[ TIPS FOR SURVIVING YOUR FIRST YEAR OF COLLEGE AND LIFE ON YOUR OWN ]
While it is important to try your hardest in school, you will still get a degree in the end even if you just barely pass. Sacrificing health and a social life for straight A’s is simply not worth it. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t care, just don’t stress out too much.
The “Freshman 15” claims many unsuspecting victims each year. What they don’t tell you - it doesn’t just happen when you’re a freshman. Beware of the “Senior 15” which is also very real.
There may be special circumstances that contradicts this statement, but in most cases, it is best just to go home at 2 a.m. Judgement and memory usually become impaired, so trust me on this - just go to bed.
Although it’s fun to see how many matches you can get, be wary of the people you meet on Tinder and other dating apps. Some are pretty sketchy and you don’t want to be that girl that swipes right for everyone.
Just turn the T.V. off. Right now. Don’t even let yourself even get started.
Once you start one episode, self-control usually goes out the window and before you know it, it’s 4 a.m. and you’re on episode 20.
Curling up for a nice nap will become the best feeling in the world. Take naps whenever and wherever you can. Have 20 minutes to kill before your next class? Find a spot on campus you can call your own and just close your eyes.
Getting stranded after a job interview because you were too cheap to fill up your tank is just downright embarrassing. Stop and fill it up before it starts red-lighting. You’ll thank me one day.
Just do it. You’ll feel so much better after you eat a nice, healthy salad. It’s full of nutrients and makes you feel good about yourself. Plus, it helps ward off that dreaded “Freshman 15”.
Those late night study sessions cannot be complete without some form of caffeine. Find what works best for you and always have it on hand for when you have hours of work to do and can’t keep your eyes open.
Yes, it sucks to tell someone “No” when they need your help, but you need to do what’s best for you. Have to finish your paper, but someone needs help with math? Just say “No”. They’ll understand one day.
Take it from someone that had to work closely with people: it is important to stay clean. While you may be running late for that 8 a.m. class, at least put on deodorant and brush your teeth. Those around you will greatly appreciate it.
That new pair of shoes you can’t live without? The text book your teacher required and you never opened? Toilet paper? It all costs money and it adds up quickly. It’s important to figure out a budget and stick to it as much as you can.
You may be used to your mom cleaning up behind you. College is a different story. It is every man for themselves. Don’t leave your mess for others to clean up. It just creates unnecessary tension and drama.
Remember how everything costs money? Get your hands on as much free stuff as you can. There is tons of it in college. Your bank account will thank you.
You go to put your first load of laundry in and all the things your mom taught you suddenly fly out of your head. Just remember the one simple rule: white + red = pink. Don’t forget to sort your colors and you’ll avoid lots of disasters.
Spring break, winter break, semester break, etc. “Break” will become one of the words that promises that everything is truly right in the world. When you about to lose hope in the middle of a semester, countdown to the closest break and hold onto hope.
*[insert weakness here]. Although it sounds fantastic when living on your own for the first time to eat whatever, whenever you want, your body will thank you if you maintain a balanced diet and refrain from eating poptarts exclusively for a week and a half.
Can’t remember how long to cook chicken? Call Mom. Can’t find the pizza sauce is in the grocery store? Call Mom. When all else fails and you feel like giving up? Call Mom. Or Dad will suffice if Mom isn’t available.