Starting college completely changes how you live, whether you want it to or not. You might be far from home, taking classes that are overwhelming, or be just plain tired all the time. After starting my first year of college, I soon found some things that helped me deal with all these new challenges thrown my way. Some of these were things I already did out of habit, and some were things I started doing based on personal experiences.

1. Call your family.

They’re the people who know you best, and it can take such a weight off your chest to be able to talk to them about anything.

2. Clean your room

Your roommate will thank you, and you will feel better too. It’s easier to work in a clean space, and it’s nice to have a neat place where you can relax.

3. Pray

This might not be something everyone agrees with, but it makes a huge difference for me to be able to talk to God about anything that I’m struggling with and go to Him for wisdom. Knowing that He is my Creator and is in control of my life reminds me to stop worrying about school or the future.

4. Eat apples

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” I hope there’s some truth in this since it seems like people around campus are constantly getting sick. Plus, apples are delicious.

5. Work hard

You don’t want to regret slacking off and wasting time. It’s honestly the best feeling to go bed knowing you accomplished a lot that day.

6. Listen to music

Music makes everything better. It’s relaxing, helps you focus, and makes even the most boring textbook reading assignment a lot more bearable.

7. Get to know new people

It’s easy to stick with the first group of friends you make, but I don’t regret stepping outside my comfort zone. It wasn’t easy to do, but I met some great people and made new friends.

8. Be kind to others

This goes along with making new friends, but simply treating other people with kindness will go a long way, no matter who they are. It can also brighten another person’s day. My mom always says that focusing on others helps you take your eyes off yourself. Even just smiling or saying ‘hello’ is better than avoiding interaction by staring at your phone as you walk by people. (I’m guilty of this, but working on it!)

9. Exercise

If I hadn’t started doing this I know I wouldn’t be functioning very well right now, and I would probably be pretty unhealthy from dining hall food and from all the stress of a new and busy life. Exercise also produces endorphins that keep you feeling happier and more energetic.

10. Don’t live on junk food

Instead of pizza and cereal for breakfast, lunch and dinner, maybe try a salad now and then. (They’re actually pretty good.) You will experience life more fully as a new, happier and glowier version of you!

For more entertaining pictures of women laughing while eating a salad, go to: https://www.thehairpin.com/2011/01/women-laughing-...

11. Be lazy sometimes

Taking a break and resting or doing something you enjoy can keep you from going crazy amongst all the business of homework and activities.