As a college kid, it is easy to revert to only looking out for yourself. For many of us, this is our first time away from home, and with that comes the huge responsibility of being our own guardian. While self-preservation is of highest importance, it can never hurt to lend a hand to a fellow classmate as well. While many of the people on campus may be strangers, there are a few universal ways to have any college student's back.
1. If you take someone's laundry out of the washer, put it in the dryer for them.
Everyone hates doing laundry. The process takes forever and is made even more tedious by the limited number of washers and dryers available. Every once in a while, it takes a person a few minutes to get to the laundry room after their clothes are done in the washer. If this is the case, and you see clothes that have been sitting in the washer for a while and need to use that washer, simply move the person's clothes into the dryer and place your own clothes in the washer. This is not difficult and is an easy way to help someone out instead of leaving their wet clothes in the laundry room.
2. If you take someone's clothes out of the dryer, start to fold them.
If you have the time and really need to use a dryer, instead of being self-serving and throwing someone else's freshly cleaned clothes on the table in the laundry room, take their clothes out and begin to fold them. Chances are the person will re-enter the laundry mid-fold and then (a) you won't have to finishing folding all of their clothes and (b) they will be very appreciative; you probably made their day.
3. Share the food you make or receive.
College kids go crazy for food, especially food that is not from the dining hall. When making cookies, offer them to your floor mates and friends. Also, when you get a huge package full of snacks and treats, remember that it is in the best interest of your health to share those as well.
4. Share your notes with people who don't go to class.
While going to class is a crucial part of academic success in college, there are plenty of legitimate reasons for people to miss a day or two. When this happens, offer classmates your notes or offer to go over what you did in class. This takes just a few minutes and can be a lifesaver in difficult courses.
5. Help people who are in rough shape when you go out.
This one should go without saying. When people are too intoxicated and do not appear to have a friend looking out for them, it is important to help them out. Although they may not remember it was you who brought them back to their dorm and put them to bed, this gesture insures their safety and can save them from the dangers of being overly intoxicated.
By taking a little time out of your day to do any number of these things for your fellow student will be rewarding in and of itself. Despite the "every man for himself" mentality that can be common among college students, helping someone else provides good karma and reinforces the golden rule.
