1. Take every opportunity in front of you
College is unfortunately short lived and it is so important to take the opportunities that become available to you. We may not realize it, but being able to go to a university is a blessing. We are around so many different people a day and possibilities are at the tips of our fingers. Make connections, meet new people, talk to your professors, they are there to help you. You may realize that they are actually really smart people and can help you in the long run. You may not have another chance to be in a sea of people that want you to succeed, want to provide opportunity for you and are willing to help.
2. Get involved
You’d be surprised how many clubs, teams, and groups that are available to us as students. It’s important to seek out all these different organizations in order to make connections and get the full college experience. Getting involved in things will help you meet new people and find your niche. Plus, when it comes to looking for a job, employers want to see that you did more than just party and do the bare minimum of schoolwork when seeking out potential applicants.
3. Don’t ever be afraid to be yourself
You may not know this, but you rock and you need to tell yourself that. You’re surrounded by hundreds of other people all the time and being yourself is the only way to be unique and stand out. Be a leader, not a follower. When people see you’re doing your own thing and you’re enjoying every second of it, they will want to be around you, trust me. There’s no sense in trying to be someone else and conforming to a group because there’s only one you and you need to rock it.
4. Odds that this frat boy likes you are slim to none
I’m not saying that there aren’t frat boys that can fall in love with you and treat you the way you should be treated, but from my experience they are probably just not that into you. I’m sure they are nice boys, but there’s no sense in chasing them if they are only after one thing, if you know what I am saying. Have self-respect and always know that you should be put on a pedestal. If you’re not getting the attention you deserve, don’t chase it. If he wants to talk to you, he will and if he doesn’t, on to the next.
5. He won’t matter in a few weeks
College is all about getting in and out of flings with boys. One day you swear you are going to marry this one, and the next you want to date a different one. There are plenty of boys out there and if you are having a rough patch with one, trust me, you will survive and you probably won’t even care in about 2 week. Boys come and go like you wouldn’t believe, so try not to get too upset about them. There are way more important things to worry about and plus, we’re young! This is the time to do you.
6. Everything is Temporary
The stress of finals, presentations, homework and projects won’t last. It will suck in the moment, but there is nothing better than the rewarding feeling of getting back a good grade after you’ve stressed and worked hard for it. Nothing is set and stone. Our lives have the potential to change on a day-to-day basis. Don’t sweat the small things and remind yourself the feelings are temporary.
7. It’s okay to make mistakes
Don’t beat yourself up over forgetting to do a homework assignment or something you said that you shouldn’t have. We are only human and still have a lot of learning to do! College is the place for trial and error and to make mistakes so that we can learn from them. It’s all part of the experience.
8. College is the best time of your life
Seriously, you will forever look back on this period of time and wish to go back as you grow older. College flies by so fast, so it is so important to make the most of it. Take in all that you can, and go out as often as possible because one day you will be in the real world and not be able to live it up like you do now. Make yourself go out, hangout with your friends, work hard, meet new people and have fun with everything and anything you do. Don’t waste a second of it because before you know it, it will be over and we only get to be this young and care free once.
9. Your parents are better people than you thought
Coming to college really makes you realize and appreciate all that your parents have done for you. They made you who you are today. Make sure you call them once in a while to see how they are doing. It means more to them than you think.
10. GPA is important, but not more important than your mental health
Yes, it is important to care about school and get good grades, but one bad test grade is okay. Even a few bad grades are okay. Work hard but don’t kill yourself over it. If you need to nap, take the nap, and if you need a break, watch some Netflix. It is okay to relax sometimes and not be worrying about grades 24/7. It is important to take care of yourself first.
11. Your friends are your soulmates
I never realized how important good friends truly are until I came to college. They are my rocks, my family and my biggest supporters. When I can’t be with my real family and I need a shoulder to lean on they are always there. They make me laugh until I cry, are always down for a good time and they are my people. Always remind your friends how much you appreciate them because they will be your friends for life. And if you can’t say the same about your friends, it’s time to find new ones. Don’t waste your time with people that don’t bring out the absolute best in you.