I can still remember looking for the venue on Google Map, running to my 9 am classes, studying at midnight to make up my weekend travel, cramming for the essay or assignment due in an hour or fifteen minutes, and taking the final to secure my GPA. Now the first semester is over, yet I am so not ready to go home. As I packed piles of summer clothes and daily essentials into my giant luggage, I suddenly realized that I would be back home in 36 hours. Meet my family and friends, have a long afternoon tea, and taste all the great Taiwanese food--so much that I can hardly take in right now.
While waiting for MBTA, I will take some time to jot down the thoughts I wish I knew before coming to Brown.
1. Have A Key Chain with an ID Tag.
If you are the kind of people who tend to lose things, it is super helpful to have a key chain with an ID Tag. I didn't have one until today, and it just saved my time worrying and looking for possibly lost items.
2. What About Breakfast?
I was highly motivated in September. Wake up at 6 a.m. Practice Martial Arts. Go to breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Do some work before class starts. And keep regular hours at doing other stuff. But then I realized the cold weather just turned things around (and how much I love my bed.) Now I have brunch instead and turn my morning exercise into running to class. It works and I am happy, but I plan to pick up my the exercise I missed during the winter break.
3. Check For Student Discount.
"Think about the things that can attract students if given a lower price," my friend once told me when I was regretting over the half prices train tickets I could have bought. With that mindset, I have found so many student discounts for food, movies, transportation, not to mention Amazon student prime.
4. Train Schedule Matters.
I tend to travel on weekends, so I usually Uber to Providence Station and take the MBTA. Since the subway at Brown is usually not on time, I assume that the train schedule is unreliable too. Much to my surprise, the schedule is pretty accurate and it is best to leave 30 minutes ahead (especially during Thanksgiving when there is less Uber around).
5. The Winter Is Bearable.
Coming from a subtropical country, I have never lived in a "winter" before. The weather is indeed chilly, yet I can get through it with my snow shoes, hat, scarf, coat, and gloves. Generally, the indoors heating system works well with a shirt beneath the layers. It can be a bit sad to see the sun set at 4pm, but you can always cheer yourself with cookies and hot chocolate. I also have to admit that the melting season and slippery ground can be terrifying, but you can always take the shuttle around the campus. Thanks to another friend for telling me that we can text 41411 with the station's name to get the bus schedule.
6. Be Open To Everyone.
Small talk can go really far. I am constantly inspired by the amazing people and talk over coffee break (totally in love with the openness around the campus). During the stressful periods, I would plan to work while waiting in line for food. Yet, I always end up talking with people around and cannot find a better way to spend my time!
7. Ask And Seek Resources.
Office hours, writing center, or any academic tutoring are all here for your success. It took me a while to utilize these great resources, but I am glad to see the impact on my academics. It may be daunting to talk to a professor at times, but once you take the first step, you may find that the professors are really approachable.
8. Ask For Extension.
If you ever need one, just ask. The professors are pretty understandable. If not, you can always talk to the dean. They know you are have other classes, projects, and finals. Don't stress before you ask for help because most of the time things will work out well.
9. Know What You Want.
How can anyone have side projects, attend cool events, be in charge of leadership roles and stay on top of every study while in college? Truly it is hard, but it is also doable with a master time management plan and delegation. At the same time, it is also critical to know that it is fine to stick with whatever you have--as long as you have what you want. In the end, happiness defines your success.
