I don’t think anyone really tells you how fast college catches up to you.
One second you’re a freshman just trying to figure out where your classes are, and the next you’re about to be a junior, realizing… wait, why did I do things like that?
I’m not saying I regret everything—I’ve had some of the best moments of my life here. But there are definitely things I wish I had done differently, because now I’m feeling the consequences of them all at once.
So if you’re earlier in college than me, or even if you’re not, please learn from me a little. I promise I’m saying this with love.
- Spending My Entire Meal Plan At The HUB
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I don’t know what it is about the HUB-Robeson Center, but it had me in a chokehold.
It was just so easy. I’d be there with friends, grabbing food between classes, convincing myself, “It’s fine, I still have a lot left.” And then suddenly… I didn’t.
I never really thought about how fast it adds up when you’re constantly choosing convenience over balance. And when the semester starts ending, and you realize you have barely anything left? That stress is so unnecessary.
If I could go back, I’d be way more intentional with my meal plan instead of treating it like unlimited money.
- Making My Schedule Based On What’s Easiest Instead Of What I Actually Need
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This one is probably my biggest mistake.
I kept telling myself I deserved a “lighter semester,” especially when I felt overwhelmed. So I’d pick classes that were easier, push harder ones off and convince myself I’d deal with it later.
Well… later is now.
And now I’m going into a junior year that’s already supposed to be hard, except I made it harder for myself by falling behind on credits. What I thought was helping me at the time actually just delayed the stress.
I wish I understood that balance doesn’t mean avoiding difficulty—it means handling it at the right time.
- Not Saving My Real Money When Going Out
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For some reason, I treated spending money like it didn’t count as long as I was “having fun.”
Going out to eat, Ubers, little random purchases—it all felt small in the moment. Like “it’s just this one time.” But those “one times” add up so fast.
And it’s not like meal points, where it resets. This is real money. And I didn’t realize how much I was going through until I actually looked at it and had to be like… okay, this is a problem.
I wish I had given myself more limits instead of acting like I always needed to spend to enjoy something.
- Not Bringing My Laptop With Me Everywhere
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This one sounds small, but it’s actually not. I got into the habit of only bringing my laptop to class.
So if I went to a friend’s place or was just out for the day, I wouldn’t have it on me. And then I’d end up sitting there, scrolling on my phone, wasting time I definitely could’ve used to get something done.
Even just an hour of productivity here and there would’ve made such a difference. Now I realize it’s not about working all the time—it’s just about giving yourself the option to be productive when you can.
- Saying Yes To Everything And Burning Myself Out
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This one is more personal, but it’s real.
I like being there for people. I like showing up, making plans and being someone others can count on. But I didn’t realize how often I was saying yes even when I was tired, overwhelmed or had things I needed to do.
I thought I was just being a good friend, but sometimes I was just draining myself.
And the worst part is, I wouldn’t even notice it until I felt completely exhausted.
I’m still learning this, but you’re allowed to say no. You’re allowed to rest. And being there for others shouldn’t come at the cost of yourself.