On August 10th, I moved into my dorm at Oklahoma State and pretty much everything I had ever known changed. I could do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted — well, within reason.
I am a goody-two-shoes so that wouldn't be a problem. Sure, due to COVID-19 my class really didn't get to have the normal "Welcome Week" experience, but the university did what they could. I have now been here for almost two weeks and I want to tell you what I have learned.
You'll meet so many people in the first week.
In the first week, I met so many people that I couldn't possibly remember all of their names. I met them everywhere — from Welcome Week events, my dorm, to pretty much anywhere around campus. Some of them I have met several times and now I know them, but some? I can't tell them apart from a stranger walking across campus, especially with these masks. But this is OK! As long as you have some people you know and you aren't completely by yourself, you will be OK!
Freedom can be a good and bad thing.
In college, you have the freedom to do anything you want, within reason. You can choose what classes you take, what you eat, and who you hang out with, just to name a few things. Still, with choices come responsibilities.
With those classes, you have to actually go to them and study for them. You have to eat healthily, especially if you want to avoid the infamous "freshman 15". And of course, you have to be smart with who you hang out with so you don't end up in trouble.
Once you navigate through these choices, you can have the time of your life!
Studying is a lot harder in college than it ever was in high school.
In high school, I was the type of student who could breeze through most of my classes without doing very much studying. But now, I am studying and doing homework almost every night. It was a rude awakening, but I am getting adjusted.
When you find a good group of friends, hold on tight.Â
I was very lucky and found a good group of friends really before I moved on campus. In today's world of social media, you can easily meet people going to the same school just through something as simple as hashtags. Although we had never met in person until the Sunday before classes started, I felt like I had known them for a while. We went to church together that Sunday and it was like we had been friends forever. I will be forever thankful for them and cannot wait for the memories we will make.
It is OK to do things on your own.
I am a very introverted person, meaning I get my energy when I am by myself. After long periods of time with others, I typically enjoy taking some time to myself to recharge. Sure, I enjoy spending time with close friends and meeting up for different things, but I also enjoy hanging out in my dorm watching TV or not doing anything. This is OK — just don't lock yourself in your dorm 24/7.
People look at you funny when you tell them you have never tried their favorite places.
Where I come from, there are very few franchises to choose from. So when I moved here and people would suggest places to eat, sometimes my answer was, "What is that?".
I have heard of Whataburger, but I have never been there. My friend looked at me like I had lost my mind when I said this. I also have never tried Chipotle, but there is a burrito bowl place in the student union that I LOVE. Someone told me it is like Chipotle though, so I will have to try it.
This is OK though, you will look at people funny too when they say they have never been to your favorite place. These are just a few things I have never tried.
Another thing this relates to is things like Target. The closest Target where I live is close to two hours away and this blows people's minds. I had never truly shopped at a Target until a year ago.
Planners and schedules will be your best friend.
I have heard it a million times and I am sure you have too — you should put everything into a planner. I have always heard that when you get a syllabus from a class you should put the due dates in your calendar, and that is what I did. Hopefully, this will help with everything going on, especially in the middle of a pandemic when everything is changing.
Another thing I saw on TikTok is adding all of your due dates from every class into an Excel sheet and organizing them in chronological order. This seems interesting to just have a few sheets of paper instead of a big planner.
You will find a place where you fit in, trust me.Â
In a school with this many clubs and organizations, hopefully, you will find your place. I know I have found a few clubs that have interested me that I want to explore more. Even with the restrictions set because of COVID-19, organizations are finding ways to promote themselves and that amazes me.
No one cares what you come to class wearing.Â
I know this is said a million times, but it is true. Everyone wants more sleep so if you want to just wake up and throw your hair up into a bun and wear an oversized t-shirt and athletic shorts, then go for it. Even on the first day when you would normally want to dress cute, it is OK if you just aren't feeling it. Especially when you are wearing a mask and your makeup will get taken off.
College is by no means a fashion show.
Unless you're sick or just don't feel comfortable, please go to class.
With COVID-19, professors cannot make attendance mandatory or worth a grade. But this doesn't mean you shouldn't go unless you just absolutely cannot. Classes are live-streamed and then put on Canvas so you can see what you missed. But if you just don't go then are you really going to go back and watch an hour-long lecture? Just go to class, or at least go to Zoom. Also, wear a mask. We all want to stay here as long as we possibly can. So wear a mask and help slow the spread.
