15 Things I Learned During my First Semester of College

I may have only survived one semester of college, but I can humbly say that I’ve learned a lot during those months. Not just learning in my classes, but learning about myself and how to survive. It’s not easy moving away from your parents to live with people you may not know at all. It’s hard to keep yourself on track when there are so many distractions around. I’ve compiled a list of some things I’ve learned during my first semester of college, so let’s get to it.

1. Freshman 15

I know you probably hear about this all the time, but oh my gosh, is it true. Think about it: you’re up late studying? Eating. Netflix binge days? Eating. Chick-Fil-A? Eating. Free food at an event? Eating. Realistically, it’s hard to get into a schedule of going to the gym often, but you may have to figure one out. I grew up with a very high metabolism and I could basically eat anything I wanted to, so I didn’t think the Freshman 15 was going to get me, but it did. No one is safe.

2. Talk Talk Talk

When I say this, I’m not saying that you should be Chatty Cathy who will never stop talking, I’m saying - put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to talk to the person that is sitting next to you in class, she/he could help you! Don’t limit yourself to one group of friends like you may have done in high school because there are so many more people in the world. It’s always fascinating to get to know the people that you’re surrounded with and learn something about them. Who knows? They could become your new best friend, roommate, mentor, whatever.

3. Call the Fam

Look, your family may annoy the crap out of you and you may have gone to college to get away from them. (Not my story). But seriously, call them. I’m not trying to get really depressing but consider the fact that they won’t be here forever. Don’t take the privilege to call them on the phone for granted. Tell them you love them, ask them about their day, tell your mom you miss her cooking. You won’t regret it.

4. Clean up

I can’t stress this enough. In my case, I have my own room, however it is a tiny room. Therefore, it gets dirty very easily. I’m used to walking in my room and throwing my backpack on the floor and kicking my shoes off, but unless you have a death wish, don’t do that. Going to the bathroom in the middle of the night is semi-impossible when you have shoes scattered all around your room.

5. Use the Facilities

College is expensive, but when you pay for it, look at what you’re paying for. That recreation center? You’re paying for it. Those sports games? You’re paying for them. That library? You paid for it. Therefore, USE IT. Go to the gym, attend the classes, swim at the pool. You have the right to it. Go to the football and basketball games, they give away free shirts. Use the writing center when you’re writing your papers, you’re helping with their paychecks. Think about it.

6. GET OUT!

This may not be a problem for you, but I struggle. All I want to do on the weekends is lay in bed, eat, and watch Netflix. To some of you, that may sound pleasant - but getting off of campus is crucial. I live in Chattanooga, there is so much to see and do, yet I’d rather look at my wall that I see everyday. However, when I get out I feel refreshed. It’s nice to look at new things, discover new places, etc.

7. Save your $$$$

Alright homies, I’m not playing around with this one. If you’re planning on going to college and you don’t have a job, get one. College is stressful. To me, it’d be impossible to have a job, be involved, and go to school. Therefore, do it when life is so much more simple. I am not a fan of calling my parents and asking them for money, I’m not saying they wouldn’t provide, I’m just trying to be a bit more independent. It’s so much easier to get out and do what you want when you have your own money. Just don’t spend it all at Wal-Mart the first month of school.

8. You will not always get along with your roommates

Catie, Caroline, and Becca - I love you guys so so much. But let’s be honest, we don’t always see eye to eye and that is okay. Moving 5 hours away from home to live with complete strangers was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. But, I wouldn’t trade these girls for anything. Sure, we get frustrated about the dishes and cleaning the toilet, but we work it out. If you get mad at your roommate, talk to them. Life is miserable if you just hold grudges all the time.

9. Cute clothes? LOL

I literally asked for t-shirts for Christmas because that’s what I wear. It’s comfortable, I don’t have to worry about getting my queso dip on it, and I don’t have to worry about matching.

10. If it’s free, do it

Explore new things. A poetry reading may sound lame to you, but when they offer free food and movie tickets, you should go. You’ll realize that poetry isn’t awful and chicken tenders are delicious, especially when they’re free.

11. SLEEP

Studying is important, but don’t stay up until 7AM doing it. Start studying early so you don’t have to stay up late. The bags under your eyes aren’t designer, they never will be, so just take some naps.

12. Professors aren’t all monsters

The keyword here is, SOME. Going and talking to professors during their office hours is one of the most awkward experiences I will ever have. But, sometimes you have to do it. And sometimes, it will help your grade. And sometimes, you will come to love your professor.

13. High School didn’t prepare you at all

I can’t speak for all people on this one, but I can speak for myself. I had some great teachers throughout high school and I learned a lot, but I don’t feel like I came into college prepared for what I was getting myself into. In high school, I was spoon fed so often with extra credit, rounding of grades, retaking of tests, etc. While it was all nice at the time, I wish that my teachers would’ve prepared me better.

14. Be realistic

This is the time of your life that determines the rest of your life. You’ll choose a career, change it, choose another one, have 2, whatever. But be realistic. Think about the world around you and what it needs, but do something that you love. You don’t want to go to work and dread it every single day. It’s time to start thinking about your future for real, not just on your Pinterest boards.

15. You’ll Survive