This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at La Verne chapter.
As the semester comes to an end, there are many things I discovered about being a college student. My expectations from the beginning of this year were completely different from what I actually experienced, and I’ve had such a memorable first semester here at the University of La Verne.
-
It is almost IMPOSSIBLE to stay healthy. There’s too many things to focus on, like adventures and school and Netflix. You can’t have fun and truly enjoy yourself if you’re constantly watching over your weight. (But do start getting into a healthy lifestyle)
- Your sleep schedule will get MESSED up. Whether it’s classes or activities, that sleep schedule you set in high school will definitely change. I used to be okay running on 6 hours of sleep, but now I turn into a zombie unless I get 8 hours of sleep. OH, and I take naps too. College made me love sleep more. [pinterest.com]
- College cooking consists of learning how to cook everything in the microwave. Unless you’re lucky enough to get a full kitchen in your dorm, you’ll be searching up recipes for cooking things in a mug. I personally learned how to use a water boiler to cook ramen, and it was the best discovery I made this semester. It kept me from going hungry many times.
- Always have a snack in your backpack—especially if you have back to back afternoon classes. I was unsure if I was allowed to bring food to my afternoon class because I wasn’t allowed to eat in class in high school. But then I brought my lunch to class because I skipped breakfast. I just made sure not to bother the class. BE THAT BRAVE SOUL THAT BRINGS FOOD FIRST! Because I bet everyone in your class is just waiting for someone else to bring food (and possible get in trouble) before they do.
- You will become a master shopper at Target. I’ve been to so many Target runs this semester, and I’m surprised I’m not even a member yet. WARNING: you will spend all your money here, so make sure you’ve got a list of things to buy and stick to that list. [kappit.com]
- Adventure time all the time! You’ll have so much free time to go out and discover places with your friends. There’s nothing more fun than going out without your parents to tell you to come home because YOU’RE AN ADULT AND YOU DO WHAT YOU WANT. Just make sure you don’t get into legal trouble. [quickmeme.com]
- YOU WILL BE BROKE. There is no escaping the black hole of broke-dom. You’ll end up spending so much money to fund the adventures you go on. All those Target runs and eating out and gas money definitely add up, and sooner or later you’ll realize that you burned through all your money (leaving you $6 in your account…like me). [huffingtonpost.com]
- When your college gives away free stuff or free food (or free stuff and free food), you better be the first in line. As a broke college student, you will do whatever is necessary (within reason of course) to get that free shirt or free meal.
- You will end up procrastinating at some point. Whether it’s because you’re having too much fun, or because you’re loaded with work, there will always be an instance of procrastination. I’ve done pretty well managing my time for assignments, but there was one time when I completely forgot that an assignment was due and turned it in late. Some professors are really strict with deadlines, so make sure you’re on top of it.
- Note taking and reading chapters will get worse. The excitement of new school supplies in the beginning of the year will lead you to meticulously write a whole bunch of notes in your nicest handwriting, and you will definitely read the chapters from those books you spent money on. Two months into the semester, your handwriting will be barely legible and you’re just going to end up using Sparknotes for those chapters that you didn’t read for class. [memecenter.com]
- Become best friends with your advisor. He/She will definitely help you with your four-year plan, making sure you know which classes you need to graduate. Advisors are extremely helpful not only in terms of classes and registration, they can also help write recommendation letters in the future and help you with any assignments you may have.
- Registering for classes is like the Hunger Games. Especially for freshmen because we are the last people to register for classes. Make sure you meet with your advisor one or two weeks before your registration date to plan out your classes (and your backup choices) for the next semester. Ratemyprofessor.com is a good website to make sure you don’t get that crazy professor (but sometimes you don’t have a choice but to take that class).
- Some professors are as lazy as the students. Some of my friends complain about how their professors give last minute 10 chapter readings with a writing assignment due the next day or how the professor never updates the grades so they never know what they have in the class. If you get a professor like this, bless your soul. There’s nothing you can do about it except try to keep up.
- DO THE EXTRA CREDIT. Extra credit is like gold to your grade: rare and extremely valuable. Especially if you have no idea what your grade is in a class.
- TGCC: Thank God for Cancelled Classes. They don’t do substitute teachers in college, so it’s such a great feeling when you don’t have to show up because your professor isn’t feeling it either.
- Your RA will pull through for anything. It’s their job to make sure you’re having a good experience at your dorm, so make sure their number is on speed dial. Whether you’re sick or have problems, they will definitely be there to offer tissues and moral support. [theodesseyonline.com]
- College relationships are tricky. If you’re already in one, congratulations. If you’re single, also congratulations. Just make sure you know what you’re doing and what you’re getting into. There’s a lot of awesome people out there, but there’s also a lot you want to avoid. Make sure you’re truly ready before getting involved with anyone.
- First impressions are important. That’s how you’ll be remembered. You wouldn’t want to be known as “the girl with the attitude” right? Even if it is true, you have much better characteristics to be known for.
- Surround yourself with people who accept and support you. College is a different kind of roller coaster, and like all rollercoasters, it is much more fun and safe when you’re riding with someone you know. You can’t always face everything alone, plus it’s much better to rant about a professor with someone who feels the same way.
- You will find yourself missing your family and friends back home more than you thought you would (unless you live near your school). College is an independent journey, finding out who you are without the influence of your family or your life back home. And because you’re so busy doing you, you slowly lose contact with your friends and family. This is sad but true, because you see your college friends everyday and your family and friends back home even less. Don’t forget to Skype your family and arrange a day out with your friends to reconnect.
[Header photo from youtube.com]