It is now Christmas break and my first semester at college is complete. I have learned a lot, not just educationally wise. But now I know what I should and shouldn't do next semester. So here are some of these tips for next semester and for the seniors in high school googling college.
1. Find A Study Spot
I usually just used the library but it easily became crowded and sometimes noisy. The study rooms are great except they are too quiet, and yes that is a thing. The cafe was great but if you went at the wrong time you could become easily distracted. I decided to choose my desk. It was right by the window, I had my peaceful plants, no distractions, and I could talk out loud and no one would think I was crazy. Finding a study spot is of the utmost importance because when a teacher says that their class will require 20 hours out of class, they really mean 40 hours.
2. Establish A Sleep Schedule
My 'bedtime' in college was midnight. If I went to bed any earlier it was a miracle. And lucky me had 8 am's. Sleep is incredibly important to people my age because even though we might be done growing on the outside, things on the inside are still developing such as parts of the brain. So establish a time that you need to go to sleep and stick to it. College students should be getting at least 7 hours of sleep per night. This will make you a happier and healthier student in the long run.
3. Eat Healthy
Yes, the cafeteria food is gross most of the time but you still need to eat. I find myself being creative and trying new combinations. But in order to get the nutrients, I am not finding in the caf, I buy the essentials. Greek yogurt has saved my life and stomach. Eating right will also make you a happier and healthier student in the long run.
4. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE
This is in all caps because this is the most important thing. I procrastinated too much last semester and it bit me in the butt. In one class I actually waited so long to finish an assignment that I turned it in one minute before it was due. That was one of the most stressful situations I had ever been in.
So please don't do that. If you have something due Friday, get it done three days in advance. Don't wait til Thursday night to finish it. In college, it's not as easy to get away with procrastinating. You now have 10-page papers or longer, tests are like exams and count for a lot more of your grade, and you have more assignments due every day. So please, please don't procrastinate. You'll thank me later.
5. Be Social
Go to the school functions, they may seem corny, but they're actually really fun. Plus you might meet some new people. That's one thing I regret. Not going to as many functions. (SIDE NOTE: BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE ALWAYS). So ask someone, or even a stranger, to go with you and make some new experiences.
6. Make A Budget and Stick To It
Money will go so fast in college. It barely has time to make your wallet warm. You don't need to treat yourself as much as you think you do. Next semester, I am limiting myself to eating out once a week and no more. Fast food and Starbucks is where the money drain is. Eat where the meal plan is and drink coffee made in the dorm or your friend's dorm. This way if there is something special you and your friends want to do, your bank account won't be crying as you pay the check.
7. Pick Up A Hobby
Having a repetitive schedule of sleep, school, eat, school is a bit redundant. So I plan on picking up a stress less hobby to give my brain a break. I have decided to pick up the guitar and photography. These two things make happy when I partake in them and they are the complete opposite of what I study for 8 hours of the day. Plus by the end of the semester when you go home you can impress everyone with your new-found skill.
8. Find Good Friends and Stick With Them
I was lucky. I found a group of girls who are amazing and I am so so happy that I met them this past semester. You will always friends where you least expect them. Two of them I met in orientation, one is my roommate, and two others I met in a yoga class. So be nice to everyone you meet, because you never know.
9. Explore
Don't just stay in your dorm room. When you have spare time, even if you're alone, go explore your campus. There's always nooks and crannies that are waiting to be discovered. I found some of my favorite drawing and writing places this way. One place is a fire escape and from it I can see the whole campus. Also, explore the town in which your university is located. Try new cafes, new restaurants, hike trails, go to animal shelters, and just get out there and experience life.
10. Get In Touch With God
Last semester I found myself getting too busy and too tired for devotionals. Or reading the Bible in general. I wasn't going to church either. When studying and preparing for the future, it's important to remember who controls your future. So next semester I'm going back to my roots. Because once you have a strong foundation with Christ, everything else falls into place. Or rather you become okay with the way everything falls.
