Lessons for the Less-Than-Enthralled
Start writing a post
Student Life

Lessons for the Less-Than-Enthralled

Advice After One Year

215
Lessons for the Less-Than-Enthralled
Phoebe Trush

This is my last week on campus as a freshman in college. To tell the complete truth, I have no idea how this happened. I am in denial and have no clue where the past year went!

I want to share some tips and confessions with my friends who are nearing the end of high school and entering college. Here are some of the lessons I've learned, made especially for those who are less-than enthralled to be entering a new chapter. There's 8 in the list for no particular reason, but 8 is a good number I guess :)

1. Dorm Life Is Great, and Awful.

Don't be afraid to hide from everybody when you need to. Some people (hint hint: me) take more time than others to adjust to the living situation at college, and it's okay to take your time. Acknowledge the frustrations and find a way to live with them; don't forget to have fun and take advantage of living on a floor with your friends!

2. You might not meet "the one" as soon as you get to college.

No, you almost definitely won't. This is kind of a joke, but I share it because I had a silly idea that I would get to college and just meet the guy I had been waiting for! I was wrong. Don't set up this expectation for yourself, because disappointment will be waiting for you.

3. People don't care about your appearance as much as you do.

It's not a big deal if you walk into the dining hall in sweatpants. Don't let yourself get stuck in the rut of assuming that you always have to look like a queen, because nobody cares. It's even a little narcissistic to assume that everybody is always looking at you and caring about what you wear, so just stop comparing yourself to others. You are fabulous.

4. It's okay to say yes.

Seriously, hang out with people even if they're not in "your group". It's a great time to explore, make new friends, and meet people you would typically assume are not your kind. Don't get stuck in a clique, be a floater. It can be awkward, but it's worth it.

5. It's also okay to say no.

Oh my, so many times I have gone somewhere, done something, or stayed up way too late just because I was invited to. You don't have to do everything. You cannot do everything. Take. Care. Of. Yourself.

6. Don't sacrifice your grades for your social life.

I know, this is not what you've been told. But please consider why you're paying such a large tuition to receive an education. You're not doing all of it to have a perfect social life and to be at the top of the social chain. No, you're paying to learn. Keep your priorities in place.

7. Do your dishes and your laundry.

For the sake or your roommate, your own sanity, and the parents that raised you, clean up after yourself now and you'll be better at "adulting" in the future. The habits you set up now will be with you for a long time, so it's best to make them productive as soon as you can.

8. Call your friends!

...and your family! I underestimated how difficult it would be to actually keep in contact with people at home. Living at a school that's pretty far from home, I don't run into these people on a regular basis and it's hard to keep in touch if there's no effort. So, make the effort.


To my friends going to college this fall, YOU GOT IT. BE YOU. DON'T FAKE IT. YOU WILL MAKE IT.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
writing
Green Chameleon

Welcome to June on Odyssey! Our creators have a fresh batch of articles to inspire you as you take a break from campus life. Here are the top three response articles of last week:

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

No Boyfriend, No Problem

Why it is okay to not be in a relationship when you are 19

1774
No Boyfriend, No Problem
Blakeley Addis

I think that as a 19 year old girl that is in college, we often get caught up in the idea of being in a relationship.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Summer Slump

Summer isn't alway just fun in the sun.

2190
Summer Slump

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, hanging out with friends, and living it up, but for some people, that's not the case. Summer is a nightmare for idle minds. Let me explain what I mean by that. For people with mental illness having the extra time to think and relax can be devastating for their mental health. Now, this isn't a problem for everyone but for some people who suffer from mental illness, this is a reality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Which "Star Wars" Character Are You Based On Your Zodiac Sign

"The Rise of Skywalker" really got me thinking...

2085
Which "Star Wars" Character Are You Based On Your Zodiac Sign

Here we go...

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

NYC Classrooms struggle with marijuana and high students

The Cannabis landscape has changed, and so have what schools experience

1711
Weed
Instagram
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported that about 35.7% of 12th graders in the U.S. had used marijuana in the past year, and 11.8% reported daily use. As for coming to school under the influence, specific statistics can be hard to come by, but there is concern that the increasing social acceptance of marijuana may lead to higher rates of use among teenagers.
Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments