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17 Things I Learned In My First Semester Of College

I might of learned things in class, too, but that's not important.

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17 Things I Learned In My First Semester Of College
Courtney Eastman

After my last two finals this week, I will officially be done with my first semester of college. Here's a bit of what I learned from the beginning of my journey into debt.

I made the wrong choice.

I don't actually want to do Journalism or Advertising and Public Relations. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves graphic design, writing, and storytelling. I just can't imagine myself doing that for the rest of my life, so back to square one.

Free stuff is the best stuff.

I don't think there is a limit to how many free plastic cups, flash drives, sunglasses, or pens I will accept. Keep 'em coming!

Bus drivers don't care if you're sitting.

Seriously, grab on to anyone and anything because inertia is not your friend. It's kind of like an amusement park ride though so I'm not complaining.

Wifi all across campus is the most beautiful thing.

One time while eating lunch before class I watched 4 episodes of The Office without using any data. Oh and it's good for homework and stuff too...

Walking to class will always suck.

I have to add in 15 extra minutes of travel time every day because no matter how big campus is, parking will always be inconveniently distant from all of the buildings I need.

You aren't prepared for college until you're in college.

It's probably going to take me until I graduate to fully know everything offered here. Fake it 'til you make it.

School IDs get you a lot of discounts.

Because the world understands. They get it.

My professor is probably the greatest human I've ever met.

I took a human rights/social justice class, and throughout the semester found out that my teacher has done loads of research, writing, and traveling and even has her own foundations in Sri Lanka started by her and her family to help out victims of human trafficking, those struggling with drug addiction, and children without homes. She's an angel.

Sitting in the front is so nice.

I'm not distracting by all of the screens in front of me scrolling through Facebook, watching Netflix, or doing other classes homework. Also, in my big freshman lecture classes, the professors use microphones and when they cut out (which they're bound to do), I can still hear just fine.

All professors have different testing styles and it's really frustrating.

This is kind of obvious, and the same could be said about all levels of schooling, but this is nothing compared to high school. Some professors give such confusingly-worded exams that I'm going to avoid their classes for the next three years at all costs. On the contrary, some professors just really want everyone to pass and like to give open note tests that you can take with groups. It's magical, really.

I paid for books I didn't even open.

Edit: I paid a lot for books I didn't even open. #thanksUNL

Late fees are the worst.

I forgot to pay $3 so my late fee was not 4, not 5, but $40!!!! #thanksUNL

Procrastination has reached a whole new level.

Classes aren't everyday, so it's easier than ever to just put stuff off. I'd tell you "don't do it" but who am I kidding, it's part of the college experience.

Working and going to school is just as miserable as people made it sound.

When I'm at school I complain about having to go to work. When I'm at work I complain about having to go to school. It's the circle of life.

Parties are sweaty.

Nothing against people who enjoy parties, but that is not my crowd. After going to one for an hour one time, my friend and I made our way to Old Chicago for desert instead.

3 hour classes are only bearable if you love the subject.

I take a 3 hour night-time psychology class. It's actually great and the professor is fantastic, but if it was any other subject there's a good chance I would have dropped out of college by now.

Friends with similar interests make college a lot better.

Shoutout to Emily, we're one-in-the-same. Not having to pretend to be interested in things just to get along is kind of the best thing ever.

HAPPY BREAK EVERYBODY!

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