Wrapping up my first year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I realize that despite all the struggles, I've made so many new friends, engaged in so many new experiences and activities, and found a way to make a home out of a place that was originally completely foreign to me. My first year was a little different to some due to the fact that I had already taken a gap year previous to coming to college, so I was not coming directly from high school and living with my parents.
Yet still, like so many others, my first year at the University of Wisconsin has been life-changing and I have learned so much, both in and out of classes. Here's what I learned:
1. No one cares if you were popular in high school
When you come to college, the whole idea of "popularity" disappears (thank God). People either like you or they don't, and it doesn't really matter if you're pretty or have a rich family. It's all about your true personality and heart. There's no point in wasting your time and energy in trying to make people like you.
2. The friends that you make are much more genuine
After a few months or a year in college, you'll start to notice that you end up drifting from some of your high school friends, and that's okay. The friends that really care about you will stay, and the others will eventually leave, and I promise you won't be as sad as you think. Especially since in college, people don't care to spend their time that they're not studying with people they don't like, so those that do become your friends actually do mean it, and they'll be some of the kindest and considerate friends you've ever had. (Plus they'll always Venmo you back and pay for Ubers even when they're more broke than you).
3. Sleep is hard to get, but it's important
College may be more fun than high school, but the school work is definitely more difficult. Granted, you are taking classes on subjects that you are more interested in and actually need for whatever your future career is. Still, I've never had to write so many essays in my life, while also at the same time studying for three midterms all in one week (and balancing a social life, too, of course). As fun as it is to stay up until 5 a.m., I have not once regretted taking up on an opportunity to get more sleep. If it means missing a morning class or two or skipping out on a party, then so be it. Your brain and body will thank you.
4. Parties are overrated
Don't get me wrong, parties are so much fun and are part of the college experience, no doubt. However, they're not the best part of it all. What's really special is getting to spend time with friends. Getting to dance without a care while your body is still young and you can shake your hips like Shakira (or at least close to it). Being able to stay as long as you want because no one is waiting up for you and your responsibilities are minimal. I mean let's be honest, it's really not about the warm Natty Light and Burnett's or the excessive amount of Brads and Chads cramped into one small basement with black lights and a disco ball. It's about living up a time in your life that you know will go by in the blink of an eye.
5. It's time to learn to become comfortable with yourself
Soon enough, you'll begin to realize that a lot of things don't matter to you as much as they used to. You eventually get to a point where your main concerns are basically just getting your degree and living the happiest life you can while also trying to balance 18 credits. Being fake and stressing about whether or not what you're doing is weird or if people think you look normal is certainly not the road to happiness. So you realize it's about time to just say to hell with all of that and just do you. After all, despite what you might think, no one really cares. There are already so many weird things that go on in Madison so it's pretty hard to look thatout of place. And to anyone who does bother to judge, f*ck them. They're probably not happy with their own selves anyways.
6. Classes are actually worth going to
Despite what some college students might tell you, it is honestly so important to make it to your lectures and labs. Not only is the material you're learning valuable, but you're also paying a lot of money to go to school, so why waste it? Sure, not every professor is great and some are incredibly boring or practically never teach and only rely on their TAs. When it comes time for finals, though, you will regret every single class you didn't go to and will end up spending far too many hours at the library trying to catch up on everything you missed. Listen to your mama and just go to class, even if it means dragging your feet there in your PJs.
7. Whatever you do, don't be Laurie from 'That 70's Show'
Why? Because Laurie drops out of one of the best schools ever. Don't be like Laurie. Don't drop out of school. Don't leave Madison, even if it gets a little tough here and there. You can make through, my friend — I promise.
