I'm not sure why I felt so inspired to blog about this, but I did so now you get to read it :) And since I am about a quarter of the way through my senior year, I feel I have gained enough wisdom to give you my two cents (or a little more) worth about college. College is about figuring out what you want to do with the rest of your life and then figuring out how to get to what you want to do the rest of your life. More so, college is about learning who you are and who you want to be for the rest of your life, not that you won't continue to evolve. So here are my tips and advice for college.
1. Make new friends. I know it sucks, but as a freshmen everyone is pretty much in the same boat as you. Make lots of new friends. I live with five of my closest friends and work with quite a few more. I don't know what I would do without them. Chances are, if you put yourself out there someone else will too.
2. Learn how to multitask. So, your favorite movie is on tonight, but you have a paper due tomorrow. Learn how to watch the movie and write your paper. Girls, I know this is easier for you than guys (sorry fellas, but girls are just better at it). Even though its two in the morning, I'm watching Chelsey Lately, blogging, and having a little snacky.
3. Try new things. If you don't ever try new things you'll never know what you're missing out on. Now is the easiest time for you to try new things. Your young and not very tied down. I tried sushi for the first time a few months ago and really liked it. But, I don't mean just food, try other things too! Join an intramural team with your friends. Do anything new, it just might become a life long hobby :)
4. Travel if you can. And I don't just mean on spring break to party, but do that too. I went to Mexico last year for spring break and had an amazing time. We didn't spend the whole week drunk on the beach, some yes, but not all. We went snorkeling, jet skiing, fishing.... And a certain someone fell in love with a guy from Canada. But that is neither here nor there.
5. Eat healthy. Stupid, I know. But don't just eat junk food, you'll get sick.
6. Sleep. Ironic since it is 2:37 as I write this. But, seriously, you'll get sick...I've been there. If you don't get enough sleep you won't do as well in class and then you will fail out of school. I guess maybe not immediately.
7. Study. You won't make it through college if you don't study or do your homework. But.......
8. Don't study too hard. It's important to have a balance between school and socializing. Putting off studying for one test won't kill you. Go do something with your friends for awhile, everyone needs a break. And when you are done with school, what will mean more? Studying or the memories you made with your friends? Even if it is an hour to have dinner and catch up with your friends, don't pass it up. College will be done before you know it. (Trust me on this one, I feel like I just started.)
9. Set your own goals. College is about what you want to do. Figure it out and write down those goals. If you want to graduate in three years, you can do it. Don't worry about what your friends or parents want. At the end of the day, you are the only one who needs to be pleased with yourself. They will understand. Also, don't select your school based on where your friends are going, reference number 1, make new friends.
10. If you live in the dorms, don't live with someone you already know...I know this is a controversial one. My freshmen year, I lived with a random roommate and we ended up being really good friends. Had I lived with a friend from high school, I would have never met her. Sometimes when high school friends live together, it ruins their friendship. Living together is a lot different than just being friends. If you don't live with someone you know, you can always do other things together. If you are good friends you won't lose touch just because your not living together. On the flip side...sometimes random roommates are awful. Deal with it, it builds character.
11. Use the free things on campus. So many things on campus are free to do. UNI has movie night once a week. Why pay to see a movie when you can go for free? There are always things happening on campus that don't cost you a penny.
12. Even if you are 45 minutes late to a 50 minute class, GO! I had a professor tell me this once. She cared that you were making an effort to get to class. One day I had quite the hangover and was 20 minutes late. Well at the end of class she gave us a quiz, but the questions were: what is your name, what is UNI's mascot, what is the date, what is the professor's name. Turns out, I got 100% on that quiz.
13. Stick to your gut. If it feels wrong deep down inside somewhere, it probably is wrong. Also, if your friends pressure you to do something you feel like is wrong, they probably aren't worth your time. Quick little anecdote about sticking to your gut. Last summer Kerri, Kelsey, Kacie and I made a trip to Cedar Rapids for a friends birthday. We couldn't leave until about 10, so it was already dark. About halfway there, I said, "Kerri, please just be careful and slow down. I have a weird feeling." She listened to me and about ten minutes later we passed a pretty bad accident. Listen to what your gut tells you, your subconscious is much more perceptive and a lot smarter than your conscious.
14. Don't procrastinate. Just sucks more later on. Enough said.
15. Be careful. When you are out with friends, don't let anyone walk home alone. And, watch your drinks. I know I sound like a mom, but an Indiana student disappeared this summer after walking home alone after a night out drinking. She still hasn't been found and the chances of her being found alive are really low. Not only that but people get roofied and raped all the time. Sorry for sounding like a parent.
16. Get a job. Having a job in college will help you get a full time job when you're done. Also, having a job will help you with time management. And, I've met some of my best friends working.
17. Stay at school! Try not to go home every weekend. You might just be missing out on a lot of really amazing things.
18. Ask for help if you need it. If you need help with pretty much anything, just ask. You will find someone to help you. Talk to your advisor or professor. They want to help you, it is their job. Or your RA, it is also their job to help you.
19. Buy extra undies :) Very practical. You never know when you will be able to do laundry, so buy some extra ones so you can go as long as possible.
20. Have fun! College is a once in a lifetime experience, live it up while you can. It will be over before you know it. Make memories, fall in love, get your heartbroken, travel, learn, make relationships that matter, enjoy your college experience.
So, I know that I am not really certified to give this advice to really anyone and this is actually a really cheese ball blog, but it is the truth. And, I'm sorry if you feel like you wasted your time reading it or don't agree with me...and if you don't agree with me you suck (just kidding) but I'm right.
Until we meet again blogosphere.
