Anyone else remember the show Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide? I loved that show, it was my go to show after middle school everyday. Now that I'm out of high school I wish they would've made a version for college. Some days are tough here, and most days I still have no idea what I'm doing. A guide of all the ins and outs of the college life would be great right now. So since they didn't make a college version of Ned's Declassified and most likely won't, I decided to make a survival guide of my own, but specifically for Ursinus College.
1. STUDY.
Lets be honest, you won't regret the amount of time you spend on studying.
2. Be careful what you eat at upper Wismer.
It's not always cooked...or edible.
3. Pack your rain boots.
It rains a lot and I mean A LOT.
4. Find your designated party buddy.
You'll have your rough nights, we all do. Your party buddy can lend a hand.
5. Don't take that 8 am...you can't do it.
You think you can because you did it in high school, but you can't. You'll be pulling all nighters, watching Netflix, doing laundry, or showering. 8 am is for sleeping.
6. Get involved.
Join a club, try out for a sports team, do research, become a tutor, get a job. It's a great way to meet new people!
7. Don't do random rooming.
There's weird people at college, especially Ursinus. Find your roomie and avoid random rooming at all costs.
8. If you're sick, do us all a favor and go to wellness.
Don't be that person that spread their germs. We don't want them. You have excused absences for a reason.
9. You will get homesick and you will be okay.
Call your mom, call your friends, you'll see them soon, you aren't gone forever.
10. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Talk to your professors, ask your classmates, get a tutor. It's okay to ask for help, sometimes we all need it.
11. Rent your textbooks.
Save yourself some money, rent your textbooks. There's so many websites (Amazon!!) that offer cheaper prices. You're a broke college student now, every penny counts my friend.
12. Find your study place and keep it a secret.
The library is a hot spot to study...who would've guessed. However there are various other places and buildings to study. Find your own place to study and don't tell anyone.
13. Don't go to Jazzman's at 11 am.
You'll wait at least 40 mins for your bagel, or your coffee. It's the prime time to go to Jazzman's and the line is endless. Save yourself the trouble and go later.
14. Break out of the Ursinus bubble.
Sometimes you need a break. Even if its a quick walk off campus, or an escape from wismer to get some human food. Break out of the bubble, you'll appreciate it. It's good for your mental well being. The bubble is real.
15. Appreciate alone time.
It's a small campus, alone time is almost impossible. If you get a minute or 30 to yourself appreciate it.
16. Avoid the gym from 3-5 pm.
This is the prime time after classes and before dinner. Most sports teams work out at this time. It's best to find a different time to hit the gym.
17. It's okay to make friends outside of your year.
You're in college now, no one cares what year you're in. We're all adults here. Find the people you get along with and don't overthink it.
18. Don't be a try hard.
This isn't high school. A 4.0 is not easily accomplished. Don't stress yourself out too much. It's okay to be wrong. It's okay wot make mistakes. A "B" is a great grade. Remember no one likes a try hard, not even your professors.
19. Pack extra snacks.
You can never have enough food and late night study sessions make you a little hungry. And most days the food isn't appetizing and some of your favorite snacks will save your life.
20. Take advice that anyone gives you.
No one is out to get you. Whatever they say will help. Don't take it for granted.
