College is a lot more than going to class, studying, and taking tests. It encompasses a wide array of challenges and obstacles as well as unforgettable memories. Everyone says college consists of the best years of our lives, but I do not think stressing about tests, remembering to eat, and learning how to navigate through college are going to be my best years. No one talks about the challenges and the lessons learned even though there are many. As I recollect on my past two years in college, it is filled with lessons no one shares but we all experience alone. Here are 18 things I have learned in my first two years of college.
1. Get to know your professors!
At first it may seem intimidating to talk to your professors or ask questions, but DO IT! A majority of professors truly care about their students and want them to do well. Know their office hours and go see them often whether you know everything or nothing at all. They are great mentors and support systems. They may even change that 89.0 to a 90. Plus, the more they know you the better your recommendation letters will turn out
2. Dress to impress!
3. Free Event! Free Food! I’m there!
A majority of universities have free events happening daily on campus which usually means free stuff. Do not be embarrassed to go! Everyone enjoys free things especially college students.
4. Know what you’re paying for!
Several amenities are included in our student bills which often go unnoticed. The university rec center, health care clinic, and computer print costs are often included in the grand total of your tuition. Ask what you are paying for. Take advantage of the things you are paying for.
5. Your family will always be there!
6. Less friends is in fact better!
7. Not everyone wants to help you!
8. Disappointment is okay!
Disappointment is inevitable! As much as you try to avoid it, it is going to happen. It is not the end of the world! DO NOT let it be. Pick yourself up and try harder. If people disappoint you, forgive easily. Control the things you can, and try not to worry about the things out of your control.
9. Learn from your mistakes!![]()
Learn. Learn. Learn. College is the time to learn about yourself in a holistic aspect, and you will make mistakes. You will realize it is not a good idea to go out the weekend before that test or talk to that boy in your class. Do not dwell on the mistakes or let them define you. The important thing is to learn from the many mistakes you make. That is the only way you can get better.
10. Put yourself first!![]()
It's okay to be selfish. Put your education and studies before everything. Take care of yourself. Take every opportunity that is thrown at you, and do not base your decisions off anyone. This is your time right now to be you and do you. Take advantage of this time to learn more, try more, and be more!
11. It will take sometime to get settled in!
12. Cramming doesn’t always work!
In high school studying a day before a test was always a viable option. In college it's a different story. Trying to learn 5 chapters or 300 pages for your physiology class a day before a test is almost impossible. Do not procrastinate! Classes, tests, lab reports, and assignments pile up quick. Do not do it to yourself.
13. Save your money! Stop buying fast food!
14. 8AMs are not worth it!![]()
As good as being done by noon sounds, 8ams are not always the best option unless you have no problem waking up early. However, if waking up early is a problem, I advise you NOT to schedule them. I still manage to get stuck with them, and it is a constant problem for my roommate and I. We frantically get ready after realizing class starts in ten minutes.
15. Sleep! All-nighters will not help!
16. GPA is forever, boys are even less
17. Take time to relax
18. Believe in yourself
Although my college experience is not over yet, I have learned a lot and will continue to learn about myself and others. Regardless of the many challenges we face throughout our collegiate years never loose yourself in mix. Always learn. Always get better! You can do it!
