10 Things I Have Learned My First Semester Of College
Start writing a post

10 Things I Have Learned My First Semester Of College

It's a lot harder than high school, but there is so much more to do to make it fun.

carlyelaine
Nov 15, 2018
University of Mississippi
26
10 Things I Have Learned My First Semester Of College
Carlye Washington

College is so much different than high school. Sometimes I miss high school, but most of the time I am thankful for how much time I have to get everything done because there really is so much more to get done. Here are a few things I have learned in my first semester of college.

1. It is hard so you have to study

I can count on one hand the number of times I studied for tests multiple days in advance while in high school. Most of those times I was studying for the ACT. I just didn't have to study. I could listen in class and make decent grades. College is COMPLETELY different. I have had far less than decent grades this first semester because I just wasn't prepared. I didn't know how to study, and I am still honestly figuring it out.

2. It is okay to have fun just not all the time

Everyone says college is amazing. You get to go out all the time and you do all this fun stuff with your friends. This is all very true. However, going into your first semester with the mindset that college is all fun and no work is a lie. There are way more opportunities to have fun than there are to bring your grade up, so just remember you're here to get an education.

3. Your roommate is a major key in how much you enjoy college

I know so many people that have terrible roommate situations. They have had to move in the middle of the semester or have just had to endure very hard situations. Try to pick your roommate and pick him/her wisely.

4. LAUNDRY

Please do not make fun of me here. I knew how to do laundry. I just never had to do it when I was at home. My grandfather always did it for us. (praise Papaw x1 million) And when my grandfather didn't do it, my mom or grandmother would. It was just never something I had to do myself. Since coming to college, I have gone to Wal-Mart and picked out matching scented detergent, smell good beads and dryer sheets, and let me tell y'all: doing laundry is now sorta fun because it all smells the same. Folding on the other hand........

5. If you are gonna be late for class, hurry and still make it there

This is another difference between high school and college. In high school if you are late, just stop and get breakfast and be a little later. Not in college. If you wake up late or just happen to be late for some other reason, just make it there. It's better to be able to hear a little bit of lecture than none at all.

6. You're going to get sick so be prepared

There are so many people living in the same area. Germs are being shared on every door knob and desk. You're sleeping schedule is gonna be messed up, and your eating is gonna be unorganized. Getting sick is bound to happen, so just be prepared with the right medicine. Catch it early and try your best to not skip class!!

7. Eating is not on a schedule

Honestly, it's 4:00 p.m. right now and I have not eaten anything since 9:00 a.m. and it was only an apple. Your eating schedule will get messed up. This is what causes some to gain the freshman 15. There are tons of options for food around you at all times. It is easy to grab a candy bar or a bag of chips. Don't do it. Try to stay on a schedule, but if you can't, just wait until there is something at least a little healthy for you to eat.

8. It's okay to not give your money to every organization

If you go to a big school then there will most likely be hundreds of organizations raising money for something new every day. It is okay not to give to each organization. In college, funds run low. Sometimes it makes absolute sense to save your money than to give $5 to the new organization. Do not feel bad. I promise there will be plenty more chances for you to help your school.

9. Making friends can be hard, but it gets easier

Making friends in general is such a weird thing. You pick a random person and think oh they look cool I think I wanna talk to them, and it goes from there. In college, it's even weirder because you may see someone someday and then you may not see them the next or ever again. Just remember that most of the time everyone there is trying to find the place they fit in and a friend to have. So go out of your comfort zone and speak to the person you think is cool. You never know how things will end up.

10. Walking to class in extreme temperatures is not fun

The first few weeks of my semester the weather was so so hot. You could have walked to class in a swimsuit and still been soaked in sweat by the time you got there. Now later in the semester, I have walked to class while it is snowing. Now snow this early is unlike Mississippi weather, but it happened. Trust me. Neither of these times was I thrilled to walk to class. I would have much rather stayed in my climate neutral dorm room. But I know that I will get so far behind if I do not go to class, so I went anyway and have always been happy that I did.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

14 Invisible Activities: Unleash Your Inner Ghost!

Obviously the best superpower.

Providence College
33524
Being Invisible The Best Super Power
i.redd.it

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
supernatural
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
22223
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
299272
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
93448
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
155922
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments