So as my first semester here at Bloomsburg comes to a quick close, I have come to realize some things that college has taught me. Some of these are things that I should have followed better (*cough* Commons *cough*), and some of these are things that I have followed that have made my life here at Bloomsburg so much better. Let's get started.
1. You probably won’t hang out with the majority of the people you first meet after those first two weeks.
I know, it’s sad. You all make plans to be friends forever and you’ll break the norms, but you just won’t hang out. You all become friends with each other because you need friends, and the friends you make right away are conveniently close. You’re going to grow and make new friends and probably not see those first-two-weeks friends much, and that’s OK.
2. You have to learn to compromise …even if you don’t want to.
Compromising is a really hard thing to do for some people, but you have to grow to like it. If you don’t, you and your roommate are going to have a rough year together. If your roommate wants the room for an hour or two to hang out with some of their friends, say that it’s cool. If your roommate has boundary issues, then make sure you respect them and don’t let your friends touch their stuff. Compromising is key.
3. Have snacks. Always have snacks.
I started off the year thinking I wouldn’t need snacks. I was very wrong. Very, very wrong. You are inevitably going to get hungry during the day, so having snacks around is a good thing. Also remember that your class schedule may not line up with meal times, so the occasional snack may be your only food for a couple hours.
4. If you don’t have snacks, make friends with people who DO have snacks.
Assuming you don’t follow my previous realization, make sure you follow this one. If you don’t have snacks, then find some friends who do and stay close; they’re good people. I mean, they supply you with free food, how can’t they be good people? (Note: There are bad people who can give you free food -- they are not the people to befriend.)
5. Plan out time to study for any and all tests.
Oh, this one … this one is one I wish I learned earlier. You have to actually make sure you plan time to study, if you don’t … well, your grades are going to hurt. Cramming doesn’t work too well -- I say that from personal experience. Look at when your tests will be and plan out some time to study. It’s going to help you in the long run.
6. That optional extra credit? Do it.
I'm the kind of person who always did extra credit in high school, in college though part of me was too lazy to think about doing that extra work. Don't listen to that part, do the extra credit. An extra credit assignment may be the only thing that separates you from a B and A or even the crossing line between passing and failing a class. You may have a solid 100 in the class when the extra credit is offered but you don't know what the class (or life) may through in your way. Always do that little extra.
7. Don’t gorge out at the Commons.
You can either love the Commons or hate the Commons, but at some point you will need to eat there. Don’t eat everything in sight though. I know that it’s so tempting, especially when you see meatloaf and steak, cheesy bread and hamburgers, all the pasta you can imagine … and you can’t forget about the dessert bar. Eat in moderation, though. The Commons can have some good food, but you have to decide what is good for you to eat.
8. The Rec Center is your friend.
Assuming you do gorge out at the Commons (we all do at some point) your next step is to meet your new friend, the Rec. Conveniently located on the complete opposite side of campus, and a harrowing trek up the hilly campus, sits the Rec. It’s good to go there and I personally make a habit of going three to four times a week. It has something for everybody. The cardio room, lifting, Zumba, yoga, basketball, the list goes on and on. The Rec Center is your friend, remember that.
9. Make sure you have time to relax and have fun.
In the long run, you have to realize that you need to take a break from studying and just relax. It’s not healthy to isolate yourself inside your dorm room or a cubby in the library and just study your whole day away. (You also retain less information that way). Even if you have to plan out time to relax, you need to have time to relax. Even if it’s just reading a book for an hour or spending some time with your friends, relaxing and having fun is key to getting the most out of college (but still remember your academics).
10. Nap time is important … very important.
You know that thing that we all hated as little kids? Nap time? Yeah, that. Nap time is the most important thing you can have in college, I’ve found. I’ve taken naps in the lounges, in my dorm with the door wide open (don’t do that, it’s not recommended), and even just throughout the day when I get tired. Inevitably you’re going to get tired and taking a nap at some point during the day is going to allow you to get all refreshed. College takes a lot out of you, so never be afraid to take a nap.
11. Be social, even if you don't want to be.
In high school, I wasn't the most social person, but I wanted to change this in college. College is a chance to find out who you really are, so take the extra step and say 'Hi' to that person you sit next to in Psych. Even if you have to push yourself, do it, because it will help you break out of your shell. In the dorms, keep your dorm open when you're just hanging out. You'll make so many more friends that way, even ones you never would've expected to make.
