As a freshman starting college in itself is an overwhelming experience. Living alone, doing laundry, meeting deadlines and expectations, managing your expenses, eating well, exercising, and last but not the least getting enough sleep can be a lot to take in sometimes. However, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do, right? How do you make it count and more importantly manageable?
I made a list of six things that if I did differently would enable me to save time, energy and effort.
Image Courtesy of TODAY 1. Laundry. You don’t have to do laundry every day. You don’t have to do laundry twice a week. Do your laundry just once a week. While it may seem gross, I am sure we have enough clothes to last us throughout the week. Also, a pro tip is to do laundry when you’re doing homework. Set a timer, finish your homework while you’re laundry is in the washer and dryer. Believe me, you will actually have done a lot at once. Laundry is done, homework is done. Take a break from your studies to fold your clothes and then get back to doing what you were.
Image Courtesy of looplabs 2. Meeting deadlines can be tough sometimes. While your professor may not seem to care that you have 4/5 other courses, you have to care significantly a lot. The trick is to make a planner. Even if a particular homework is due a week later, do it as soon as your assigned the task. Other homework and assignments may pop up during the week and if you’re unfortunate, these may have shorter deadlines thus making you feel at a loss due to workload. If you complete your tasks on times they won’t pile up allowing you to enjoy more free time.
Image Courtesy of MY FIRST APARTMENT 3. Managing your expenses. Your living in a new place with new people and it’s only natural to want to be fashionable and outgoing. Wanting to buy the newest boots or the stylish sweater or even some cute stationery and adorable dorm decorations is absolutely normal. You’re going through that phase in your life where transitioning into college means new life, new me. But, what about your budget? It’s easy to have a budget slip. Give yourself some time to understand fashion trends and college culture. You may buy a fancy sweater but later realize that a baggy hoodie may have been more suitable. Moreover, start off with buying essential items and save up to buy stuff from your wish list later. After all, college life is all about convenience and not luxury remember?
Image Courtesy of CAMPUS Lately 4. Ever heard of freshman 15. It’s a popular phenomenon that claims all freshman tend to gain 15 pounds throughout their freshman year. Well, new life, new me wouldn’t be happy about this, am I right? Eating well is really important. Just because now you’re living alone and your mom is not cooking your a healthy home cooked meal doesn’t mean you should neglect your health. Dining halls have plenty of healthy food options and instead of eating junk binge eat healthier foods.
Image Courtesy of Entrepreneur 5. Exercising. The key to a good life is working out regularly. College is the kick off to the rest of your life and you must start with exercise. It can be hectic and sometimes excruciatingly painful to exercise every day after long classes, but that shouldn’t stop you. Go to the gym 3 times a week on the days you have relatively fewer classes and workout at your dorm the other 4 days. Do some free hand exercises and some crunches to keep your body in shape.
Image Courtesy of 123RF 6. Lack of sleep can even cause death. Don’t stay up late nights. Go to bed early, wake up early. As legend says, ‘early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.’ Become a morning person next quarter and you will experience tremendous improvements in your mood and attention span. When you wake up fresh it’s like you’re a whole different person.
Follow my tips for the next quarter and try doing these few things differently to make your life a lot simpler.