College: the one place where you’re meant to have some of the best experiences of your young adult life. My freshman year I believed that I would have this grand experience that included parties galore, endless tailgating, and breezy classes I would excel in. While the idea of this is meaningful, the reality was that over the four years of being in college, I learned that there were more important things to do besides party and that no class is ever that easy.
I also learned that college allowed me to a gateway of opportunities as well. My final semester is quickly approaching and so it’s time to reflect on what I've learned during the four years I spent in college. Let me be the first to say that it’s been nothing like I had expected my freshman year, but I'm glad I've learned. Here are the top three things that I wish I immediately knew my freshman year but that I'm glad I learned even if it was late in the game.
1. Wardrobe Choices: It Doesn't Matter
WHY WHY WHY did I ever think dressing up everyday for class was worth getting up an hour or two earlier than I needed to just to look good? I know it seems like a dumb tip to list, but over the course of four years at university, I've seen a lot of incoming freshman girls come to campus with a face full of makeup. Even with their hair curled and clothes that look meant for going out in the scorching heat. Sure, I understand that girls like to dress up but when it's 100 degree weather, but it is also okay to dress down for class.
Four years ago I was so adamant about looking the best and while that isn’t a bad thing, I wasn’t doing it for the right reasons. Freshman year still felt like high school to me and so dressing the part meant I was fitting in but now looking bad I can see I was just trying too hard. Walking around in an outfit not comfy for school and a full face of makeup in the hot weather was not the business. I’m not saying that wearing a good outfit doesn’t matter, but it does matter why you’re wearing what you choose.
Also, for those who wear makeup, it’s OKAY to have those “'no makeup' days” at school! Make sure to love yourself first and be confident in what you wear rather than wanting to dress a certain way just to impress college students around you.
Now approaching my final semester of college I can say that if I choose to dress a little more than the usual tee and jeans, it’s because I want to feel good for myself and not to impress others who, let's be real, don’t really care what I wear at the end of day. As any cringe adult would say, you’re there to learn not for a fashion show!
2. College Classes: They're SUPER Important
I'm not the first and I won't be the last to say that college courses are nothing like high school. Let's start with the professors.
Most don't care whether you show up or not and honestly why should they? College isn't high school and the professors aren't there to baby you and make sure you come to class. They shouldn't because as a college student you are an adult and should be able to understand how important your education is.
Sure, there are gonna be some days when you're just not feeling it and it's okay but don't make a habit out of it because you're not going to get an "A" by skipping class to go hang out with friends. You're paying for it after all so you should attend class on a regular basis (for the most part).
Studying is another part of college that isn't similar to high school; it's much more rigorous and time consuming most days especially during finals. I'll keep it simple ... you will more than likely fail and fail hard if you don't study.
Some might get lucky and find those laid back classes, but most require some sort of studying and so in order to make it a tad less stressful, take the notes you need, ask questions and most importantly, get some classmates together and create study groups! Study groups became my best weapon for getting the grade I wanted because studying with others challenges you to see what you know and allows you to learn from others and compare notes as well.
Sometimes studying will get in the way of social events but just know that when you get that grade at the end of each semester, you'll know you deserved it based on the effort you put into the class.
3. Studying Abroad: Take Full Advantage
When an opportunity approaches, take immediate advantage of it! Studying abroad is one of those opportunities that needs to be taken advantage of in college because you still have the chance to travel with a little freedom to go for long periods of time. Once you get your dream job (hopefully out of college) it's more than likely that you won't get a chance to travel as freely as you would while in college.
Studying abroad allows you that freedom to truly be independent and become more self sufficient. I'm not saying you won't need your parents after that (I still do) but you will know what it's like to have to find your way around, talk to strangers, etc.
Studying abroad is also a great way to learn about a new culture and find your sense of self. When I went abroad I found that I was able to get to know myself better and on top of that, I met amazing friends along the way who showed me long lasting friendship. I promise one thing ... you will have an amazing time and you will come back home knowing you made great friends and great memories.
I've had a great time getting to figure things out in college. It is so important for incoming freshman to prepare themselves for a whole new experience and students who aren't graduating yet to take a step back and reflect on things they've accomplished and have yet to accomplish. College is such a great experience and it's even better when you know that you've made mistakes and learned from them and took opportunities and made something out of them.
