College brings a lot more to the table than epic partying and a valuable degree. Sometimes life happens while we're in college; we get caught up in the wrong things or the wrong crowds, and we lose sight of what's important. But it is never too late to stop and think "I'm going to give my mom a call, because she's a saint and is the reason I am here, waiting out this brutal hangover."
1. When you read those quotes on Tumblr about how “life only gives you so many chances, so go out on a Tuesday when you have a test in the morning,” don’t do it.
You will regret it. Give your body some rest. Yes, life only gives you so many chances, so manage your time and go to bed at 9:30 p.m. when life gives you that chance. There is nothing comically memorable about failing a test in the way there is about going out in the middle of the week.
2. If you are friends with people who peer pressure you into going out because it's part of THEIR day plan, get rid of them.
Those people are not your friends; they are self-centered creatures who lack confidence and need a sidekick to make up for it. Ain’t nobody got time for that. You should be focusing on the friends who respect your wishes when you say “I really need a night in.” Always trust your intuition when you think staying in is the right move. When you don’t trust it, you are likely to end up with a fat ticket or, like me, face-down and three feet away from your bed.
3. Trust the people in your life.
Endless research has proven that college students are a large section of the population who suffer from anxiety and depression. Whether they’re your siblings, sorority/fraternity members, best friends from home, or your parents, they love you unconditionally—even when you’re feeling the lowest of lows. Confide in them and ask for help. True love doesn’t come with a price; they’ll be there for you at noon, 10 p.m., or 3 a.m. Don’t give up when times get tough; utilize your resources.
4. Call your grandma.
After all, she is the reason you are here in the first place. Think of all the times she was there for you—when you were a baby to see you walk your first steps; calming you down in public as you threw all those temper tantrums; at your first communion, confirmation, and graduations; helping you paint your room a gaudy color after begging your mom for consent—I could go on. She loves you, and even though you don’t see her on a weekly basis like you once used to, she thinks about you all day. Give her a call so she can hear your voice; it really is her favorite thing in the world.
5. Heartbreak is inevitable in college.
If you haven’t yet been with and been broken up with by someone who you thought was your person, I envy you. But, at the same time, I am forever grateful for the person who I thought was my world. Don’t be afraid to get hurt, because pain is a part of life. You will never know how wonderful something should feel if you have never been hurt. You are going to get hurt and occasionally even hate the person who hurt you, but pain is temporary. Don’t let that hinder you from creating new relationships. Take the chance to get to know people you never expected to come across; they will change your life.
6. Go into everything with an open mind.
Whether it is a class, club, or party on a Saturday night, do everything with a purpose. Like I said, you never know who you are going to meet and who is going to change your life. Sometimes you have to do ridiculous things, like join clubs you never thought you would join, or hang out with people you were reluctant to talk to in class, and so much more. It’s all indescribably rewarding in the end, though, when you have an abundance of networks with a stacked resume to upload to LinkedIn.
7. You can’t always do everything on your to-do list.
You may have a million things you want to get done, but remember to make time for yourself. Exercise, eat well, drink red wine, read the news, reciprocate the wonderful friendships your friends give you, and watch your Netflix.
