1. How to Set Your Priorities
Knowing when to buckle down and get work done is a skill that will translate well into adult life after college, so practicing now is only benefitting your future. When looking at your week, it’s a great idea to plan out when you’d like to get your work done so that way, you already know when you will have free time to get brunch with a friend or take an afternoon off for yourself. You may not think this is important now, but trust me, prioritizing helps keep a level head and a high GPA.
2. How to Accept and Tolerate Others
Moving to college can be stressful: a new environment, not knowing anyone, and having to share a room with someone. While having a roommate can be fun and exciting, it can also be frustrating as you acclimate to each other’s lifestyles. Many of us haven’t had to share a room before, and that can be difficult to adjust to in itself. It’s important to have open and honest conversations with your roommate about your sleep and study patterns, when the room should be quiet, and how to best go about sharing the space. Everyone has different upbringings, and it can be hard to get used to, but realizing this ahead of time will save you a lot of frustration.
3. How to Stand Up for What You Believe In
We all have opinions in life, especially in this day and age. It is important to do your research on your beliefs and be well versed and educated in the good and bad aspects of each side of a debate, that way you can properly view the situation. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in, because there will always be someone standing by your side in support with you. Find those that you can align with and be strong together.
4. Who Your True Friends Are
Meeting new people can be exciting, but it can also guide you to closely align with the people you first meet when joining the campus. While everyone has their positive attributes, sometimes they don’t always align with yours and that is okay. In my experiences, I’ve found that it’s more beneficial for me to move on to new friendships and relationships than try to force ones that are clearly straining. This allows for you to have a happier experience and encourages you to meet new people, which is always a good thing.
5. There Are Not Enough Hours in a Day
As a student striving for a positive GPA, a dedicated employee, a loving aunt, and a creative being, I struggle to make time for all of the things in life that fulfill me. I can’t possibly go to class, drive home, babysit, do my homework, go to the gym, read, take photos, and find time to make a healthy meal every single day. Most days, I can only get two or three of the things on this list done, and that’s okay. We’re students, we’re expected to have obligations that interfere with a structured schedule, however this just sets us up for unrealistic expectations for after college. (I’ve talked to my friends who have graduated: there’s still not enough time in the day).
6. Sleep is Sacred
Going along with that, I can’t remember the last time I had 8 hours of sleep in one night. Whether I’m waking up early for work or going to sleep late because of homework, I always find myself getting about 5-7 hours on a good day. Any time that an opportunity presents itself for a nap, TAKE IT. You’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the rest of your unbalanced schedule if you allow yourself that extra sleep. Depriving yourself from a nap will only distract you from your studies, so trust me, just do it. But set an alarm, because you don’t need to sleep through your next class or work…
7. Follow Your Heart
Making decisions in life is hard, and there’s truly only one person’s opinion that you can trust: your own. When you feel yourself leaning one way while everyone else is leaning the other, know that it is okay to go against the grain. That’s what makes you unique. That’s what makes you strong. And most times, that’s what makes you smart. All throughout our lives we’ve strived to “fit in” or be part of the “popular group,” but I promise you, when you graduate and enter the real world, all you’re going to want to do is stand out. So it’s never too early to start practicing.
8. Know Your Worth
College is a time in life where you may begin feeling lost trying to discover who you truly are. You may feel as if you aren’t worth something that you deserve, which is insane because you are completely worthy. You are worthy of every opportunity that presents itself to you, and the only thing holding you back from climbing the stars is your doubt. You should address each situation as if you are confident and deserving of the opportunity before you, because when you doubt yourself, you are allowing other people to do so, too.
9. Saving Money is Hard
I’ve worked throughout all four years of college, and somehow I still don’t have any money. Yes I have some bills and only make a certain amount every week, but still, where does it all go?! I have the picture in my head that this problem will resolve itself when I get a full time job after graduation, but as I’m doing the math of all of the future bills haunting my graduation, I know that my picture is tainted. While I consciously make the decision to save money, I still feel it slipping through my fingers at any time someone says “wanna grab brunch?”
10. Who You Are………………………………and Who You’re Not
Making new friends can be exciting, as I’ve mentioned, but it can also encourage you to become someone that you’re not. This happened to me so many times I can’t even count them. The times that I feel most myself is when I’m not going out of my way to please someone, and that’s when I feel most secure. By making and losing friendships, it is common to find a balance of who you are, and who you’re not. There is a fine, fine line between the two that is very easily crossed on a daily basis, but making the decision to be true to yourself and address each situation as honestly as possible makes your true personality shine.