As the year ends, I wonder how I fit so much stuff into my shoebox of a dorm and how I will possibly get all of it out. To make things easier, I’ve been coming home on the weekends to bring back some of the unnecessary stuff that I brought. It’s just an excuse to spend more time with my cat, but my parents appreciate the extra effort. I watched many Youtube videos about what to and not to bring to college, and somehow every Youtuber got it wrong. I actually watched a Youtube video for everything; how to make friends (at college), how to stay fit (at college), and how to have a social life (at college). None of the information I gathered stuck with me. The most you can ever learn is through experience; I wish one of those Youtubers had mentioned that. Here are a couple of things that I learned (at college).
- Don’t bring everything.
As stated above, I brought everything. I haven’t touched half the stuff that I got onto campus. I advise keeping track of all the things you use at home and only bringing those things to campus. Maybe splurge a bit on over-the-counter medicine. And a hobby; if you like art, bring some supplies (not all of them).
- Taking care of yourself isn’t hard.
For some reason, everyone made it seem like it was impossible to keep your room clean. The most mentally draining thing ever. It’s not. It’s not that serious. Pick a day to do your laundry to find a machine, and you’re set. I will say that being sick is tough. Better not to mix every medication you brought on campus in the hopes that you’ll feel better. Just call a parent and ask what to take. And stay out of Pierce (if I got a nickel for every time I got food poisoning, I’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it happened twice, right?)
- Professors are very nonchalant.
I can’t tell you how often I formally emailed each of my professors asking for extensions or explaining my absences, making sure every sentence was perfectly phrased for them. I would actually panic if they didn’t respond within a day. This is what I got back every time: “OK. – Get Outlook for iOS.”
- It doesn’t matter if you go out or not.
I was peer pressured into going out way more in high school than I am at college. You were a loser if you didn’t party in high school, but no one cares here. If you skip a party, you’re not missing out on anything; there will always be another one.
- Maintain the relationships that matter.
Not everyone is meant to stay in our lives, especially the people we meet in these years. It’s OK to let go of some people, and you should let go of others. Don’t hesitate to cut them off. These are supposed to be the “best years of your life.” It’s much better to focus on people who genuinely love and care about you; nurture those relationships.
Hopefully, some incoming freshmen will read this and gain something from it. May the odds be ever in your favor (just kidding, you’ll be fine).
