College is a weird place and an experience that is different for everyone. Here are some things that I’ve learned AFTER coming to college that could have saved me a ton during my freshman year.
1. You don’t need all those clothes
DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT bring your whole closet to college, you do not have room for that. I made the mistake of doing that and I still have to shove clothes in my suitcase to make room for them. Just bring the essentials that you might need, depending on the weather and climate of the area your university is in. In all honesty, you are going to go shopping so it is better to have room for new clothes versus having to toss old clothes out so many times a year.
2. Buy wholesale
I highly recommend going to Costco, Sam’s Club, or your local wholesale store because it is more bang for your buck. At the beginning of the semester, stock up on pantry staples that you use often. My pantry staples are: rice, pasta, peanut butter, coffee, etc. It always works out in your favor in the end because these items will last for months at a time. I also recommend buying household supplies at wholesale stores because these items can last up to a year and if you are splitting with roommates, it makes it even cheaper.
3. Do not be afraid to ask a professor for help
We are all human and we do not know everything, so do not be embarrassed if you are having a hard time understanding the content of a class. If you need help, that is what office hours are for. Go in and sit with your professor and ask all the questions you have! This is what I did my sophomore year and it raised my grade from a C to an A. Your GPA will thank you for it.
4. Study in a place that keeps you motivated
DO NOT STUDY IN YOUR ROOM. I could just leave it here but studying in your room, especially on your bed, is so bad. I don’t know how many times during my freshman year that I fell asleep while studying and woke up with drool on my cheek at 4 A.M. when my test was at 9 A.M. Go to the library or HPU Learning Commons to study, it is quiet and being in that environment can really help you be more studious.
5. Relax
It is so overwhelming when you read your syllabus and things are due left and right BUT take a breather, drink some juice, and know it is going to be okay. We have 15 weeks in the semester and if you just plan ahead, these assignments will be a breeze. So relax and take it one day at a time.
These are my tips that I learned while being in college. I’m telling you because no one ever told me this before college!