As the class of 2019's first year studying comes to a close, we can't help but to reflect on the three quarters -- or two semesters -- we've spent away from home. Thirty weeks of lectures and discussions with three weeks of grueling finals are finally coming to an end and while summer is a time to be happy, it's also sad that the first year experience is nearly over. We've learned some pretty intriguing things in our classes over these past few months, but here are some things that we learned in our first year of college -- outside of the lecture hall.
1. It's okay to relax.
Sure, you have a ton of stuff to do by the end of the week (or maybe even the night), but it's important to relax. Take a fifteen minute power nap, grab some dinner with friends, browse Instagram for a few minutes. It's been proven that taking breaks while studying leads to more productivity! Don't burn yourself out too early in the day.
2. Time management is key.
Being able to manage your time well is one of the keys to surviving college life. A planner can definitely come in handy, especially ones like the Passion Planner or any other planner with hourly blocks. Knowing when you have free time in your day allows you to schedule time to study, eat, or tackle that pile of laundry that's been growing in the corner.
3. Always carry snacks.
If you have a good amount of classes, a job, and a social life you're trying to balance, you might literally forget to eat. It's always good to have some crackers or a granola bar on you so that you can eat between classes if you don't have time to hit up a dining hall. Not eating can put unnecessary stress on your already overwhelmed body.
4. Don't stress over things that are out of your control.
It's okay to bear some stress but once you start stressing over things that you have no control over, things are going to get ugly. Stress over the midterm you're about to take, not the midterm you think you just did poorly on. The test is turned in and there's nothing you can do -- unless your prof offers extra credit, that is. Cut yourself some slack and let things go.
5. Go to class.
This one may sound obvious, but seriously. Just go to class. You'll thank yourself later. Professors only have so many lectures to convey the material you'll need to know for the exam, so chances are that missing one lecture can lead to missing a few points on that midterm. It's truly not too bad, and if you do the math, you're paying a ton of money for that one lecture. And it'll make you feel productive!
6. Don't be afraid to try new things.
Cheesy, but so true. Don't miss out on something great because you don't want to try something new! Join an organization or go to an event that you've never been introduced to before coming to school. It will broaden your horizons more than any class can.
7. Get a job.
If you can manage your time well, getting a job is probably one of the best things you can do for yourself while in college. It doesn't even have to be something pertaining to your major or career path for the first year or so. Having some money so that you can go out with your friends and treat yo'self is well worth the hours worked. It also gives you something to do and a community to be a part of.
8. Take your time studying.
You always see students on movies cramming the night before an exam, but you should really try to study beforehand. Spacing out your studying can truly help your grades. By taking good notes in class and completing the assignments, you have already started studying. Then, when it comes time to sit down and study, you already have an idea of what the concepts are. Cramming, although possible, isn't your best option.
9. Sleep.
Literally. Just sleep. You've heard the horror stories of college kids staying up all night but listen, that does not have to be you. Sleeping can help you get to your classes, your job, and stay on top of your schoolwork. If you stay up all night, you're just going to want to sleep all day the next day, and chances are you won't even retain what you were studying at 3 AM. Getting sleep keeps you healthy, too, and getting sick during midterms or finals is not the business.
10. Put yourself first.
This is the best thing you can do for yourself. It's important to always make sure that you're okay before you try to take care of your studies, work, or friends. If you need a mental health day, take it. If you want a study break, have it. And if you just need to relax with friends, do it. With everything expected of you at school, it is vital to put yourself first.
And there you have it. Ten tips for you from someone who had to learn it all the hard way. I thank my mom and dad for allowing me to learn so much at this university.
