As a twenty-eight year old reflecting back on my time spent in college, there are plenty of things I wish I could have told myself. I was the sort of girl who stayed in her room, scrolled on Tumblr, watched countless seasons of “The Jersey Shore” on reruns (because Netflix wasn’t a thing yet) and avoided a lot of social interaction. But if I had a chance to do college again - this is the advice I’d give myself.
1. Go Out To That Party!
Because you deserve to let go and let loose. No one is going to care that you can’t dance. Be safe, be aware, but go have fun. You are only young once. And as quoted in “The Spectacular Now,” - This is the youngest that we’re ever going to be, this is our time; live in the now.”
2. Stop Skipping Class...
Girl. Stop. Skipping. Class. Get your butt up and get there. Take your education seriously. If you ever want to go to grad school. . . you need the grades! Get up! Don’t you dare hit that snooze button.
3. These are the best years of your life. . .
Everyone says that and they honestly know what they’re talking about. College is that delayed time between being an adult and becoming a fully-functional adult (with paying bills included.) There are going to be times that you think you’ve hit rock-bottom, and it just could not get any worse but. . . darling...you are young! You have so many years ahead of you. Take advantage of having a chill-job, meals cooked for you, cleaning ladies, and living in an area with people your own age. Life is good.
4. In five years, no one will care. . .
You will be lucky if in five years you speak to at least 50% of the people you went to college with, and even luckier still if you speak to even 10% of your high school classmates. In the end, no one cares if you dropped your books, tripped on the steps, or held up the line in the quick pick-up food area. What people do care (and remember) is if you were a team player. Support your friends and your classmates in the important things. Keep those connections strong!
5. College is NOT what you read about in books. . .
Your dorm room is going to be small and cramped, and you might end up loving or hating your roommate. But that’s okay! It’s a part of the real experience of college. People are going to get drunk and cry more than you can count. Not all the professors are going to be wild, crazy thinkers and some are not going to be understanding when your computer dies (and your final paper is due at midnight.) You’re definitely not going to meet your new best friend on the first day. With that in mind, approach college with an open mind. And remember, everyone’s freshman year sucks. That’s normal.
6. Don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone
When your friends said they were concerned about you staying in your room all the time, you probably should have heeded their words. In order to grow and experience, you have to leave that nice warm bed from time to time. How else are you going to meet new people and try new things? Don’t be afraid to leave that comfortable place (because it’ll be right where you left it.) Go on that hike! Go to your professor’s house for that cookout. Try that sushi-bar! Go on a road trip. Don’t be afraid to live life!
7. Take advantage of opportunities
Colleges actually offer a wide range of opportunities that you can’t find anywhere else. Where else will you have the advantage of a list alumni who can offer you employment tips, but can even become mentors. While that might seem a little too much of “adulting,” - you do have your future to think about. What you put into college is what you gain back. Put in the effort; do some networking!
8. The friends you make, truly DO matter
The friends that you make in college are different from the ones in high school. In high school, you’re sort of forced into the same classes and share a space for twelve years. Your friends are usually based on shared experiences, but different likes. In college, you get to choose your friends. Most of the people that you end up interacting with, share the same passion as you. While they might not know all of your embarrassing stories (which might actually work in your favor), they do get to know a different version of yourself; an older, more mature version. These friendships end up lasting the rest of your life.
9. You're going to get older - Quick!
Before you can blink, you will be in a large auditorium, shaking the hand of the President of the college as the rest of your classmates follow in tow. Another blink and you’ll be in your eleventh job interview. Another, and it’ll be almost five years later. Time almost seems to quicken as you get older; the years mesh from one into another. After college, you will be bogged down by jobs, responsibilities, families, engagements, marriages. . . dare I say the word, babies? Enjoy these young years when you can be carefree and have fun. Once they’re over. . . a new chapter begins. Before you know it, your thirtieth birthday will be fastly approaching, and you’ll wonder ‘where did all those years go?’
10. Appreciate each moment...
Do I have to say more? You're only a college student once. Appreciate every friend you make, every interaction you have, and enjoy each moment while it lasts.
