turn up when and where we least expect them.
One can never have enough socks. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
This one really doesn’t need much explaining. Doing laundry is undeniably painful, especially for those spoiled few that never had to do it themselves before coming to college. Easy solution – Once you run out of clean clothing, just purchase more. I’m sure your parents will understand!
It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
I don’t possess the ability to name every European country on the map, nor do I possess the ability to carry out the extent of the Pythagorean Theorum, let alone define it. I do, however, always choose Dining Common omelets over making my own and I always choose wearing sweatpants to class rather than wearing my best dress. So thank you, J.K. Rowling, in reassuring me that it is my choices that define me rather than my abilities (or my lack thereof).
Don’t let the Muggles get you down. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Unfortunately, we live in a world entirely composed of Muggles. Some days, however, it seems as if all of them are rooted against you. It’s Monday – You’re already late to class, and someone knocks your coffee out of your hand. It spills all over you, and someone passing asks whether you’re aware of the fact that your crotch is completely soaked. Upon your arrival, your professor decides to lecture the entire class on the inappropriate nature of showing up 15 minutes late, and now you’re debating where the nearest cliff is located for you to throw yourself off its edge. Well, as J.K. Rowling once said, don’t give those Muggles the time of day. You’re better than that.
Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Our college years serve as a time in which each of us is meant to take chances, make mistakes, and welcome new experiences. Whether pursuing a “flighty temptress” or welcoming a risen opportunity for adventure (extra points for hitting two birds with one stone) it is important to remain open to unfamiliar faces and activities you may have never tried. Say hello to the person sitting next to you in class, or attend a Zumba class at the gym; anything to keep the weekdays fresh and exciting.
Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean it is not real? Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
This is for all of you that spend class staring at the attractive human sitting in front of you, daydreaming about your potential conversations and thinking of ways in which you may be forced to interact, instead of paying attention to the monotonous lesson your teacher has chosen for today’s lecture. Don’t worry, just because you’ve never actually spoken in real life doesn’t mean you aren’t, like, toootally the cutest couple on campus.
Well, he should have some chocolate, at the very least. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
It is scientifically proven that chocolate can cure anything and everything… Okay – That’s not completely true, but it does do a great job relieving the consequences of a majority of life’s possible complications. Is your roommate bummed about a bad grade? Buy them a Hershey’s bar! Friend upset over a recent breakup? Reese’s. Ran an extra mile at the gym today? Treat yourself – Go grab some M&M’s. There isn’t much that chocolate won’t help.
Not my daughter, you bitch! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Admittedly, this quote has little to do with college life. Although I can’t speak for everyone, I doubt many of us are faced with a deranged Bellatrix Lestrange pointing a wand at our beloved teenage daughter. I guarantee you cannot watch this scene, however, without cracking a huge smile. Something about Mrs. Weasley’s badass save makes me feel like I can conquer the world – or at least like I can make it through the week.
