As a senior in college now, I look back on my college years and honestly wish I would’ve known a few things before diving head-first off the diving board. I was in the middle of my college education when COVID-19 hit and it was a difficult transition. That aside, there are general things I wish someone had told me and that’s what I’ll be sharing today. Grab a cup of coffee and a snack and let’s begin!
Don’t Be Afraid To Leave Home
I moved to Savannah, GA all the way from Charlotte, NC! I was about 4 hours from home 😮 I had never lived anywhere else but Charlotte! This was a big choice for me but it helped me find who I was and showed me who I wasn’t. I met people I never would’ve met, from all over the world. Finding who you are as a whole person, without your parents is a huge deal. Now, you don’t have to move hours and hours away, but don’t feel like you can’t travel outside of a certain distance because of them. It’s important to start your own journey.
It’s Okay To Transfer Schools
When I left home to move to Savannah, I thought I would stay there for all 4 years and never want to leave. After about 3 weeks, I hated it. In my transfer story post I go into more details on why 😳 Click here to read it! I felt like if I transferred schools that people would think of me as a failure, even though I got all A’s my first semester there. I ultimately got over those fears and thank the Lord I did. I am so grateful for the path I took that led me to App State. This college gave me everything I was missing and I would’ve been miserable if I stayed in Savannah.
Listen to your heart and trust the journey!
Find A Hobby You Can Keep
I’ve always been into fashion and beauty but when I finally got my own space and time (away from competitive dance) to nurture those hobbies, I had something to look forward to after finishing my homework 💄 Being proud and happy of something you love, like knitting, reading, video games, or cooking, helps create your own identity and shows yourself what you really like and dislike. Dance was always my one hobby I enjoyed throughout my whole life until college where I was forced to find other fun things that I find rewarding. I’ve picked up so many hobbies throughout college and they’ve all served their purpose!
Go To School Activities
Never have I wanted to be more adamant about this! Get out of your bedroom and enjoy all of the activities, clubs, and sports your school provides. After all, these are the “free” things that come with your tuition 👀 Going to club expos, transfer events and football games are so fun and I wish I did them more throughout college. This is also a great way to meet friends and classmates! Get out there and have fun 🏈
In Order To Make Friends, You Have To Be Social
Now let me tell you one thing. I am an introverted extrovert. I know, crazy, but true!! 🤪 Because of this, I had to force myself to go talk to people a lot of the time. Most everyone is just as nervous as you are to meet new people. If clubs and activities aren’t your things, find people in your classes that you vibe with or people on your dorm floor. Be yourself and start a conversation. You never know what you might have in common!!
Take Time Off Campus To Re-Energize
In Boone, there aren’t many fun places to go, considering it’s a small town. I had to get crafty and create fun times out of low resources. I would literally walk around Lowe’s and browse the pretty plants and pretend to shop 🪴 It gave me an excuse to get out of my apartment and put on real clothes. It is so easy to get sucked into the schedule we create for ourselves and that is why it’s extremely important to give ourselves days/times to do non-campus-related activities. Big city or small town, there’s always a way to give your brain some relaxation 🧠
Get To Know Your Professors
College is generally 4 years long, which means you will most likely be working with the same professor within your major multiple times 📚 Getting to know them can be as easy as sending them an email once a month asking for advice on how to better prepare for class. This could also mean meeting them for office hours at least twice throughout the semester. When it comes down to the day you need a letter of recommendation and you have 3 professors that know you well, you’ll land the job. Nothing says professionalism like having a busy professor say amazing things about your work ethic and passion for the subject. Think ahead of your current state. Shoot for your dream job NOW!! ⭐️
Classes Won’t Wait For You
What I mean by this is that when you decide to go to a party or skip class, there won’t be someone making sure you’re staying on top of your work. You are all you have to keep yourself accountable. Scary, right 👎🏼 Keep your schoolwork and classes a priority over parties and sleepovers. The amount of homework you have will creep up on you and if you get behind, you might not have enough time to do it all. This brings me to the next thing you should know ⬇️
Find a Planner To Use Daily
Finding an effective way of organizing your homework, work schedule, class schedule, club meetings and more, can help you be proactive and not forget the important things. I used to bullet journal and I would always set up my weekly spread on Sundays. It kept me accountable and it was satisfying to cross off the completed tasks! I made it pretty and used fun markers and Washi tape to personalize it 🎨 This way of doing it was fun and made it more bearable to create a weekly to-do list. It also encouraged me to actually do those tasks. Even a regular planner will fulfill those basic needs! If you don’t like getting creative, check out my favorite planners for 2024 below.
Be Unapologetically Yourself
We made it to number 10! Phew!! Lots of advice is being thrown at you! The last and most important thing is to just have fun and be yourself. This is really the last chance for you to be a kid and have little to no worries. If you don’t want to do something, don’t! If you want to dress how you feel best, then do it full force! Never put yourself down to please others. After I came out, I realized that nothing I said or did would ever be enough for some people and I had to accept it and move on. Make yourself proud and that’s all that should matter 💜
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