If you know me at all, you know that I cry over literally everything am an emotional person. I cry when I'm happy, angry, upset, anytime really. But the thing that gets my tears really flowing is anything sentimental. So of course I was an emotional wreck last week, when I went to say "goodbye" to two of my graduated friends as they moved out of their college apartment. As we sat crying on the floor of their empty apartment it hit me how fast these four years can go.
My first two years at college have been pretty amazing. I've had some great times and some not so great times that helped me become the person I am now. And I'm sure I'll have so many more of these times in my remaining years. For you lucky little all incoming freshmen, it may seem like four years is an infinite amount of time, but it's not. You need to be making the best of every college moment you can. Here are a few tips on how to make the best of it:
Choose your own major
Yes, your parents might be paying for your education, but this education is a determining factor in where your life is going. Your college experience won't only affect your career, it will change you as a person. Do you want to be changed into the person your parents want you to be or who you want to be? Find something you're passionate about and figure out how to make a career out of it. College and your adult life will be a lot easier if you love what you're doing.
But don't be afraid to change it
During my most recent quarter life crisis, I called my dad to give me some advice about changing my major for the second time. I told him that I didn't know if I would be able to give teaching my all when all I really want to do is write. He told me that if my heart wasn't in teaching, I wouldn't be a very good teacher. He advised me to follow what I'm passionate about first and if it doesn't work out, I can always do something else. If you want to be a doctor but you hate all of your science classes, you might not make the best doctor. You may study like crazy and be the smartest in your class but if you hate what you're doing, you won't be happy.
Meet as many people as you can as early as you can
College memories will be a lot more memorable if you have someone to experience them with. To make friends you'll actually need to talk to people and get close with them. Whether this be through #GoingGreek or just introducing yourself to those in your dorm or classes, you should do this as soon as possible. Having a familiar face in the swarm of students rushing around central campus during the first few weeks can be a lifesaver. if you miss a class and are buddy-buddy with the girl who sits next to you, maybe she'll send you her notes. And it's always nice to have a few people to grab lunch with or go out with on the weekends.
Rid yourself of toxic people
Tired of running into that high school ex-boyfriend you couldn't ever keep as an ex or the group of popular girls that you had to pretend to like? The beautiful thing about finally moving out of your hometown is that you never have to talk to these people again if you don't want to. Sure you'll still be close with some of your high school friends because some true friendships are the ones that you've had your whole life, but if it's a toxic relationship, it'll be more than easy to cut them out.
This goes for the people you meet in college as well. Don't sacrifice your well being just because you want to have friends in college. Even if you're planning on going to a small university, for every one bad friend there are hundreds of possible good friends, just waiting to be made.
Party (or don't) only if you want to
Just don't let people pressure you into partying or guilt you into never going out. Do what you want, just don't let it get in the way of your responsibilities or harm your relationships.
Find something you love
Yes, college is about getting an education and learning how to #adult but it's important to find something to do that makes you happy. Whether it be reading a book that's not required for your classes or volunteering at an animal shelter, being able to do something because you want to will help keep you sane after slaving over a paper for three days straight.
Live with your best friends
They may drive you crazy sometimes, but having someone living right down the hall from you will make life a lot easier when you're having a mental breakdown at 2 a.m. Also, basic apartment things such as grocery shopping, cleaning the apartment or making dinner become so much more fun when you're doing them with your best friends.
Go to class sometimes
Class is kind of important in college so maybe consider going once in a while.
