If I Could Turn Back Time

Aside from being a great Cher song, this is a fascinating concept.  If I could go back in time, what would I do?  One time that particularly stands out is just before coming to college.  I’ve written before about the things that aren’t taught at orientation, but, even more than that, I wonder what I hadn’t taught myself at that point!  

Wash your water bottle more frequently.  

Especially if you have a CamelBak with a bite valve that may develop mold and you may  be forced to wait until new bite valves come back in stock to have drinkable water.

Make sure your classes count for something.  

If you’re like me and don’t have a lot of wiggle room in your schedule, you want to a) plan ahead from the start and b) make sure you aren’t taking classes that will only count as a generic credit.  These are great “fun” classes if you have the room, but if not. . . .

You actually can make friends at orientation.  

I was under the delusion that these forced icebreakers and group activities were simply tortures designed to lowkey haze the first years.  Actually, I met my best friend in our first activity as we awaited our name tags.  Fast forward to field day when she picked me up off the ground, and you’ve got the recipe for a lifelong friendship.  *also, the seemingly monotonous icebreakers can actually help.  Patty 3, Jules still likes jewels.  

Get a good mattress pad immediately.  

With all the costs of college, it’s easy to get cheap things when possible to save every bit you can.  Don’t skimp on the mattress pad!  The few dollars you save will lead to endless back pain after countless nights of sleeping on not-nice dorm beds.  

Figure out a laundry system.

You don’t want to be desperately searching for work-appropriate attire ten minutes before your next shift.  Find a day that isn’t when the whole dorm does laundry, and make it your weekly wash day.  You can thank me later.  Also, learn how to do basic laundry!  I’ve taught far too many people since coming to school.  

Similarly, figure out a cleaning schedule.  

You don’t want to be the roommate with month-old pizza crust on the ground.  Dust, vacuum, and wipe as needed.  Make your bed.  Try to keep your clutter under control (I know, it’s hard with the chaos of classes.  Try anyway).

Have a few business casual outfits on hand.  

Preferably one or two featuring your school colours.  As you start attending fancy events, you’ll start running into the same people again and again.  Do you want to be bearing the same skirt every single time you see the College President??

Take pictures.  

Take so many that your friends make fun of you and complain relentlessly.  You’ll be grateful for these memories.  

Learn from my mistakes.

• advice
• mistakes
• time