Because I am currently a Junior, I can honestly say I have learned so much about the college experience, and so much about myself in my few short years at Saint Vincent. College is definitely a learning process, and I have had a lot of time to reflect on the mistakes I have made, and all of the things I have accomplished. Obviously, if I could go back in time I would have a lot of advice to offer myself. Since that seems to be impossible, I will instead offer my advice to you. Here are ten things I wish I knew before coming to Saint Vincent.
You actually need to study: If you are anything like me, you could easily get an A on a high school exam without putting serious time into it. However, I quickly learned this is not the case in college. My best advice on this is, try not to procrastinate! I struggle with this one too, but if you do a little every day, you will be much less overwhelmed.
Get to know your professors: This may sound cliche, but, it pays off! Recently, I was struggling with an assignment in class and I stopped by my professor’s office hours. She really understood my dilemma and even gave me extra time to work on the paper. I highly recommend talking to professors if you need guidance. Even just putting in extra effort in class, such as participating more or sitting near the front will help. A little effort goes a long way with professors here!
Get involved: Sitting in your dorm or pod all day is an easy habit to fall into, especially during the colder months. But, seasonal depression is real, and one of the best ways to avoid it is by participating in clubs and activities, as well as surrounding yourself with friendly faces.
The campus is what you make of it: I know, Saint Vincent is not always the most exciting campus, but if you do not try to have fun, you never will! Besides getting involved, there’s many things you can do with friends to have fun, destress, and relax. Personally, I enjoy going to mass on Sundays. The 9:30 P.M. mass in the student chapel is the best way to unwind after a long and stressful week.
It is okay to butt heads with your friends, I promise they will still love you: Being constantly surrounded by your best friends is one of the best parts of college, but it can also be one of the worsts. Of course, you and your friends are bound to get in disagreements and get annoyed with one another (especially during midterms and finals), but that is completely normal. Try not to have any hard feelings, as college is stressful for everyone! Once the tension dies down, you’ll all be back to normal.
No one at the gym is judging you: This one seems simple enough, but it is one that I really struggled with. I refused to go to the gym when it was super busy, or when a team was there, because I felt like people were watching me struggle to lift ten pound weights. Just remember, no one is judging you and it is okay to go at your own pace!
Stress will become a personality trait: College and stress are synonymous! It is okay to be concerned with grades, homework, and exams, but do not let your stress bring you down! I wish I would have realized that stress is natural, but stress does not need to be overwhelming. Balance is key. Sometimes a call home or a conversation with a friend is all you need.
You will take more naps than you ever have before: And that is okay. Since you’ll be studying more, socializing more, and going out more, you might not sleep as much at night. Naps are both therapeutic in nature and refreshing as well. No shame in the nap game.
You will miss your parents: When I first came to college, I immediately missed my mom. Who would do my laundry and make amazing meals for me now? I was forced to be more independent, which is a good thing. But even now, as a junior, I still have many days where I just wish I was in the presence of my parents. Just remember, they are only a phone call away!
TIME FLIES: My best piece of advice is this: enjoy your time at Saint Vincent!!! You will truly have some of your best memories here. I hope you all take advantage of each day because time will go so fast. I hope you can learn from my mistakes and advice and have the best college experience. Good luck!