Tips and Tricks for Campus Success

By now, you’ve read a bit about me and have probably realized that I am a freshman in college. With my second semester status comes new found knowledge about higher education that I thought I’d share. Take these tips with a grain of salt, as not every university is the same. That being said, my knowledge has worked for me, and I wish somebody made me this list before I was a scared freshman three weeks behind on assignments, running on caffeine and Sweetgreen salads.

Use your spare time to get ahead, not catch up!

In college, your classes are no longer structured like high school, with an 8AM homeroom and a freeing bell at 2:45. Now, your life is on your own schedule. You can take charge and make a week with no morning classes (Be wary of the afternoon schedule - will touch on later)! Instead of spending time between classes watching netflix in your bed, which is extremely tempting, find a study spot to cozy up in with your books. If you structure your day like in high school and consistently work between classes, you will finish your last class free of responsibility. This will leave time for essential self care, naps, friends, club meetings, etc.

Be wary of the afternoon schedule!

This rule may just apply to a select few, but I thought I would add it anyway. In terms of clubs and groups, many activities in college take place later in the day. Classes during this time can interfere with membership and attendance. Similarly, most hangouts with friends are planned for later in the day. It can be disappointing to constantly say no to your friends because you have class - especially on Thursday and Friday afternoons when the workload is light. Again, this tip should be taken lightly, as the morning is also a great time to have free. Once a week, my classes begin at 11:00 AM. On these days, I work out early, grab breakfast with friends, and sometimes treat myself to some extra hours in bed.

Allow yourself to be a kid

A huge struggle for me in college was realizing I was growing up. For a while, I was caught in the adult life, forcing myself to let go of childish habits. I eventually gave in and realized I needed to hold onto my youth for as long as possible. This advice extends only as far as you want it to. I try my best to be mature in college and make adult decisions, but I allow myself an Adam and Eve juice box once a day. It’s the little things I enjoyed when I was young that keep me sane in college, especially when it’s 1:00 AM and I’m thirsty in the library.

Don’t spend all your money (!!!)

The first few months of school, I ran out of money between frequent shopping trips and eating off campus more than I could afford. It can be tricky to keep up with your friends’ budgets in school, especially when everyone comes from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Remember to stay true to yourself and only spend what you can afford.

Get settled in before you scout the men out

The first few weeks on campus can feel like you are a kid in a candy shop (Yes, I adopted that term from my mother. Don’t underestimate the knowledge of your parents!). The guys are feeling the same way, tearing at the seams to experience this new freedom. Remember that you come first, and you need to be settled before you welcome another person into your life.

Don't forget where you belong

Yes, I am aware that I quoted the iconic boy band, One Direction. Homesickness, like any physical illness, takes time to settle in. Get ahead of the infection and call home once a day, even when you are not yet craving your bed and mother’s cooking. Don’t forget that your parents just lost a major part of their lives and are a lot less busy than you! And don’t forget your grandma, siblings, and friends from home. These are the people that brought you to where you are today.

I hope you find this advice useful. I wish somebody had told me many things before I landed in Foggy Bottom!