College is a lot like jumping into the deep end of a very deep pool. You know you're going to be in over your head, but sometimes you don't realize how deep you're in. You're encountering the unknown -- which is exciting and frightening. Amidst the craziness, there are some universal experiences every college student can relate to.
You expect to learn in class (that is, if you go), but you don't really know what else you're getting when you sign onto the college experience. From the crazies you encounter on campus to the uncertainty you feel when making a major decision, these experiences are universal to, I would say, 95% of college students. You're not prepared for these lessons, and many times, you don't realize they are happening until you're smack dab in the middle of them or you're looking back at a specific situation. If you're a people watcher or make self-proclaimed psychologist, like myself, you can observe these situations happening in real time, but in case you can't, I've narrowed these universal college lessons down to 20 items.
1. You learn the eating habits of the manly men at the gym very fast
They flock to the fitness center before dinner time, take up all the good equipment, and as fast as they come, they are leaving to go eat grilled vegetables, rice, and chicken. I am not one of the manly men, but I am one of the ladies who lift, again, a self-proclaimed title, so I observe this phenomena. Arguably, I am one of these flockers, a predictable gym migrate.
2. There will always be one guy in athletic shorts and one girl in a skirt with no stockings when it’s 20 degrees outside.
Your bones are rattling. You’re thinking, “You’re making me cold just by looking at you.” You admire their bravery, while simultaneously questioning their sanity. If this person is you, well kudos! You don’t care about the temperature and what outsiders think. This is admirable.
3. Animals are everything when 90 percent of your encounters are with professors and other students.
People will go crazy on kissing and petting day -- if your college partakes. And if there’s cats on your campus, like there is on mine, you’ll see the cat crazies who chase the strays hoping to pet the animal. You’ll also encounter people who hate those strays. It’s OK. To each your own, right?
4. Your neighbors are great people… until they’re having a party,
And you need to be up early for clinical, your internship, student teacher, or just feel like going to sleep. You’ll bang on the walls, and they’ll drunkenly bang back. If you’re lucky, they may even drunkenly invite you in. The same goes for you -- don't be that neighbor... but if you are, remember: SHARING IS CARING.
5. This noise rule applies for daily activities.
Please don't slam your door for no reason, unless you're trying to make enemies on your floor and above and below you. Also, moving your furniture around at 3 a.m. may be great for you, but it's not for the person below you, dreaming of scraping, banging ceilings. Use the courtesy policy of: Would I appreciate the same behavior I am partaking in? No? OK. Maybe I shouldn't do it.
6. Sports people like sports people, and Greek people like Greek people, just like drama people like drama people, etc. etc, HOWEVER...
When two groups intertwine, great things can happen. I advocate for this duel involvement, along with any groupings of people. We're not so different from each other; we just allow organizations to dictate our friendships. You may have more in common with a person from another part of campus than your roommates. Trust me. Be open to new people, new groups, and new experiences. They're going to happen regardless.
7. The kids who weren’t considered “smart” in high school can thrive in college,
just as the kids who were honor students can fail. College is it's own playground. May the odds be ever in your favor.
8. Some of the best conversations will happen with people you’ll never get the name of.
They'll imprint on your soul in ways that even your best friends can't. You'll remember their inspirational quotes or just the wacky things which can come out of our so very flawed human mouths.
9. Drugs don’t make people bad, but they can make people do bad things.
Same goes with alcohol. I'm going to leave this one at that.
10. Fakes seem like a good idea at the time…
Until you’re being questioned by the bouncer and entirely humiliated at a very public bar. Save yourself the embarrassment and wait. It's more fun when you do, anyways. You have this insane appreciation for being able to walk into a store and legally purchase whatever the heck you want. You can leave with 15 bottles if you really want!
11. You’ll love college when you’re bored as heck at home,
Being harassed by your family, and you’ll appreciate home and the comfort of your family and close friends when you’re stressed out from school work or your roommates are bugging you. But don't spend too much time home unless you have circumstances which require it, especially not in your freshman year. Allow yourself to be humbled and forever changed by college. I've found it even helps with your relationships at home.
12. Speaking of relationships: hookups also sound great in theory, but they’re messy,
and confusing, and it’s really awkward when you run into the person the next day walking to class or the dining hall. Do you do the nod? Do you say hey? Do you shamefully put your head down? I'm very curious for your responses and to see what method works best for this fateful encounter. Comment below!
13. Be wary of other people's wariness.
People will ask questions like, "Why are you so dressed up?" and "Why do you go to the gym so much?" and "Why do you eat fries every night at dinner?" These people are toxic, and you should be wary of their wariness. College is the place where YOU DO YOU, and you stop worrying about what others are doing. If you want to eat fries and go to the gym every day, who is to question your life decision? (Especially if that decision makes you happy?) People are unhappy with themselves, and it manifests through their negativity. Do you, boo!
14. If you didn't like coffee before college, you may suffer from your first addiction.
It's bad too, because sometimes, you can drink so much caffeine and still fall asleep after. That's when you know you have made very close friends with coffee / caffeine. If you don't drink coffee, I am so very proud of you, and I would like to know what strategies you have so that you don't pass out while studying or writing a last minute paper.
15. Stealing is OK.... when it's your dining hall's food.
Sorry Aramark, but if I technically get 15 meals per week, and really only have time to use five, I am losing more money than it will cost you to allow me to sneak a banana or apple out of the dining hall. Bring Tupperware, a backpack, and your game face, and you sneak those late night snacks out!
16. Security look big and bad from a distance...
But up close and personal, they are some of the nicest people, and they have to sit for eight hours straight. If you're good to them, they will be good right back. Same goes with all of the maintenance workers and dining hall workers. A little kindness goes a long way.
17. Uncertainty and doubt are universal experiences.
Even the most secure people, who, to the outside, look like they have it all together, feel this unhinging uncertainty. This uncertainty will cause us to worry, panic, and make rash decisions. What I like to say to anyone with uncertainty: It’s normal. It’s OK. It's human. Talk it through with people you care about. Begin to embrace the exhilarating journey rather than focusing on the destination. The process of uncertainty and experimentation can lead to beautiful outcomes with wonderful moments along the way.
18. You can do everything, but you can’t do it all.
Join all those clubs you signed up for during your first weeks at college, but remember, you can't give your all to each. Prioritize your priorities. Over-exhaustion is a real thing. Hear your mind and body and heed the warning signs of this stress and strenuous exertion.
19. College is balance. And management. And managing your balance.
So is life. If you can handle class, jobs, internships, clubs, organizations, family, friends, and a possible love life, you have a pretty good handle on things, and when things feel bleak, remind yourself that you are a ninja, simultaneously kicking some serious life butt in multiple departments. If the life part gets to be too much, sleep, rest, relax, or find something you enjoy doing. Give yourself the necessary break, clarify the situation, and remember, it’s only life. We’re all in this together. We’re all just people, with goals, dreams, doubts, insecurities, flaws, talents, quirks, and passions. Life’s weird in that one second you feel like you have it all, the fancy house, with all the right decorations, and the funniest, coolest people to be with inside, and then, the house is crumbling, and you’re overwhelmed. It’s all only temporary – remember that. You’ll be back to the ninja butt-kicking human that you are in time – in time. Remind yourself that it’s not that bad, embrace the good, and keep on keeping on. And definitely order Wendy’s. Wendy’s is good on a bad day; just don’t guilt trip yourself if you have the four-for-four and feel like you’ve totally ruined your diet. You’re OK. It’s all OK. Keep on eating your Wendy’s, your comfort food, going to the gym, writing – whatever it is that puts you back in your happy place – and keep striving not only to survive…but to live.
20. You feel like graduation will never come,
Especially during those hectic months where you’re always tired and always stressed. But it will. And when it does, you’ll be itching to stay in the school that gave you so much, taught you so much, and brought you so many memories and happiness.
Did you relate to these experiences? If so, tell me which ones you liked the most.
If not, tell me YOUR experiences or add onto the ones I've included.
