Happy Holidays! Wait… already?
It truly feels like I was just unpacking my overfilled Ikea bags in August, meeting my random roommate for the first time, and feeling apprehensive about what the year would bring.
Now I’m suddenly dusting off the Ikea bags, wishing my roommate to have the best winter break, and feeling so bittersweet that the semester is over.
How did the time slip away?
I’ve always been told to cherish my time here because it would fly by so quickly, and I’ve come to learn how true that really is. I’m already in disbelief that I’m in my second year of college, never mind being halfway through it. Nevertheless, this has led me to accept that my college experience is going to fly by no matter how much I try to slow it down.
I’ve discovered a few things that have allowed me to make the most of my time here and hold onto the sweet memories for a little bit longer.
The power of photos
Take as many pictures as you can! Even if it’s just your average dining hall meal or the identical walk to class you take three times a week, capture it all.
Lately, I’ve been looking through my camera roll at all the iconic moments that occurred this past semester, and it really allows me to paint a picture of all the little encounters. I often find myself getting caught up in schoolwork and the rush of college life, and my timeline becomes blurred. Having an absurd amount of photos to the point where I receive the “full storage” notification multiple times a day has helped me mentally organize my semester experiences while laughing at my silly little weekends and reflecting on the stressful academic days.
Take a moment to capture a moment.
Make way too many playlists
It’s safe to say that I’m always listening to music. Whether I’m on my way to class, studying, or just relaxing in my dorm, chances are I have my AirPods in. I have playlists for all occasions imaginable, but I’m still basic and create a new playlist every month filled with my current favorite songs.
Doing this creates a literal time capsule for me.
Listening to my September playlist could singlehandedly revive the 80-degree weather and new-semester thrills within me. Even my November playlist from last month would bring back the post-Halloween feels and exam-prep stress. This is something I really love about music— I’m able to form strong attachments to songs that are capable of putting me right back into the place I was when I first began to love them.
When I’m feeling nostalgic, I simply throw on an old playlist and live through those memories all over again.
Make that playlist! Your future self will reminisce about this era.
Always be open to something new
Since being in college, I’ve certainly had to branch out of my comfort zone, given that I’m now living away from home and essentially had to start on square one. Although it can be daunting, I will say that many of my fondest memories have sprouted from impromptu plans. In a previous article that I wrote this semester, I described how insanely difficult it can be to coordinate plans on a college campus, meaning that many destinations end up being spontaneous.
Although I admit that planned-out events go more smoothly and are equally just as fun, last-minute plans will always hit different.
In addition, many of my greatest experiences have also originated from last-minute decisions. Going into this year, I was looking to broaden my involvement and decided to join the exact magazine I’m writing for: Her Campus. It’s safe to say that becoming a member of this organization has been one of my best decisions, because not only has it offered me a fun space to express myself, but it has also allowed me to meet so many sweet, amazing people.
Both of these concepts have greatly enhanced my college memories thus far and have taught me that although it might seem scary at first, you never know what new opportunities might bring!
THe best of both worlds
As much as I adore being on campus, I’ve learned how necessary it is to establish a healthy relationship between the two lives I live: home life and college life. Now that I’m in the routine of living between both locations, I’ve learned how special it is to appreciate them equally. Because of this, time seems to fly even quicker now.
I was in disbelief the first time I heard that summer break in college was four months long. I was honestly dreading being away from campus for that long, but it truly went by in a heartbeat and somehow I’m already in a new era of my life and academic career. Overall, I believe that finding a balance between places is very important!
Everyone’s situations are entirely different though, so preferring one location over another is completely valid. I admit that the transition can be awkward in either direction, and being thrown into a dorm after spending four months at home is surely a wild experience.
conclusion
I recognize that I am very fortunate to love the campus I’m on and to have had a great semester that I didn’t want to see come to an end. Although I have faced my share of struggles, proving that college won’t always be fun like they said it would be, I do enjoy my time here and understand that I’m very lucky to feel this way.
Everyone is going to have a different journey, and that’s okay. Prioritizing your mental health and doing what you love are the two most important things, which should come before any other aspect of college.
Lastly, congratulations and best wishes to all the graduates, and soon-to-be graduates, who feel that their college experience has flown by!