So the time has come that mostly every college student has been dreading: going back to school after having three months off for summer break. Things have to be switched into gear suddenly and life changes as our work and responsibilities consume us once again. Let’s admit it, life gets rough during each semester and even though it might not seem so bad in the beginning, it probably won’t stay that way for long. Stress is bound to occur sooner than later and these are just a few things that will maximize that to a whole other level. So try to stay focused on getting through it as best as you can and good luck!
- Everything gets overwhelming
In college, things start piling up from the beginning. Whether that being stacked up on classes or trying to work a part-time job at the same time, things get overwhelming pretty quickly. Learning things that have never been introduced to you is extremely difficult. Feeling the pressure of acquiring skills and qualities that future employers will want in you is stressful enough as it is. Mix that in with everything else that happens in everyday life is even more difficult. So my advice to this is just take it day by day and don’t take your mind off your goals. It will come with time. Hopefully this will happen without having to rip your hair out or lose your mind in the process.
Recommended for you
2. Procrastinating happens more than ever
There always comes a time when you would rather sleep than go to class or wait until the day before an assignment is due to do it. You know it’s bad when you find yourself cramming for exams with very little preparation for them. Procrastinating in general is just a bad idea because it can really hurt you in the long run. Coming from someone who learned the hard way, you will do so much better if you just keep up on the content and study it a little everyday. You will thank yourself when you don’t have to pull an all nighter or feel panicked because you think you might fail due to putting stuff off for too long. Some classes may be more flexible and don’t require that much attention or effort, but there will definitely be ones where you can’t afford to fall behind.
3. Spending way too much money on food and drinks
It seems like packing a lunch is too much work sometimes and meal plans are so expensive, especially for commuters who drive to school. Because of this, the most common and convenient alternative to satisfy the what it seems like never ending hunger, is to simply buy food whenever it is needed (which is more often than not). In addition to the food, drinks can be even worse. Even that $4 Starbucks coffee you drink in the morning adds up. Another option to avoid this could be buying groceries and eating at home whenever you possibly can, so you don’t end up buying all of the overpriced things on campus.
4. Wishing you didn’t care about the grades
“Why do I have to be here?” and “This is so boring. I’d rather be home binge watching Netflix right now.” seems to run through my mind multiple times a day at school. Losing motivation and feeling burnt out always happens at some point. There is no escaping it. Just try to remind yourself the reason you’re there and know that it wont last forever.
5. Remembering how expensive college is
Considering how much money goes into paying for an education is a little bit unsettling and nerve racking. Assuming every student is in the same mindset of eventually getting a sufficient job to make good money for a good life, first we have no other choice but to spend a boat load of money and slam information and knowledge in our brains to achieve that. It’s a huge investment and privilege so don’t waste it or take it for granted. Make the most of your time there and do as well as you can because once you have your degree, no one can ever take that away from you.
6. Every pencil you own seems to go missing right when you need one
This is pretty accurate. The first week you have your holder full of pencils and supplies but by the middle of the semester for some reason, you end up asking strangers if they have a pencil you can borrow to take your exam and you hope it’s sharp enough to circle in the bubbles efficiently. Stock up and make sure the night before you have everything you need because when this happens, it is truly a pain.
7. There’s always that one professor that doesn’t like you
Professors can make you or break you. They have the right to teach a certain way and grade your things however they would like, so try to stay on their good sides and treat them with respect because if not, watch out.
8. You end up not caring what you look like
Over the summer you see all the back to school sales for clothing and shoes and all that. You get all excited because you think you’re going to dress nice and cute everyday this semester. Well this quickly changes when things like getting out of bed and showing up for class in the morning takes more energy than putting on makeup and doing your hair. Besides, at 8 am, who actually cares what you look like anyway.
9. Go to bed late, get up early
Sometimes you only end up getting 5 or 6 hours of sleep a night and you are tired all day and maybe even try to sneak in a nap or two here and there. Pretty much expect your sleep schedule to be messed up whenever the semester starts.
10. Nothing can be done without time management and a planner
With everything that goes on in a student’s life: classes, homework, assignments, exams, work, extracurricular activities, clubs, maintaining relationships with people, etc, a planner is crucial in order to keep track of everything. It will be your best friend.
