What I Wish I Knew When I Was In College

With the next round of graduations coming up, it made me think back on my college years. Okay, this makes me feel old. We all go into college not knowing what to expect. With that said, I do wish that I listened to some advice from my parents and others, instead of worrying my way or wasting my time through certain situations.

1. Don’t stress about being low on money.

That’s what getting a real job after college is for. To be honest, everyone in college is low on money, so you get used to it. And if you aren’t low on money in college, please stop reading this and go live your life! 😉

2. Grades don’t matter, just pass your classes.

Focus more on the learning aspect rather than your letter grade. I can tell you that from most, if not all interviews that I’ve been to – they never ask for transcripts. People want to hire you based off of your talent and personality. You are not defined by a letter. So don’t stress about one bad grade! Brush it off and learn for next time!

3. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t graduate in 4 years.

However, do go to class. But seriously, I stressed way too much about how I HAD to finish in four years, but honestly, not that many people can do that. It’s not the end of the world if you need to finish up a major or a minor longer than four years. Or, if you figure out your current major isn’t for you and you want to change it – do it now. There’s more than enough time! Obviously money is a big factor, but let’s be honest, we’re all in debt no matter what. Might as well finish happy!

4. Do what you love, not what you think is “right”.

Passion will drive you far. If you go into a career based off of salary or what people tell you to do, stop that right now. Do what you love, and you will be fine. There are ways to work your way up in anything, and if you are that passionate about something, you will go far. Also, be aware of what your major will set your up for and work towards your goals. Anything is possible. There are so many cases where people end up going back to school just to take classes for the major that they truly wanted. Who wants to live a life hating work anyway?!

5. Meet tons of new people and friends.

You can never meet too many. I tend to be shy sometimes, but everyone is in the same boat and willing to meet as many people as possible, and you need to remember that! And when you see them in the halls, don’t make it awkward if you think they ‘don’t remember you’. Just say hi, because chances are, they are thinking the same thing. And if they think you’re crazy, maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. I met friends by acting like myself, so anything is possible guys.

6. Make as many connections with friends, professionals, mentors, etc.

They WILL come in handy. The people you meet are your best networking tool. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and grab coffee with someone, especially if it’s someone who is working where you want to work, or has a job that you want. Having people to mentor you and answer your questions are extremely helpful when you’re entering the working world as well. They have all been in your shoes, so they will more than likely be willing to help!

7. Study Abroad

If I had one regret in college, it would be that I didn’t study abroad. I can’t tell you how many times people have told me to study abroad, or say what I’m typing now – that they regretted not doing it. I’m not sure why I didn’t listen, but it’s never too late to travel. I’m fortunate enough to have the opportunities that I have to travel to many new places, but studying abroad could have been another great traveling experience. If you’re thinking about it, please go!

8. Get to know your professors.

Don’t be scared of office hours. Most professors are willing to help you get the grades that you want, but students seem to skip on office hours to meet and talk with professors. It doesn’t hurt to talk with them about grades or your goals for the class so they understand you more as a student. Plus, your professors can be great mentors for you once you step foot into the working world.

9. Get those internships.

It’s never too early for them. You will learn SO much more working actual jobs than college will ever teach you. Real world experience is key to pushing you ahead on the hiring list. It is something that makes you stand out even more from the rest of the people applying for the same jobs as you. You can also make great connections through internships, which can lead you to job opportunities in the future! Many internships are paid now as well, if you are concerned about money. Having an internship is definitely worth it for your resume and when you start looking for jobs after college.

10. The college cafeteria will make you fat.

Beware. This is not a joke either. We all remember the days when we would stack up our plates with cheesy fries, burgers, macaroni, or any salty foods that were available at the cafeteria. Or was that just me? I know for a fact that others went through this, too. Those days will quickly end when you go try on a pair of jeans and can’t get them over your big cheesy-fries booty. So when you feel excited to eat everything at your college cafeteria, please take a deep breath and remember, moderation is key. Understand that your metabolism doesn’t have your back like it did in high school. You don’t want to learn the hard way like me.

11. Learn how to budget your money.

…even if you have about $50 to your name. College life, am I right? Don’t be buying things you don’t need. Get creative with gifts – usually people appreciate handmade crafty things more anyway. Drink before the bar so you don’t have to go buying tons of overpriced drinks. Bring only cash to the bar so you don’t go swipe-happy with your card. Don’t bring a wallet with numerous cards in it, but let’s be honest, no college kids have numerous cards.

12. Go out on a Tuesday night.

Or any night. Obviously not if you have a major exam at 8am, but don’t be afraid to live a little. I’ll tell you now – once you enter the working world, this is no longer an option. In the working world, we get excited go to sleep and get our rest. So live it up while you can!

13. Don’t cry over relationships.

You are approaching your 20s for crying out loud. If things don’t work out with your significant other, it’s not the end of the world. And what better place to be than college where you are surrounded by all of your friends, tons of people and fun things to do all around you? This also applies to high school relationships going into college. College is the time where you change the most as a person, really figuring out what you want and who you are. Sometimes things work out, sometimes they don’t. As cliche as this is, everything will work out in the end. I promise.

14. Labels and “popularity” mean nothing now.

Leave that in high school. The only popularity that matters now is how genuine you are to others. People who still carry this burden with them will learn very quickly that no one cares. We are surrounded by tons of awesome people in college, and people won’t try to be your friend if all you care about it social status. It’s a pretty great thing when you can be friends with whoever you want to be friends with, so just be yourself and trust me, you’ll find some good ones. Always remember to be kind because this is what people remember the most. 🙂

15. If you have leftovers that are near and dear to your heart, do not, I repeat, do not put them in the shared fridge.

People make mistakes, like leaving their Olive Garden leftovers in the main fridge. Roommates also make mistakes, like when they eat your Olive Garden leftovers when they’re drunk. You will be salivating in class, thinking about those Olive Garden leftovers, only to find an empty take-out box in the fridge when you finally get home. My roommates will read this and LOL, but this is so serious. Please learn from my mistakes, people. And with that…

16. Remember that everyone makes mistakes.

Life sometimes allows you to get in a fender bender, have a blackout night where you lose your phone, but you’re still alive. And you will learn for next time. Sure you backed into a garbage can and your side mirror flung off (yes, my life), but it’s not the end of the world. I am dramatic sometimes, we are all dramatic sometimes, but try to chill out. These are the years to make mistakes and learn, and every mistake allows you to grow as a person. Or pay for a new mirror… depends on the situation. Everyone has a night where they lose their phone and don’t remember how they got bruises all over their legs. But we just brush it off, learn how to control ourselves and what to do next time around! Don’t sweat the small stuff.

16. Forgive your friends that don’t keep in touch with you as well as you think they should.

Everyone is busy at this point in their lives and on. People are transitioning into new environments, new experiences, and there is a lot going on. Know that you won’t talk to someone as much as you did when you went to high school together, and that’s okay. The best kind of friends I have are the ones who I go days/weeks without talking to them, but when I do talk to or see them, it’s just like where we left off.

17. Don’t overly dress up for class.

By this, I don’t mean look like a scum. Obviously present yourself how you want, but don’t go curling your hair and putting on tons of makeup for class. I guess this is more aimed towards girls, but you will be picked out as a freshman and you will be heavily judged. (I’m sorry, it’s just life. This will surpass.) Oh, and don’t even THINK about wearing heels. Go to class to learn, not to look like you’re about to go to the bar. Trust me, you’ll be much more comfy in your everyday clothes. If you think guys will only be impressed if you overly dress up, those are the wrong dudes for you, girl. And to throw this in – Don’t wear your landyard around your neck. I was also warned about this, but did it anyway. WHY MOM WHY.

18. Don’t go home every weekend.

How do you expect to meet people and enjoy college if you can’t even stay there on the weekend?! This is the number one thing I always find out from people who tell me they didn’t enjoy college. Maybe it’s because you weren’t even there? Weekends are opportunities to have fun, meet people, go out, hang out with friends, explore the city, get to know your roomies… the list goes on. It allows you to be independent and enjoy your college years. I understand when we get in those slumps of being homesick, but stay strong young padawon. Home will still be there waiting for you, just like you left it.

19. Take pictures.

…but chill out when you go posting a million the next morning. I am completely guilty of this. My friends understand my picture addictions, but who’s laughing now when I can go back and look at the past 4 years of memories!? Take group pictures in your dirty kitchens, take gross selfies and random pictures with strangers. Take cute ones to frame in your room forever. College pictures are my favorites, and I’m sure you agree with me right now (or will agree with me when college is over).

20. Your college friends will be your friends forever.

When in your life do you get a time to start over fresh, surrounded by new people and make some new best friends?! Coming from a big high school, I don’t relate to this as much as if I lived in a small town… but if you lived in a small town, chances are you grew up with the same friends and classmates all your life. At college, you decide who your friends will be and who you hang out with every day. You get to surround yourself with people who you have fun with and get along with. You are all sharing the same experiences together. Even though you’ve only known these people for a few years, it will seem like you’ve known them your whole life. I lived with 8 girls and loved every minute of it. When else can you do that in your life?! My friends from college are my best friends, and always will be. It is the best thing you can take with you from college. 🙂

Aaaaand that’s a wrap, folks! I wish I could have read this before I wandered into college as a measly freshman. College is one of the best times of your life, so don’t take it for granted! There are other ‘best times of your life’ too, so don’t feel like college is all there is. Life after college is pretty great, too. 🙂

– K