As my Spring ‘26 graduation is no longer some distant date in the future, I’ve naturally been reflecting on what I’ve learned as a college student. Being a self-proclaimed Type A who can find change intimidating, it took me a while to adjust to the college environment. However, over these past four years, I’ve discovered how to adapt to the “new” while still holding on to my old sense of control.
1. Working smarter, not harder
In middle and high school, the range of conversation topics amongst my friend group was often limited to the subject of school. Even on a Friday night, I’d jump at a notification to check Canvas when tests were graded. As an underclassman in college, I maintained that overachieving student archetype by always showing up to class regardless of whether they’re recorded or not, doing all the “mandatory” readings, and starting essays and assignments over a week in advance.
But as the demands of my busy schedule grew, I learned that prioritizing school to the extent that I did wasn’t smart. Overachieving really can be over-the-top. I could’ve earned the same grades without giving my all to everything school-related.
Once I realized that there were some classes that didn’t require as much of my energy as others, I was able to realize what “working smarter, not harder” looked like in practice. Sometimes, skipping one class to work on a stress-inducing assignment is the better option. Decentering school can also grant you more time for rest, extracurriculars, career exploration, and a social life, which is the balance that college is all about.
2. Getting Involved
Speaking of extracurriculars, I encourage everyone to get involved in the parts of campus that spark your interest. Having the unique college experience of being a part of Cal Cheer has given me the most out of going to Berkeley. Without joining cheer, I never would have gotten into sporting events as much as I have, learned about all the unique traditions of Cal like our “Big Game” events, and been a part of incredible opportunities to represent our school.
For me, experiencing the energy of this school firsthand and embodying that Cal pride helped me form a connection with the college I chose to attend, outside of just academics. I’m glad that I was able to define my experience by being a part of Berkeley’s culture in this way. So whatever your version of that is, find it!
3. Staying in touch with long-distance friends
I knew that I would be able to continue to spend time with my high school friends when we’d return home during breaks to see our families. What I didn’t know was what to do in that time in between or how to maintain friendships that no longer came with built-in routines.
Yet, it can be as simple as setting a schedule and starting a tradition. My friends from home and I have started sending each other 10 photos of our week every Sunday. Sometimes these photo dumps consist of highlight reels and other times of chaotic behind-the-scenes moments. A photo really can speak 1,000 words (or none and require follow-up questions and a storytime for context). Either way, it keeps us updated on not just big life events, but also the mundanity, even from a distance.
I’ve found that with any friendship reunion, it always feels like no time has passed, but having small, consistent check-ins can give you a glimpse into the parts of your friends’ worlds that you don’t see.
4. Say “yes” more often than “no”
Saying “yes” has been one of my guiding philosophies in college, but it’s important to determine what you prioritize. There’s an art to making the most of your time by staying organized enough to handle what needs to get done so you can jump at new plans when they arise.
The truth is, the best moments rarely live on your Google Calendar. Whether it’s sitting on the glade or at a park with a friend, going out to dinner, or a weekend trip, say “yes” as often as you can afford to. If you’ve set yourself up well, you can truly live without the background stress of what you should be doing instead.
These are just a few of the mindsets I’ve molded to fit my life while getting accustomed to college. It’s a fleeting, yet formative four-year period unlike any other experience. The things I’ve learned stretch far beyond the bounds of these semesters, and (as cheesy as it sounds), I’ll be walking off of the stage having gained more than just a degree.