1. Being Afraid of Differences and New Experiences
It is way too easy to get stuck inside your comfort zone in college, hanging out with the same friends, eating the same foods, listening to the same music, and so on. It might seem scary to introduce yourself to new people or try new things but before you know it, you’ll be out of college and things that we take for granted every day will be gone. Experience new things! Talk to someone you’ve never spoken to before, try going out with a different crowd and maybe open yourself up to new tastes and experiences! How can you know for sure what you truly like if you haven’t experienced it all?
2.Excessive and Irresponsible Pre-gaming
This may be more of a serious problem than you think. If you are drinking to the point of word slurring and stumbling before you leave the dorm room, you might be relying too heavily on alcohol to have fun and feel comfortable. Not only does ripping a few extra shots before you go out make you a nuisance to those that have to take care of you, but you also are subject to saying and doing embarrassing things. I know this may sound like your parents advice but it really is important to pace yourself.
3. Disrespecting Differences in People
Being overtly critical about differences in other people is not cool. Whether these are physical differences, racial differences or differences in style; criticism is never okay. It promotes hurtful behaviors in groups and more importantly makes you look close-minded.
4. Being Ashamed to Ask Questions or Be Wrong
The biggest mistake someone can make is not asking enough questions for fear of being criticized. College is all about learning and figuring things out. If you don’t ask questions, you will never fully experience the growing process. Not raising your hand in class or being embarrassed to meet with a professor does not make you seem smarter or more put together, it only prevents you from bettering yourself. Take advantage of questions! Don’t be afraid if you don’t understand something- ask for help if you need it!
5. Not Taking Advantage of What Your College has to Offer
There are so many programs and clubs that students aren’t aware of or don’t partake in because they feel they don’t have time. Do yourself a favor and find out about all the wonderful things your college has to offer because once you graduate, you will realize how much you missed.
6. Being Overly Critical of Yourself
Everyone is different. Comparing yourself to other people is a waste of time. Find out what you are good at and what you like and go after it. You are you for a reason.