I did it friends!! I have successfully completed my first year of college. With that being said, I have some advice to give (even though no one really asked for it). While my experience is pretty much limited to my time at the lovely Trinity University, I think the majority of these things could be relatable for those attending or planning to attend another university. So in no particular order, here’s Hannah Declassified School Survival Guide (trademark pending).
1. You’re capable of much more than you think you are. Don’t doubt yourself
Coming from my personal experience, you can manage 18 hours, an internship, three clubs, a social life – basically anything you put your mind to.
2. Office hours are love. Office hours are life.
Being afraid to ask for help is just downright silly. The professors are waiting for you to come in and chat!! Don’t leave them hanging bro.
3. Everyone isn’t going to be like you, but that’s great
The good thing about college is that the people you meet are fun, interesting and unique. Being exposed to new ideas and opinions helps you grow as an individual.
4. There’s a 90 percent chance that you are gonna get sick at some point.
Don’t skimp out on the Mucinex, cough drops, nasal spray, etc. College is one big cesspool. Take it from me, be prepared because bronchitis is hiding just around the corner.
5. The food is always better on days that there are special visitors.
Good: the food is better. Bad: you get your hopes up.
6. Find a group of your people early on.
College can be a jungle. Join clubs and organizations, they want you and you want to make friends fast. They will also be interested in things that you are!
7. You’re gonna be lonely and homesick at times.
Fun fact: that’s perfectly normal.
8. It is possible to be a full time student with a job.
Tons of people work on campus and time manage beautifully.
9. No one is forcing you to go to parties (and no one will be truly upset if you’re not into that scene).
Netflix always has your back on those Friday nights when you just don’t feel like going out.
10. It’s a-okay to not know what you want to do with your life.
Figuring yourself out is what college is for, after all!
11. Get yourself a fish. Or a plant. Or a pet rock if you’re a killer.
It’s really comforting to have a little bit of life to come back to. Spice up your dorm, but remember to give them love and attention! Practice spelling words. Recite Shakespeare. Jam out to the Jonas Brothers (RIP).
12. Rush fraternities and sororities. Just do it.
Even if you could never see yourself joining, rushing is a fabulous way to make friends and get off campus for some ice cream or fun.
13. A mattress pad will save you many a sleepless nights.
Two inches of memory foam makes all the difference. Think of it as an investment. You can’t pass class if you sleep through it (or so I’ve been told).
14. When sharing a bathroom, communication is key.
If you are anything like me and have to share a bathroom with three other people, learn to be assertive (yet polite). A simple “hey, I’m getting in the shower, need anything?” is just common courtesy.
15. You don’t need a car.
I survived without a car my first year, but I’ll admit that I got by with my excellent mooching skills. Offering someone some gas money for a ride is a surefire way to get where you need to go.
16. Buy everything off campus that you can.
Ah, the magical college inflation. It’ll really bite you in the butt when you have to pay $12 for an 100-page spiral notebook. Plan ahead or stock up while you’re out and about.
17. It’s possible, yet not recommended, to survive solely off hot pockets and sweet tea.
I learned this from a friend.
18. Rent whatever you can.
Renting saves you tons of money that you could be spending on PopTarts. Watch out though, your campus’ bookstore probably isn’t the cheapest place albeit convenient.
19. Free shirts. Free shirts everywhere.
The cool thing about college is that almost every event warrants its own t-shirt. Who needs to do laundry anyway?
20. Making friends with seniors is a catch-22.
On one hand, you feel super cool. On the other, heartbreak. One year is not enough, but make the most of it!
21. Do what you gotta do for that A, hunty.
Two hours of sleep may sound like a terrible idea, but it’s better than zero. Work on that paper until the words blur together, close your eyes for a few, wake up ready to kill it.
22. You're gonna fail a test.
Sometimes even your best isn't enough, but it totally isn't the end of the world! Learn from your mistakes and you'll ace the next one. See No. 2.
23. This is your chance to be whoever you want to be.
Let people fall in love with the person you really are. You are officially a new person on a new journey.
24. Buy a rug. Seriously.
This one may seem silly, but a rug makes your cramped dorm seem much more cozy. It's also a great opportunity to add some pizzazz to an otherwise dank room.
25. Create a wardrobe that's basically just glorified pajamas.
Being cute, put together, or otherwise "attractive" is overrated. Have you even felt sweatpants? 10/10 would recommend.
I really hope that you get something out of this list!!Good luck, whether it's your first year or your last. If all else fails, I leave you with these inspirational words: don't sweat the petty stuff and don't pet the sweaty stuff (future tattoo, mom?).
