Starting college is such a big milestone on one’s life. It is like a passage way into adulthood. You now have much more freedom and flexibility when it comes to your life- you are in control. However, this new found freedom and flexibility may not be such a good thing. I was actually the first in my family of my siblings and cousins to attend college so I did not have anyone to give me any sort of advice regarding college. As I approach my Senior Year in College, I thought I would share some of the tough lessons I learned during the last three years that everyone needs to know.Some of these I learned the hard way, so seriously take my advise and try to save yourself!
You Don’t Need New TextBooks
I think this is the biggest mistake that students tend to make-needing a new textbook. Let me tell you something,you really don’t need a brand new textbook unless you do not have a choice. Also, try to avoid buying from your University’s bookstore because they tend to be expensive. Try buying a used book, it is much cheaper and sometimes they are already marked up with important information which makes it easier for you! Also, renting a textbook is a good option too if it is cheaper than buying, it also saves you space- after you are done with the semester you can just ship it back. I made the silly mistake of buying all my textbooks and Now I have a pile of college textbooks- some I did not even open at all.
There is food at Home, SERIOUSLY
Okay, if there is one thing I am guilty of, it is constantly eating out. I have noticed that I have constantly been eating out ever since I started college. Don’t make this mistake. The food on campus is so much more expensive than it would be anywhere else- and most of the time the quality isn’t so great. I have wasted so much money just because I have been eating out. Try taking a snack from home or packing something from home if you are a commuter. If you live on campus, you really can’t avoid eating food from campus. However, most colleges who have like their own meal plans that are included in room and board, try dining at places on campus and around that take your meal swipes.
Get Involved and Make Friends
This is the biggest mistake I made. My freshman and Sophomore year, I was so caught up with school and work that I did not even have time to get involved anywhere. I was still blessed to meet and become friends with amazing individuals who I hope remain close with for the rest of my life, but the college experience is heavily involved in getting involved. Make time for these extracurricular activities- join a sorority, a club, and take on volunteer activities. Trust me- you will not regret it.
Focus on your classes
Of course, college is not all fun and games- the main goal is to walk out with your degree in a couple of years. Don’t waste your time partying, hanging out, or doing nothing because it will cause you to fall behind. One thing I learned is sometimes you try your hardest yet it may not be good enough, but that is okay. In my first semester, I had earned a D in my Microeconomics class. I felt like it was the end of the world for me. My Professor ended up curving our grades so I still technically passed with a C but still, even a C was not good enough for me. However, I realized it is OKAY to just take that C. There will be classes you take that are hard, that you may not really get, you may think that it is the professor who is the issue, or it may be you- regardless, just be thankful you passed the class! I have to admit, Macroeconomics was the hardest class I have taken to date, although some have come close to the anxiety Micro gave me, nonetheless, I am glad I got that C. It taught me that it is okay to try your hardest and still not get the results you want because that is the reality of it all.
Take advantage of the resources
Another one of my regrets- not using the facilities that were offered to me. When you get your term bill, you will see something known as “campus fee” or something along the lines of that. That fee included in your term bill typically includes the amenities around campus such as student centers, gyms, Health center, the tutoring center, career services, etc- Make use of them while you can. You have access to a gym/fitness center right on campus. Need help in a class? Schedule a time to sit down with a tutor. You are paying for these things within your term bill, definitely use them as much as possible and as needed! These things cost $$ in the “real world”.
Health comes before anything
Of all the tips I have shared, this is by far the most important one- take care of yourself. Every college student has it tough, rather it is with classes, socially, at home, or work; everyone has their own struggles. Often time, it takes a toll on our health both mentally and physically. Your health should come before everything. This is not to say, you won’t have a mental break down once or twice in college- I have my fair share of tears and full on crying sessions. After that, I went back to work like nothing happened. I am not normalizing the mental issues, but you will be stressed, you will want to cry, you will want to quiet- don’t do it. Take a breather, take care of yourself eat healthy, have a good balance between school and your social life. Although education is important, it is also important to feel happy and healthy.
Kainaat&CO 