For many people, college is a time of self-discovery. It's the beginning of the next chapter of one's life. College is often a time where people experience being on their own for the first time. As a result, people often learn new things about themselves and the world around them. Here are 25 things I personally learned in my first semester of college.
1. Nobody cares what you wear to class.
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Whether you show up in a dress, sweats, or a dinosaur onesie, nobody cares what you have on. Just wear what makes you feel comfortable
2. Everyone has a place.
From athletics to anime to politics, there are people interested in all kinds of things. Chances are, there are probably people who care about the same things you do.
3. Trying new things will often turn out for the better.
And if it doesn't, at least you can say you tried.
4. Time management is one of the most important skills to have.
Balancing homework, a social life, and all the other things people do with their free time can be difficult. The ability to correctly manage time will be a great resource.
5. Call your family.
While you may be excited to strike out on your own, you will likely find that you miss your family more than you thought you would. And they will always appreciate hearing from you.
6. Your friends will become your family.
Being away from your family means you find other people who you get close to. Before you know it, you will have friends who become your second family.
7. You'll feel less attached to home.
At first, you'll constantly look forward to your next visit home. But, as time goes on, school will start to feel more and more like home.
8. It's okay to be homesick.
Leaving home for the first time isn't always easy, and it's normal to miss your hometown at times.
9. Don't procrastinate.
You can plan to write that 12-page research paper over Thanksgiving, but you are very likely going to end up doing much less than you planned to.
10. That said, when you do procrastinate, caffeine will be your best friend.
Along with the library that's open until four in the morning.
11. Being close with your roommate is the best thing ever.
Whenever something happens, she's the first to know. She's there through all the ups and downs and I couldn't be more grateful.
12. Join extracurriculars.
Whether it be Greek life, a club, or a sport, joining extracurriculars is a great way to meet people who care about the same things you do.
13. Honesty is the best policy.
It's better to be honest about things than to get stuck doing things you hate. If you don't want to be a member of Club XYZ, don't be.
14. Stand up for yourself.
Nobody will do it for you, and it's easier to do it yourself.
15. Even if you take notes on a computer, bring a notebook, a pencil, and a pen to every class.
You never know when your teacher will give a quiz that requires you to have a writing utensil and a piece of paper.
16. Planners are no longer optional. They're essential.
In high school, I could probably get by without a planner. Now, forgetting my planner in my dorm means I'm lost for the day. It also means I forget three appointments, two tests, and a meeting with the queen. The point is: use your planner.
17. Be careful how many t-shirts you bring from home.
Your first few weeks will be filled with free t-shirts, water bottles, and key chains. Don't bring too much from home.
18. You can get a lot done in a big lecture class.
You can accomplish a ten-page paper, 30 math problems, and write the next big novel in a 50-minute lecture class. Just don't let your grade suffer.
19. Leggings are pants.
Need I say more?
20. You are not the only one who has no idea what they're doing.
Most of us are also just as (if not more) confused.
21. Utilize office hours.
Your professors hold office hours for a reason. Use them.
22. School comes first.
You're not paying thousands of dollars in tuition to go out and party every night. Remember what your primary purpose in college is. (Not that having fun isn't important. Just don't let your GPA suffer.)
23. Rent your textbooks.
First, find out if you will actually use the textbook. If the answer is yes, renting it is a lot cheaper than buying it.
24. Not everyone drinks.
Whether you choose to or not is your decision. Don't judge others based on whether they drink or not. Just do what allows you to have fun and feel comfortable.
25. It's OK.
Whether you failed that big test, or the person you hooked up with won't text you back, there is a good chance the world isn't ending, even though it may feel like it is. Know that your friends have your back, and you will be OK.
