College is a whole new chapter in life. It’s that time where you leave home and you learn to face things on your own. I’ve been at college for a little over nine months now and within those nine months I have learned so much. I don’t mean education wise but life wise.
1. The value of a dollar is a lot more than you think.
I’ll be honest, I have a spending problem. Even getting $20 is a jackpot for me, that buys me at least a week of Starbucks. In high school, all I did was spend spend spend. I never saved a single cent. Now that I’m at college, I don’t have a job (yet), and I’m not home to do chores to earn money – every cent counts.
2. You can’t take on the world.
My mom was the one who told me this. I’ve always had a problem with finding something that is wrong and having to fix it. Eventually it all adds up and sooner or later you realize that the weight on your shoulders isn’t all of your weight. This lesson is a bit harder to come to terms with.
3. Not everyone is going to be in your life forever.
Within the few months that I’ve been at college, I have learned who needs to stay in my life and who I had to kick out. This has always been a hard subject for me because it’s hard to let go to benefit yourself. However, if someone isn’t good for you or your mental health, then they shouldn’t be in your life. Even though the memories can be fun, college helps you realize who sticks around and who doesn’t.
4. It’s okay to admit when you’re sad.
Being sad is normal. Being frustrated is normal. Having feelings is normal. But sometimes it’s hard to admit when you’re upset with the world and just want to sit in the shower and cry. Since college, I’ve learned that struggling with depression is almost common with college students and that it’s okay to admit these things. Just remember, you’re not alone.
5. Sleep is VALUABLE.
My friends have always teased me for going to bed earlier than they do. However, this life lesson has proven to be one of the best things I’ve learned since college. I haven’t pulled an all-nighter yet and I managed to make the Dean’s List last semester. Shooting to get at least eight hours of sleep honestly helps with your brain.
6. Confidence is NOT easy to find.
Finding my confidence is the third on my list of New Year’s resolution that I plan to achieve. This is probably one of the hardest things to figure out. There are people in my life that have found their confidence and made it seem easy, and bravo to them but I have learned that this takes time and patience.
7. Putting yourself first doesn’t make you conceited.
This ties in along with number two, taking on the world. Growing up, I always managed to put myself last and my own happiness last. However, since I entered the college life, I have started to understand how important I am as a human being and that I matter, that I need to put myself first.
8. College is hard and it’s not for everyone.
Yes, I love college but it’s hard. I haven’t quite yet mastered how to plan my time around everything that I’m involving myself in and study time. But I’ve met people where they admitted they weren’t glad they came to college because of the level of stress students feel. College is what you make it.
9. Being organized saves majority of your sanity.
From the first day of being on my college campus, I have taught myself to be super organized. It’s so easy to fall behind in college. My planner is my lifeline, I write everything in it. If something is super important I write it out two more times to remind myself just what needs to be done.
10. Family and friends are the most important things you have.
I took my parents for granted in high school, always arguing with them and what not. But when I went to college, it honestly opened my eyes. Family and friends are the most important thing you have because of the amount of love and support they give you. This may be a cliché statement but support is important in college. This is the time where every choice and action matter. Your family and friends support you from the smallest things to the biggest things, cheering you on every step of the way. Every time I go home and hug my parents for at least five minutes each, I thank them for all the love and support they give me. I owe everything to them.
