I decided to write this article about some things I learned to do and not to do while away at school after thinking of my previous article "Five Things you Don't Need to Bring to College." The list could really go on and on, but here are just a few of my thoughts.
Hint. Hint. Read all the way through, it will be worth it for everyone about to move in.
1. Forget the school supplies lists.
On the first day of class, take a highlighter and pens for test dates, your agenda for all important dates, your laptop to see if your professor will allow you to use one or not and a snack/drink to keep you awake.
2. Take two pairs of sheets to college with you.
This way, while you are washing one, you can use the other on your bed.
3. Take advantage of the fitness classes
Most likely they are included with your tuition and student fees. One of my favorite parts of this past spring semester was attending Zumba and yoga with friends. We made it a social event and always got dinner in the caf afterwards. Working out and using the meal plan? That’s almost never heard of.
4. Don’t overdo it with the DIY and crafts.
I learned this the hard way and was bringing most of my projects home by the time Thanksgiving came.
5. Become a local.
This doesn’t mean spend more time in your new city than in the library studying, but maybe find yourself a study spot in a local coffee shop. Find a favorite restaurant that’s affordable and share it with your new friends. Shop local, whether it’s at the farmer’s market or in boutiques. Your experience will be 10 times bettter than at a regular store that you can go to back home like Target.
6. STUDY!
7. Try to look presentable at least once or twice a week, or maybe just on test days.
You will feel better about yourself, be more productive and you never know when you are going to run into your future best friend or significant other. I wanted my professors to see me at my best and my worst, so that they would know the “real” me. I would go to class in oversized T-shirt and gym shorts one day and then the next day I would wear a casual/cute outfit, just because.
8. Make time for yourself.
College is busy. Between class, new friends, old friends, family visits, school events, athletics, Greek life, etc., there isn’t much time to quiet down. Let me tell you that having a quiet time is essential. This can look different for everyone. For some, it might be taking the time to watch a movie on Netflix. Others might read a book in their eno. For me it was a combination of the two. Having a good devotional would help with personal time or quiet time.
9. There is no “popular girl” in college, so don’t try to be her and don’t worry about the girls who are.
Focus on you and your own goals, and you will go much farther in life.
10. Everything move-in day related.
For move-in day, my life saving tips would be to first wrap your hanging clothes, clothes that will go in your closet, in a trash bag. This way when you unload, all you have to do is place them straight in the closet instead of unpacking suitcase after suitcase. Next, pack a box of things for your parents to unpack. If you are anything like me, you will want to decorate on your own, but in order to do so your parents need to be keeping busy. My mom is a boss at cleaning so I let her help with that, and other things like making the bed and hanging curtains. Finally, have the fans going and the radio playing because it’s going to be a long day.