15 College Lessons I Learned So My Little Sister Doesn't Have To | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

15 College Lessons I Learned So My Little Sister Doesn't Have To

I've been there.

79
15 College Lessons I Learned So My Little Sister Doesn't Have To
Rachel C. Baxter

To My Little Sister Who Just Graduated High School,

I've done you the favor of learning these 15 lessons in college so you don't have to. You're welcome.

1. Don't drink on an empty stomach.

This sounds obvious but you're going to want to do it. Don't. A night with unlimited potential will probably end with you huddled over some gross bar toilet, or maybe your own dorm toilet if you're lucky.

2. It's okay to wear your pajamas to class.

In college, no one cares. You could show up to class looking like you just died and everyone would be like "oh, I've been there."

3. Don't waste time being someone you aren't.

You only have four years. If you don't fit in with a specific friend group, find another group. You have 40,000 friends to chose from.

4. Spend time finding who you are.

Try everything. Take classes that sound interesting to you. Join clubs. In the end, these are the things that will end up making you you.

5. It's okay to change your major.

If you're hesitant- change it. Change your major as many times as you want. A couple extra classes now will be worth having the right career later.

6. You can't plan everything.

You'll probably bumble back and forth between having everything figured out to feeling like your life is a pile of sand you're trying to keep from slipping through your fingers. Let your plans change. Make plans and then make new plans.

7. Sleep with whoever you want.

No one cares if you sleep with everyone or you sleep with no one.

8. You still need your parents.

I know, you moved out of the house and you're all grown up. You feel like an independent woman and in some ways you are. But you still need mom and dad.

9. College is hard.

College classes alone are way harder than what you're use to. I know that you think you're brilliant and you are but this is going to be hard for you. You're going to have to learn how to study, take notes and not procrastinate. You're going to have to do all of that on top of managing our social life, dealing with a roommate, trying to eat healthy, making friends, going out and getting involved.

10. Go to office hours.

Having a relationship with your professors will pay off in so many ways from having grades boosted, resubmitting assignments, lenient grading and letters of recommendation.

11. Pay attention to what goes into your body.

There's going to be food everywhere. And good food. Order pizza at 1am when you come home from the bar but also go to the gym. The freshman 15 is real.

12. Money goes quick.

This new found freedom is inevitably expensive. Coming from the girl that's been broke since freshman year, just try to conserve money.

13. Call home.

They'll miss you. Honestly, since you're the second maybe they won't. But an easy way to avoid their long phone calls is to keep them updated. Send mom and dad texts when little things happen in your life.

14. Don't be a bad roommate.

Living in an awkward roommate situation is the easiest way to ruin your days. You always start off fine and slowly things start to cripple. Communicate with her when there's an issue. Be clean. And be respectful.

15. Never say "that's not me."

You don't know what's you yet. You might fall in love with something unexpected so don't limit yourself. Unless there are dangerous drugs, then you can say no.


So, there you have it.

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

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

187236
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

12983
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456446
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25735
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments