The habits we pick up, both good and bad, tend to stay with us for long periods of time, thus the word "habit." Starting a new chapter in your life — such as going off to college — is a really good opportunity to start new habits that will benefit you in the long run. Throughout my college experiences, there are some habits I have stuck with religiously, while there are some that I picked up later and wished I had started from the very beginning. I've always been considered the "mom" of my friend group so now I am putting my wisdom out there for others (LOL). So, for my readers (and freshman friends), I have compiled some of the best habits that I think every college freshman should start as soon as they begin college.
1. Drink water.
So I know this one may seem unnecessary, but it is important for me to reiterate that water is seriously the best thing you can give to your body (especially after a weekend of partying). It's good for your skin, weight, digestive system, and literally the entirety of your body. Binge on soda and alcohol on the weekends if you want, but for the weekdays, get you a cute Camelback or Nalgene water bottle and use that sucker Monday through Thursday.
2. Wake up an hour before you really have to.
This probably sounds crazy to most people, but it is one of my favorite habits that I follow. Unless you have an 8 or 9 am class (IF you have the choice, don't do that to yourself your freshman year), i highly suggest waking up an hour before you have to get up. I do this sometimes just to lay in bed and watch Netflix for an hour, or do homework, or have Jesus time. Either way, it gives you a relaxation period before you have to jump straight up to shower (if you do morning showers like me) and start your day. I do it all the time.
3. Join a campus-based worship program.
This is another one of my favorites that I wish I had done a lot earlier than I did. Campuses have Wesley Foundation, BCM, YoungLife, and many other campus worship programs. They are all awesome--it's up to you to decide which you like and which meets at a time most convenient for you. Attending these worship nights is a good way to keep grounded in your faith through your college years and provides you with so many other Christians with a similar experience as yourself.
4. Make budgets.
This may sound cheesy and like something your parents would say, but budgets are the key to managing what little money most college students have. Whether you have a job or a weekly allowance from your parents, being able to prioritize your money helps you have that extra cash for the bar that weekend or for a late night pizza binge. Plan your weekly spending for things like groceries, meals eaten out, alcohol, bar covers, gas, etc. It really helps to save and lets you get a good luck at how you are spending your money.
5. Get a good planner and use it.
In high school, I barely ever opened the school issued agenda. Ever. Since going to college, however, I use my planner for EVERYTHING. I make lists of what I need to do for every single day. This is the best way to keep up with school work, social life, and football games without forgetting something. Get a cute Lilly Pulitzer or Erin Condren planner and make that your baby. Take it with you everywhere. Write down everything. I can't stress it enough.
6. Clean your room.
If my mom is reading this she is probably chuckling to herself knowing the messy person I am. But, my advice to everyone else that's not me is to clean your room. It sounds silly, but seriously a clean room makes me feel like a new person. Even if its once a week, just set aside a time (like every Sunday night or something like that) to clean your room, do laundry, clean your bathroom!!!!!, etc. It's a good habit to have and makes looking for clothes a lot easier.
7. Go to the library.
This is another one of those things that I wish I would've done earlier. I never really had to study in high school, so studying in college was a big adjustment for me. I finally realized that studying in my bed in my apartment was not going to cut it. A study room in the library should become your best friend, and not just during finals week. Being in a quiet environment for the sole purpose of studying always helps me focus and get work done. If you start the habit of studying in the library year-round, it will really help your discipline as classes get harder.
8. Talk to people in your classes.
Believe it or not, I really never made an effort to talk to people in my classes until later in college. If I had friends that I already knew in the class on the first day, then great, I sat next to them and worked with them throughout the semester. If I didn't know anyone in the class, however, I didn't really introduce myself or make any other effort- which I often would regret. Having someone you know in a class and being able to communicate with them outside of class (especially a lecture of 200 people) is one of the best resources you can have.
9. Monitor your social media posts.
I know, college are the best years of our lives. It's meant to be young, wild, and free (like the song). But in today's technological world, your social media is more important than ever. Things you post can affect you in so many ways. Your school, sorority, and family all may monitor your social media. Future employers can look back and see what you posted in 2010, thanks to Facebook. It's so important that you are careful in the things you post! Just use your responsible judgement and try not to show the entire world those drunken karaoke pics.
