3 Ways My First Semester Of College Changed Me | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

3 Ways My First Semester Of College Changed Me

Despite the struggle of trying to maintain my bank account and my healthy eating habits, there were so many other things that my first semester of college helped me with

221
3 Ways My First Semester Of College Changed Me
Preethi Dharmavarapu

Life is full of transitions, but going from high school to college has got to be the biggest jump of them all. Keep in mind that you're going from living with your family to being completely independent in a few short months. No wonder why college students are confused, broken, and instable. No worries, there are so many good sides to college too. In fact, personally for me, there were a lot more good things that happened to me in college than the bad.

1. College taught me to become independent quicker

Well technically, we haven't reached the adult world yet, but we kind of have...? There are so many gray lines when trying to determine if college students are adults or not. I certainly don't feel like it, but I'm 18, so I guess according to the law, I'm an adult. To be honest, if I didn't have college coming my way, I would've still been relying on my parents for most of the things I do by myself now. I'm glad I was able to learn from myself and others around me.

2. College helped me bloom socially

I still consider myself an introvert, but there was something about coming into college that helped me keep conversations going longer. I was no longer afraid to go up to someone and ask for help. I'm still shy, but I can honestly see myself progressing as I start to raise my hand once in a while during some classes. Coming into college made me realize that I can't depend on my parents to help me meet new people and make new friends. I have to put myself out there and meet new people myself.

3. College taught me to take time for myself

It wasn't until college that I started to realize the importance of taking the time to relax and treat myself. During high school, I thought that studying hard with no breaks and spending my weekends studying was the best way to be successful. College taught me that shouldn't be the case. Your mental health is more important so it's ideal to give time for yourself. I learned this especially during finals week when a bunch of clubs created activities to relieve stress.

This was certainly the hardest transition for me, especially since I had to move to another city on my birthday, a few days before actually going to college. It was rough on me at first, but I managed to get adjusted only because I'm surrounded by supportive family, friends, and professors. I'm so glad that I've had a worthwhile and valuable experience at college so far only from the first semester. I can't wait for the many more lessons that college will teach me!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

14186
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

2808
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 14 Stages Of The Last Week Of Class

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1693
black marker on notebook

December... it's full of finals, due dates, Mariah Carey, and the holidays. It's the worst time of the year, but the best because after finals, you get to not think about classes for a month and catch up on all the sleep you lost throughout the semester. But what's worse than finals week is the last week of classes, when all the due dates you've put off can no longer be put off anymore.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments