College is a struggle. I made the typical mistakes like waiting too long to start a paper, forgetting to get my advising hold lifted by my advisor, and only eating quesadillas for 3 months. Here are some things that I think are relatable to most college students.
1. Not starting a 35-page paper until the day before
Been here, not a good idea. Not only did it take me a month to recover mentally, but I honestly could have gotten a better grade even if I just started it 2 days before
2. Eating whatever, because you forgot to pack a lunch
Freshman 15 is a real thing, so is an additional 15 pounds every year. When I used to get hungry I would just go to the dining hall and get the only thing that was always good, a quesadilla. After 1 year of that, I realized it's a bad idea. Now I pack multiple healthy snacks to munch on. It keeps me full, and it also gives me fuel that my body likes and can easily be burned off.
3. Picking classes that look easy
Sometimes you pick general education classes because they look easier than some of the other ones offered. Looks can be deceiving. Some of the classes that I thought would be a cakewalk have been the hardest classes I HAVE EVER TAKEN. Other classes that are supposedly hard can sometimes be easier than you think because you know to expect more work.
4. Waking up 20 minutes before class
This use to be my struggle. I have a 15-minute drive to school, and I would wake up at 7:40 for my 8 am class. The best thing to is to pack up all my bags (lunch and school bag) the night before. I also learned to pack my breakfast in with my lunch the night before and get my clothes ready the night before. When I forget to do that stuff I cannot make myself be on time.
5. Scheduling one class after another
I ALWAYS make this mistake. Sometimes giving yourself enough time to get a coffee between classes can help you focus, be present, and not lose your mind.
6. Taking too many credits
Graduating in four years is great, but you can also graduate even earlier if you choose. The only thing that you lose is your mind. I took 20 credits last semester, and while I am technically graduating early, it was a lot of hard work and I could not dedicate enough time to each class. Take care of yourself.
7. Not taking enough credits
On the flip side if you are not taking enough classes you can lose your FAFSA, and even have to pay more for only being part-time. A way to get around this at my college is to take early spring classes. Their credits go towards Spring Semesters. So basically I am only taking 10 credits, but I am considered full time because I took 4 credits over Christmas break.
8. Not doing the readings
You pay for the class, why not do the work?! If you are struggling to keep up with readings, do not worry about reading every word. Try to skim the readings or catch up later.
9. Not using all your resources
They are there! I just recently found out about a couple programs that I WISH I would have taken advantage of my first year! You pay for them, why not use them?
10. Not making friends
Friends not only help you feel like you are not sinking under the weight of your textbooks. They help you remember that there are greater things than getting straight As, being relatable. Your friends are one in a million and are indispensable.
In conclusion, college can be hard, yes, but it will be so worth it. College is not the best day of your life, every day during it, and when you are done, will get better and better.
