Tips and advice for incoming college students
I have learned more in my one year hear than I have my entire life. I learned so much far beyond the classroom. I got to learn so much about my self and what I need to be happy and successful. I have also learned so many life skills that aren't taught to you in school (even though I think they should be).
It is graduation season right now and a lot of people are preparing to head of to college so I though it would be fun to do a "Things I have learned" so that it may give some advice to these incoming
There is no specific order for importance as I feel these are all important things in life.
1. Use the universities free resources - From my understanding many universities have a lot of free resources on campus. They may not be all the same but they are there. At my university their are many of them from things like
- Counseling services: Therapy sessions and life guidance, and many group meetings
- Career Center: Assistance on setting up resume, practice interview and getting you a job
- Student Recreation Center: Free gym, rock wall and many fitness classes
- Oasis center: Nap pods, massage chairs, serenity garden
- Learning resource center: Tutors and writing workshops
Taking advantage of these resources are the best thing possible. At first I was hesitant to make time to use these resources but they have done nothing but benefit me (especially the nap pods haha). I mean if you are paying tuition this is a part of where it goes so why not take advantage of them.
2. Know your Learning style and what kind of student you are - I sadly took the entire first semester before I figured this one out and I have the grades to prove it. It is important that you learn when your brain is most productive doing homework and when you can best pay attention in class. For example, I learned that afternoons are not my thing. I need to be in morning classes and also I need to do my homework in the mornings as well, because I know once practice is over I am mentally and physically exhausted. I also learned where I am also productive. I knew that I could not get any of my homework done at my dorm, even if i was sitting at my desk or at the dinner table. Luckily as an athlete there is a computer lab just for us where we can get out studies done. If it was night time I usually did my homework at the coffee shop near our dorm.
3. Your body is changing and that is OK- I don't know about men but I can definitely day as a women your body changes when you get to college. Especially as an athlete your body changes a lot faster. To me so many women are shaming themselves for putting on a little weight, or for not looking like they did in high school. To me I think that as long as you are practicing healthy habits that you have nothing to worry about. Everyone's body is different so don't compare yourself to anyone else.
4. Don't put all your energy into finding a significant other- Yes many people do meet their spouse in college but don't put all your energy into it. As corny as it sounds, the right one will come when the time is right. Don't go to social events looking for your husband. Focus on being the best version of yourself, focus on school, focus on your health, and you do you boo boo. The right man or woman will come and sweep you off your feet when the time is right. Don't ever drop your standards just because you are not finding anyone who fits the standard, because trust me there is a guy or girl out there who is perfect for you.
5. Cut out people who are toxic - You are now starting a different chapter in your life. Therefor your life is changing and so are the people around you. You start to learn who is really there for you and who isn't. Don't go full B**** mode on those who aren't. sometimes its just how they are as people. There are a lot of selfish people who only care about themselves or people who just don't know what loyalty means, and it isn't their fault its just who they are. You learn who you can trust and who you can't. You also learn that in college having those few very great loyal friends is wayyyy more valuable then having as many friends as possible but when the times are rough they completely disappear. Most importantly your going to have to find those people who are going to help you move forward in life and who's going to hold you back.
6. Learn how to manage your money - Whether you are making your own money or are lucky enough to get money from your parents, it is always a good idea to use this time to stat learning the best way you can manage your money. I fortunately get money from my athletic scholarship and also just recently started working job here on campus, yet it is still really important for me to manage my money. I have to take things like rent, groceries, times where I eat out and you should always put money aside for some fun. If you are managing your money well you are making your list of things to worry about a little smaller. If you plan to buy groceries instead of an on campus meal plan, I would suggest you plan out your meals for the week and you buy only those groceries needed based on that plan. I have learned to spend about $45 a week on groceries and have almost little to no left overs. That way I am making the most of those $45 dollars and not wasting money by throwing away an excessive amount of food.
7. Find something you enjoy to do - As an athlete you kinda neglect this for a while. I have found hobbies and things I enjoy to do that keeps my spirits up. It has helped my mental health while being at college because with the stress that volleyball and school can bring its nice to have something outside of that with no added pressure. I love to dance, so going out on the weekends and going dancing is something that I always enjoy. Also this blog has been something I love to do. So find things that you can dedicate your free time too so that you not just laying in bed doing nothing.
8. Manage your time wisely- I was the biggest procrastinator in high school. I used to complete homework assignments, papers, and projects literally minutes before the class. When I got to college, I'm not sure how I changes that bad habit but I did. I have learned to start on things way ahead of time or to space out big assignments our projects so I'm not sitting there for 7 hours stressed about finishing it. This has made me not only a lot less stressed but it has improved my grades a lot more. Rather than cramming and worried more about just getting done, you are able to focus on the quality of your work.
9. Get off Campus once in a while - Explore. No matter where you are going to college there is more beyond your college campus. Visit local food places, go on a hike with some friends, go to the beach, go to the local tourist attractions. I luckily go to school in southern California so there are lots to explore. Don't just stay on campus. get to know your town and the kind of people in it.
10. GET SOME SLEEP- Sleep is so important not just for your physical help but also for your mental health as well. The average person needs about 7-9 hours of sleep. If you know you need to wake up early do the math and go to bed earlier. But don't over sleep. i feel that I have made this mistake more than usual. Over sleeping can cause you to be more tired than not getting enough sleep. Also you may wanna try getting up at the same time every day so that you body clock stays the same.
Hopefully these things can help not only incoming college freshman but other people as well, because a lot of these are life lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Also I'm hoping to start vloging more thanks to a suggestion by a friend. I think this weekend is the perfect time considering I have a friend coming to visit me this weekend and I will be going to pride fest, which I am so excited for. I hope you all are enjoying my posts so far. All of your comments that I have been getting through text and through social media has meant so much to me.
Sounds like great advice. Proud of you.
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