August is quickly coming to an end, which means two really important things: pumpkin flavored everything, and people of all ages will be heading back to school! The first few weeks are always the best. The work load is light, you get to meet and find out who are in the same classes, and you still have the energy to dress nicely. But, as anyone who has experienced higher education knows, that changes quickly. The work load becomes more intense, sweatpants are a must and the only thing you and your friends talk about is if anyone has the answers to the next exam.
This rut happens every year, and, as much as some of us try to change, it's way harder than we think. Here are a few important things to remember when the annual "school year rut" starts to happen.
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1. Use all of the school supplies you buy
I am the queen of buying six folders, for my six classes, then, by week four, all of my stuff is jammed into one, very unorganized folder. This "system" has failed me so many times! I can't find anything! Luckily it only took me until my sophomore year of college to finally say enough is enough...
2. Get up early!
Class starts at 9:30? Better get up at 8:50 and barely make it on time! This is another one of my specialties...dress like a slob, make some coffee, run out the door, and fall in and out of sleep during class because I didn't give myself enough time to fully wake up. This was mostly caused by stress during the day, and some pretty late nights studying.
3. Don't quit that part time job
Happens to me every year. I get stressed with balancing being a double major, having time for family, friends, a boyfriend, working out, etc. School is already a full time job, I get so tempted to quit every year just because of the added stress. But it's worth it! I have a very flexible part time job on campus, so even if I only work two-three days a week, it's better than not working at all! And it takes away a huge portion of financial stress that I would have otherwise.
4. Be as social, or unsocial, as you want to be
I've learned a lot of things in college, one of the most important being, no one is going to make you do anything. This isn't high school anymore. No one is going to make you sit through lunch, pep rally's, football games, or anything else you don't want to do. If being social is your thing, than go for it! Make time for sports, clubs, Greek life, or anything else that interests you. However, if chilling in your dorm room, watching Netflix and eating food is your ideal Saturday night, there is nothing wrong with that! And I think it's about time that someone says it! College is extremely stressful, and everyone wants to use their down time in different ways. And, that's OK.
5. Call your parents
Whether you live 20 minutes, or four hours away, Whether you're having the biggest mental breakdown of your entire life, or you just miss your moms cooking, call, because they want to hear from you!
6. Go to almost every class
Attendance is important. Going to the classes you're paying for is important. Education is important. But, your mental healthis also important. Take a day off if you need it. It's OK.
7. Don't leave your high school friends behind
No, he or she does not know about the drama going down between the roommates across the hall. You go to two different schools. But, does that really matter? I've seen and experienced too many friendships ending just because individuals ended up a different colleges. It's okay to change as a person and get new friends, but don't throw your old ones away.
8. Do your laundry... and actually fold it
One of the biggest hassles in college. A huge hamper full of laundry, that finally gets clean, then instead of folding it, it stays in the hamper...clean. Just fold it.
9. Enjoy life
Finally, the last thing on every college kids mind, Actually having a good time! As important as the education part of college is, that isn't the only part. College is suppose to help everyone find out who he or she is. Go on a walk and look around the beautiful campus. Meet some friends for coffee Go to the gym. Watch 15 episodes of "How I Met Your Mother"in one sitting. Do whatever makes youhappy. Because it's your college experience. No one else's.
