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It’s that time again, the time where young adults flocks to their chosen academic homes. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, In fall 2015, some 20.2 million students attended American colleges and universities, with that number only expected to rise this year. Whether you are just starting out as a freshman or you’re counting down the days until you walk across the stage, a successful year is a must. Below are a few tips to make this year great!
Prioritize
Why did you come to college? The right answer is to get an education. No matter your ulterior motives, the main thing you should be focused on is attending classes and receiving worthy grades for those courses. Senioritis (along with junior-itis, sophomore-itis, and freshman-itis) is a very real thing! It’s simple, GO TO CLASS. Nobody really wants to, but your future self will thank you for it. If it’s your first time making your own adult decisions, then you will struggle with prioritizing all of the hurdles that are thrown at you in college. That where my next point comes in...
Cut off Negative Relationships
We all have that one toxic friend, the one who you have the best time with, but you know they aren’t good for you. The friend that asks you to skip class and stay out late, the friend who is worried about being the life of the party not their academic life. At the end of the day, whose name is on your transcript? YOURS, so that’s who you need to worry about. Friends are extremely important during college, don’t get me wrong, but the right friends are even more important during this transitional period of life. This goes for friendships and relationships. If you would rather focus on your boyfriend, and that is affecting the other parts of your life negatively then maybe it’s time to reevaluate that situation. Again, remember why you’re in school…
Maintain Your Faith
Nobody will get you through this year besides you and your faith. No matter the denomination, you must commit to a dedicated relationship within your faith because who else will you be leaning on when the times get tough (Not that partying friend from above). Many campuses offer religious organizations on campus and even rides to and from churches, it’s your job to reach out and find this for yourself. Many college students get so wrapped up in the million aspects of college life that they forget about the one reason why they are able to be in college. Count your blessings!
Don’t forget about your body
The Freshman (sophomore, junior, senior) 15 is REAL. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t struggled with weight or health issues during their time in school. Yes, it’s easy to grab the Pop-Tarts and cookies, but you will regret it when you realize it’s 10 times harder to lose than it is to gain (trust me). Many colleges are making a conscious effort to provide healthier dining options on campus, and almost all colleges offer a Student Recreation Center for little or no cost to you. The stress that college lends can be detrimental to your mental and physical health so eating well will keep you in tip top shape and ready to face any obstacle thrown your way. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can really make a difference.
Some healthy snacks include: fruit, yogurt, cheese, soup, popcorn, mac & cheese, and granola bars.
Get Involved
You’ll hear this a million times during your stent in college, but I have learned firsthand how important it really is. Colleges and Universities offer lots of clubs and organizations tailored to every interest imaginable. It gives you a chance to meet others who share similar interests as you, and who knows you may even catch a lifelong friend along the way. There is no reason for you to go home every weekend, when your school has everything you could need, if you reach right outside of your comfort zone. On the other hand, don’t be that person in fifteen organizations and you do nothing in any of them.
Make time for yourself
“YOU time” is essential to maintaining your sanity. Whether its binge watching a few shows, getting your nails done, or just listening to music with some “Grape Juice”. College feels like a tornado sometimes, almost wiping you out, but a little focus on yourself can get you realigned to focus on your priorities. A mental breakdown is inevitable at least once during your four (or more) years in college. Just know you are not alone and that it isn’t the end of the world. You’ll look back on the thing you were stressed about and realize it wasn’t even that important.
Save Money
Yes, you will be a broke college student. If your schedule can handle it, pick up a part time job. Having a few extra dollars in your pocket can make all the difference in your stress level. I recommend saving for a good cause, I typically choose to save for Spring Break because who doesn’t love a nice vacation! Save a small amount from every paycheck and before you know it you’ll have a nice amount saved up to do whatever your heart desires. College is already stressful without money being another stress.
Think about your future
You are in college only for a short time, but it is the most pivotal time in your life. It is the stage in between childhood and true adulthood. Once school is over, you are expected to spread your wings and start your own successful life, that’s why the choices you make during college are so crucial. Be smart and trust yourself, and know that no matter what you can do it! Good Luck!
