College is full of firsts. You have your first time being away from home, first time in a large lecture, first time having a roommate, first time eating ice cream for breakfast (Fact: Ice cream is good at any time of day). I always made fun of hot pocket commercials on TV, little did I know they are little pockets of oowey gooey awesomeness. That's what college is about-- trying new things and experimenting, you never know what you'll find out. I've learned a lot in college, mostly survival skills paired with the occasional studying tips. To every senior in high school, please remember this list, and to everyone already in or graduated from college maybe you can relate.
1. Figure out when and where food is available at all hours of the day.
Look online and memorize all of your dining halls hours. You need to know when food will be available and plan accordingly. Most colleges should have other options besides the dining halls-- memorize their hours of operation too. This is vital to your survival. If you go to a college in the middle of nowhere, ramen is going to become your new best friend (see #2)
2. Stock up on ramen, hot pockets, etc.
What about when there is no where to eat? It's not like living at home where your mom keeps the fridge stocked to satisfy your midnight snacking urge. This is why you're going to need to buy stuff for your room. Consider microwavable food (popcorn, nachos, stuff like that) and other ready-to-go snacks. Making stuff is hard in college, ain't nobody got time for that!
3. When it comes to making friends, think quality not quantity
4. Go to class and do your work.
College is easy if you go to it and keep up with your school work. Yes. I said easy. This definitely depends on your school and your major, but as long as you stay on top of everything it's really not that bad.
5. Be responsible.
College is not a total free-for-all. "No parents, no problem" you think? False. Just because your parents aren't there doesn't mean there are no rules. In college you're an adult and you are going to be treated like one. This doesn't mean don't have fun, because college is all about having fun, just be responsible and don't do anything stupid.
6. Try not to watch too much Netflix.
Season 1 episode 1 of The Office. You press play. Next thing you know your two seasons into it and haven't left your room in 8 hours. I know, I know, I know. I've been there. Netflix can be both a blessing and a curse. Freshman year is going to fly by as it is, so promise yourself that you won't binge watch shows every weekend. Netflix can be paused, college can't.
7. Eat at least one healthy thing with every meal.
The freshman 15 will hit you hard if you're eating pizza for every meal. The dining halls are usually pretty good about offering a wide selection of healthy options, so try to take advantage of that.
8. Use ratemyprofessor.com when picking out your classes.
A good professor can make any class interesting, while a bad one can put you to sleep every time without fail. Use this website to see how other students rate the professor. Obviously take it with a grain of salt, your opinion on what makes a good professor may differ from others, but overall this website can be a huge help.
9. Have a wicked good time.
This is college. You have fun, you make friends, and every day you get just a little smarter. Learn from your mistakes. Listen to your professors and try to learn something for them too. If you do everything right, college may just be the best time of your life.
