So I remember when I first started college that I sort of had mixed emotions simply because I really wasn’t attending the college that I wanted to go to but I did what I had to do in order to be successful. Then, reality began to set in and what you see in movies or on television isn’t really how college life really is.I learned a few things over the course of my years in college and especially as a transfer student. Hopefully, this can help you too!
1. Naps
College made me appreciate naps so much more than when I was a child. I have had so many late nights of stressing and practically no sleep. As a matter of fact, in college, it’s like, "What is sleep?!" I promise you will appreciate your naps so much more in college and even as an adult but don’t overwhelm yourself. Continue to take care of your body and get your proper rest when necessary.
2. Time Management
Procrastination will kill you, stress you out and it is no fun! The crazy part is that I have learned my lesson about this thing called procrastination and I still haven’t completely overcome that battle. This is when your handy dandy agenda or planner comes in to help guide you and plan ahead. Your planner is truly your life, especially if you plan ahead.
3. Opportunities
One of the biggest things that I have learned throughout my college career is that it is literally who you know and partially what you know! Networking is key! Seriously, I always tell students, freshmen or transfers, to use the free resources that are available to you. With networking, you can’t stay in your comfort zone, either. You definitely have to get out of your bubble and make your presence known. It’s not too often where anything will just be handed to you! Get out there, network, find internships and, little do you know, you could be one step closer to a job!
4. Motivation
Now this is definitely key in college! There will be times when you will not feel motivated or you will sit and reconsider why you’re even in college. College is all about finding balance, your strengths and weaknesses, your likes and dislikes and even who you truly are! So, if at first you don’t succeed -- keep trying! You may not get the outcome that you want the first, second or even third time you try and that’s okay, as long as you put in the effort!
5. Reality
As I was saying before, college is not what you see on television. In fact, some of the people you know from high school or even met your freshmen year of college will not be your best friend by your senior year. Unfortunately, that’s the reality of college. People change, you change and sometimes you do outgrow some people that were once close to you. I'm not saying it will happen but don’t be surprised if it does. Just keep an open mind, get to know new people and one easy way to meet people is getting to know the people in your class.
