Once upon a time, I was a high school senior, soon-to-be college freshman, and I, too, thought I had it all together.
In my perfect world, I was going to go to college, not miss my parents, make straight-A's, eat nutritious dining hall cuisine, and somehow "thrive". Flash-forward one year, and I am sitting in my empty dorm room whilst staring at my poor trash can, wondering how exactly how many hollowed ice cream pints found their way inside of it's rims.
My freshman year of college is swiftly drawing to a close and, considering the fact that I've made it out alive, I thought it would be relevant to divulge my hard-earned wisdom through dedicating a listicle to the incoming Class of 2022.
I want to make it clear that it's okay to not be perfect! Living on your own for the first time is tough!
These guidelines should help keep your college life in line without making you lose your mind. I also forgive you for taking your on-campus tour through the middle of the library as I was diligently trying to study.
1. Make an effort to get to know your roommate.
This first point goes without saying, but whether you are rooming with a friend from home, somebody that you met over your class social media page, or a completely random person, be sure to have conversations with them.
Try your hardest to not simply co-exist and while you're at it, get over the stigma that the two (or three) of you HAVE to be "best friends"! No matter the type of connection established, your roommate will most likely be there when you come home from a bad day or when you just need to vent. In turn, considering you live together in a cramped, 100 sq. foot box, you will be there when they need to vent, too.
My main advice is to listen and be understanding- it could make all the difference between wholehearted relief and a mental breakdown.
2. ORDER. PIZZA. And cookies, too.
There will come a point in time when Domino's Pizza and Insomnia Cookies just speak to you. When that time comes, whip out your cellular device and hit 'em up for a good time. Said criteria also applies to calzones and ice cream.
To keep things moderated, limit these raunchy get-togethers to approximately once a month, or don't. The world is your oyster and sweet, baby Jesus will love you no matter what.
For an enhanced effect, eat your grub in bed while simultaneously watching Netflix and ignoring your 11:59 p.m. deadline on Sunday.
Moreover, please don't feel too guilty if you lapse in the nutritional department. Coming from someone who was terrified of the "freshman 15", I can attest to the notion that food is able to be balanced, but you will never be able to relive those late, dorm room floor pizza nights with your friends.
3. Go for a night out!
Life is hard and crying in the library is only fun the negative-first time.
Maybe the party scene isn't your thing- that's alright! Going out for dinner or to a movie does the trick, as well! Regardless, group together with friends, stay safe, and cherish that refreshing, college aroma of mixed drinks, cig smoke, and nicotine vapor (you cannot escape it. It will find you). You most definitely deserve some downtime.
Pro Tip: If you are a weirdo health-nut like me and refrain from going out one weekend, head to the gym in the early morning; most everybody else will be hungover and you will practically have the whole place to yourself!
4. Learn to hit the books early.
Seriously. In the midst your newfound excitement, take multiple trips to the library per week and make sure to do so before midterms or finals even begin to approach. By then, all of the academic leeches will have hopped onto the pro-library bandwagon and you will not be able to find a place to sit.
The Lib is your shepherd; It restoreth your soul and mentally replenisheth the material your professor's harp at you about all semester. Not to mention there's a Starbucks at the front.
5. Have fun.
Ah, yes, the stereotypical concluding sentiment. In other words, ride a LimeBike on a sunny day.
College will push and pull your character in an infinite variety of directions and I can guarantee that the version of you who unpacked your dorm room in August will be different from the version of you who will be packing it back up in May.
Yes, this list is vague and fairly brief. That's because there is no version of summary grand enough to adequately encompass all of the opportunities your freshman year will offer. With that being said, I urge you to explore and take part in whatever activities you desire.
Keeping it "together" is overrated and truly for the faint of heart. These are YOUR years to be YOU, so do not let anyone tell you how they should be lived.
