So it’s back to school time and I feel like every summer I get pieces of advice that make me scratch my head and go “what were you thinking?” when it comes down to test out these tidbits of advice. So I asked the wonderful people in my life for their worst pieces of advice they received before going off to school and here they are.
1. Now is the perfect time to reinvent yourself. - Anonymous
There’s reinventing yourself and there's changing the fundamental blocks of who you are. Reinventing your look before you go might be the confidence boost you need but if you’re a going to try changing say your social anxiety? That might take longer… Gradual change is good.
2. Find your alcohol tolerance before you go. - Chelsey M.
Not everyone drinks during their freshman year honestly. It’s a bit stereotypical actually to automatically assume that college=drinking.
3. Eating healthy at the dining hall is totally easy! - Shauna J.
So many people think that living off salad is easy when you have a meal plan. Honestly it's so difficult when your friends are eating pizza and burgers and loading up on soda and ice cream. The options are ridiculously limited if you want to eat food that is healthy or vegetarian at the dining hall.
4.You don’t need to go to classes. - Anonymous
Actually, if you want to pass and not be dropped from the course, you probably want to attend classes and put in some effort. Each class that you miss is roughly $70 of your tuition money going down the drain. Yikes!
5. Don't get into a relationship your first semester. - Alexa B.
Sometimes you just know someones right. I know several couples who met when they first started school and have been together ever since. Being in a relationship can make you strive to do better and also you gain a best friend!
6.Take all your courses in the morning so you can have your afternoons to yourself. - Alex M.
One type of schedule is not ideal for all people. Some people function better with morning classes and the afternoons to do homework and others function better with all afternoon courses. It took me a few semesters to realize I function best with one online course and the rest in person in the mornings. The same goes for taking a maximum or a minimum number of credits, everyone's different to stress yourself out if you don't have to… Winter and summer courses are so much more helpful!
7. Call home every night and visit as often as you can. - Alexa B.
Once or twice a week is enough. Calling home daily can actually make you more homesick. Texting home once a day so your parents know you're alive might be a better option! Going home less often makes you appreciate it more! And guess what: It’s okay to miss home!
8. Focus on your studies, there will be time for fun later. - Emily W.
Life is about balance. Focus on your studies, but let yourself have a little fun. This can be so important. Too much studying can leave you frazzled. And not everyone needs to party to have fun, although it certainly is a popular choice!
9. Don't bother taking business courses unless that's your major. - My dad.
Business courses are universal. I take them whenever they're offered for my general studies requirements and it's great because most of the information is applicable in every field of study.
10. Don't take a semester off or wait. - Robyn N.
Most people think you'll never go back. For some this might be true, but for others that time of your life is when you figure out what on earth you want to do with yourself for the rest of your days.
11. Don’t go to Community College first, it's not prestigious. - Maddie M.
Prestigious or not, it saves you money and gets you in a better mindset if you don't know where your college experience is going to take you.
12. Don't bother going… It's a waste of time and money. - Marilyn B.
No. Just no. You're bettering your future. Traditional college may not be for everyone, and that's perfectly fine, but having someone talk you out of it because of financial reasons? Not acceptable.
13. You can have sleep, good grades, or a social life. But only pick two, you won’t have time for all three. - Annie N.
This is that whole balance thing again. Time management is everything. Just don't forget to be spontaneous every now and then.
14. Don't save for college, don't even worry about it. - Paige C.
Okay, but what if I told you that was really pointless? But honestly though, try to save for school. Or at least save so you don't starve when you’re at school!
15. Don't get a job. - Lex B.
Honestly, unless your parents are footing the bill then good luck paying for anything. But in reality, having a job is beneficial in so many ways besides finances, you can add it to your resume, learn to work with others, and maybe gain some customer service skills along the way!
16. You’ll be surprised at all the free time you have! - Staycee H.
If you get a job and you have a few friends and you're doing your homework, then you may as well say bye to free time.
17. You can just save money and do your laundry and do it at home. - Cassandra L.
If you do this, and don’t go home frequently, I promise you in about 3 weeks you will have no clothing left to wear. Just do yourself a favor and spend the money to wash your clothes at school and make sure you learned to properly do your laundry before you leave for school. No one likes being that awkward kid in the laundry room staring at the detergent and hoping for the best.
18. Get a degree in History. - My stepmom.
The unfortunate thing about certain degrees is that you will inevitably need to pursue more college just to be able to use them. The same goes for the people who were given advice not to pursue something they actually have a passion for.
So let’s hear it, what was the worst advice someone gave you? Comment below and share with your friends!
