It's a well-known fact that college is one of the most transformative times of your life. It's the first time you're living without your parents and as a result, you are forced to take on new responsibilities. While I'm sure everyone agrees that by the end of college, you emerge a more mature and wise adult (or so we hope), there are several unexpected things that I learned this year.
1. Coffee is really strong
As a person who has never been into coffee before, I never understood how powerful caffeine really is. It's a blessing and a curse all at the same time!
2. Privilege and inequality are real
For most of my life, I lived in the same town and grew up with the same people, but after going to college I got to meet so many individuals from all over the country who all have very different backgrounds and experiences. College taught me that inequality exists in all forms and that it is important to acknowledge the privilege you have so that you can use it who help other.
3. Working out can be fun!
This is especially true if you go to fitness classes with your friends. There are so many different ways to work out on campus, whether it be trying out body pump, going rock-climbing or taking a swimming class at the pool.
4. It's OK to not know what you want to do
When you first get to college, the way people introduce themselves is by saying their name, their major and usually what their future plans are. As someone who has no concrete idea of what I want to do with my degree, it feels intimidating to be surrounded by people who seem to have their life together. With that said, it's completely OK to not know what you want to do with your life just yet and part of the process is to simply explore and enjoy discovering all the possibilities.
5. It's also OK to not be pre-med
Med school is pretty overrated anyway.
6. Sleep isn't optional
In the midst of studying for midterms and finals, many college students will pull all-nighters and sacrifice their sleep. While this may seem like a good idea, it is critical to get enough sleep and put your mental and physical health first.
7. Study rooms are life changing
It is nearly impossible to study on your bed without falling asleep. Go for a visually aesthetic study room.
8. Food trucks are also life changing
Rutgers is famous for their food trucks and although the lines can be long, they have some of the best food on campus.
9. Spotify Premium is essential
No explanation needed for this one.
10. Professors are people, too
This one seems silly, but taking the time to get to know your professor and talk to them about their class or research truly reveals that while professors can seem larger than life at times, they are human and are committed to helping you succeed.
And now off to a much-needed summer break!
