As an upcoming senior, I thought I’d share some of the things I’ve learned the last three years of college. It’s been a crazy time so far, but, I wouldn’t change a thing. Here we go:
Make flashcards.
I hate flashcards; they take up too much room, and they’re always facing the wrong way. I love flashcard study apps though. The app I use is called Study Blue; along with flashcards, you can set it up so you can take multiple choice, true/false and fill in the blank quizzes. It’s a godsend.
Sometimes you won’t want to do anything.
Sometimes you’ll have so much to do that all you’ll want to do is lay in bed watching YouTube videos and scrolling through Instagram. Go ahead and watch an hour of YouTube as a reward for one paragraph of your paper. You might have to stay up til 5 a.m. but you’ll get it done.
Go to your professor’s office hours.
In most of your classes you’re going to be graded on participation. If you go to office hours when you have a question, you’ll understand the material better, and your professor will remember you and take that into consideration when determining your participation grade. (Make sure you still talk in class though)
Stay in some weekends.
It’s almost always more fun to hang out with your friends in your apartment or dorm room than going out. Just keep that in mind!
Get involved.
Wow, I sound exactly like a parent. Anyway, getting involved goes along with getting experience. That also means you actually have to participate in the clubs. Offer to help out with projects, or ask about getting a position/ join clubs, make friends, and build your resume. What else coud you want?
Some people aren’t permanent.
Try your hardest to keep in touch with your high school friends, especially your best friends. Don’t cry as much as I did when I realized I was awful at keeping in touch. Oh, and don’t pull an all nighter the night before a major report is due because your boyfriend broke up with you the week before finals. el oh el.
Carry around extra EVERYTHING.
Pens, pencils, chargers, food, headphones. Everything.
Socialize/Network
I’m sure you’ve heard “It’s not always what you know, its who you know.” College is a time to network and learn. Go to the dinners your career center hosts, and talk to the guest speakers that come into your classes. You never know who could help you get a job or internship.
Have fun.
You’ll probably end up going to at least one party during college. Wear old shoes and clothes you don’t care too much about. That way you’re not too upset when some drunk guy spells his drink on you and the five people closest to you. Also, sometimes having fun means hanging out with your friends in bed while watching Netflix. there’s nothin’ wrong with that.
And be safe.
Just be safe. Ship offers medical amnesty to underage drinkers. That means if your friend is passed out and womitting in his or her sleep – CALL THE POLICE. If you’re ever in an uncomforatble situation, find your friends and get out. If you need to go to the counseling center, don’t be afraid to go. It’s okay to feel stressed out and overwhelmed about school. There are a lot of people who care and who are willing to help. Never be afraid to reach out.
All in all, make good friends, have fun when you have the time, study hard and be safe.