As I’m heading into my final year of college (both excited and nervous) here is some advice I’d give to budding and enthusiastic first-year self.
1. DON’T Pressure yourself.
Somehow when I first moved up to Dublin for college I used to think I should be ‘Keeping up with the Joneses which in return I would put more pressure on myself. I would constantly doubt myself on everything and be annoyed with myself if I felt I was missing out on something. I definitely did compare myself to others (AND NOTE you are you and everyone is going at their own pace) I always felt I should be constantly chatting to lads and going on dates (because I felt everyone else was going on them too), I felt I always needed to be slayinggggg on a night out and always look my best (even though some nights I didn’t always feel up to going out). I just always pressured myself to do more and more. As you go through college you certainly learn to take some time to chill and be at ease with yourself.
2. Sometimes ‘school ways’ never end.
I remember thinking in the first year ‘Wow I’m over school now and how people act’ (you know the way people can act in school both immature and too mature) well some things never change. People in your course will get on your nerves and you will question how they could end up in a professional job but BLOCK them, people, out. Mind yourself and self-love is the best kind of love you can give yourself.
3. Keep your head up princess your crown is falling.
Yes you may tell yourself a million times ‘I’m dropping out of college’ or ‘this feels like the Leaving Cert all over again’, but if you’re feeling defeated at college pick yourself up, grab a cup of tea (because tea is so underappreciated nowadays we take it for granted how good it can be) chat to a friend, listen to the most-played hits on Spotify and remember who you are. Keep going. College can be a rollercoaster but it really is the best four years of your life.
4. The night’s out.
BE CAREFUL. If you have moved to total new surroundings, get familiar first with it and the company you have on night’s out or even who you hang around with in college for lectures (a Funny fact not everyone is out for the best intention with you). Try not to end up lying on your bedroom floor wondering what the hell happened last night after those 3 for €10 shots so you decide to but six.
5. Join the club and soc.
Everyone preaches to join a club and soc at college and honestly DO DO DO. You can make your friends with a common interest and find who you really are and what you like. A volunteering society is certainly one to join because you get a feel-good feeling of doing something good and see what volunteering is all about. Join as many club and societies as possible there is a huge benefit to them and a great pastime.
6. Enjoy and live in the moment.
Always the best advice of all I can give my first-year self is to live in the moment and really enjoy the college years because they are over in a flash. Go to the prinks and parties even if you have a mountain of work (yes you will find a balance between the two). Go out and have fun. It’s also okay to have a chilled night in and relax every so often. College is a time you can really find yourself and make a ton of new friends along the way. Trust the timing of your life and a lot of ‘right place right time’ moments. It’s a good thing to look at college being some of the best days of your life that hasn’t even happened yet- So enjoy being a fresher for the year.