I don’t think a school year has ever gone by faster. I feel like I moved into my dorm just the other day, but at the same time, I know I am a completely different person than who I was back then. I have learned a lot since August, and I am here to share some of it with you.
1. Grades
I realized pretty quickly that you are not going to get an A in every single college class you take. A lot of professors grade differently, and some classes might just be difficult for you (no matter how hard you work). As a straight A student in high school, it was challenging to accept the fact that a B is okay. I had to let go of some inner perfectionism and the craving for academic validation. I hate to say it, but the only way to get rid of these things is to learn the hard way: receiving the grade that you’re not satisfied with. However, just think of the character development! At first, it can be upsetting to receive a grade you don’t want, but when you discover that it’s not the end of the world, you will experience an overwhelming sense of relief.
2. Money
It is so easy to overspend in college, especially when your parents are not there to tell you otherwise. I have learned that the little things add up. Even if I don’t buy that shirt because it’s “too expensive,” I will probably end up spending the same amount of money total on coffee and food that week. The five dollar latte might not seem that important in the grand scheme of things, but if you get one every couple of days, it adds up. So, how do you get better at saving money? That is a fantastic question, and one that I am still experimenting with. I would start by putting some money in your savings, so you always have a little bit of money on the side that isn’t easily accessible. Hopefully, you will continue to put money in there so that it grows. Another thing I have been trying to do is not just study in cafes, because I know I will be tempted to buy a coffee. The Union and the LSA building are great alternatives. Finally, I would recommend setting a budget for the week or month. This takes a bit more effort, but it’s easier to decide what you need and don’t need when there is a limit to how much you can spend.
3. Dating (or not dating?)
High school me would have been disappointed to find out that I probably had a better chance of being in a relationship back then compared to now. Turns out, not many people in college want to be in relationships. That is perfectly okay, but it can be dangerous when two people who have different needs (such as one looking for a relationship and one not) come together. Usually one or both sides ends up hurt. It’s a good idea to know and establish what you’re both looking for early on, and then to stand by it. In other words, stay true to yourself because it will be worth it when you find someone who does share your wants and needs.
4. health
Both my physical and mental health have gone through some drastic changes over the past year. College exposes you to a lot of people at once, so it’s no surprise that sicknesses spread easily. The amount of doctor appointments I have had over both semesters is ridiculous. I have learned that taking care of myself has to come first, always. The sooner you get the rest your body needs, the sooner you will feel better and will be able to get back to work. Skipping that class or outing with your friends might be the healthy choice you have to make, and you will thank yourself for it later. As for mental health, I have similar advice. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so if that means taking a day off, do it. Additionally (and I know this one can be scary), don’t forget to ask for help when you need it.
Although I am sad to see my freshman year go, I am thankful for every single one of my learning experiences. What is exciting is that I know I am not done learning, so I look forward to gaining more knowledge throughout college.
