If you didn’t know, I am currently a full-time college student. College is the reason I was brought to Chicago almost 4 years ago now (click here to follow along with my life on Instagram.) This year is my last (senior) year of school, and while you would expect me to be extremely excited…I’m actually quite sad about it.
The thing is, I’ve LOVED college. so. much. The past 3 1/2 years in Chicago have been some of the best years of my life, and I have my college to thank for a lot of that. I’m so grateful to have had (and continue to have) an awesome college experience, especially when I know so many people that struggle to find a college that’s just right for them.
This year, on the first day of classes, I found myself wanting to talk to the underclassmen in my classes (I’m taking a lot of random electives this year – so a lot of my classes are a mix of students.) I wanted so bad to ask them how they are liking their classes, dorm, and roommates. But because I didn’t want to creep anyone out/seem crazy, I refrained as much as I could. 😂 However, I decided to write this blog post in hopes that somewhere out there, some freshman will read this and gain some insight into how to make the next four years of their life the best ones yet.
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1. Try as many new things as possible
This tip might seem basic/cliche, but try to hear me out. College offers so many opportunities to experience new things. Try and embrace this season of change as much as you possibly can….whether it’s taking a class you normally never would’ve thought to take, going to a party when you normally like to stay in, or asking a new friend from class out to a coffee/lunch date. You’ll only regret the chances you didn’t take and the things you didn’t try in the end. Some of my best memories in college have come in the weirdest, most unexpected forms (and people!), but it’s all because I tried to remain as open to change/new things as possible.
2. Learn empathy and compassion + put it to practice
One of the biggest skills I’d like to think I’m taking away from college is something I didn’t necessarily learn in a textbook: empathy. In school, I beg you to try and learn how to cultivate true compassion and empathy for others. Chances are, you’re going to meet people that are somehow different than you: were raised different, speak/look different, think different, act different, etc. EMBRACE this as much as you possibly can, and try and learn something new from everyone you meet. It can be challenging to hear another person’s opinion in class that you strongly disagree with, but instead of writing them off as ignorant, try and see their side and where they may be coming from. College has challenged me with this time and time again, and while it’s tough, I’m so grateful for the eye-opening revelations that I’ve been taught through experiencing other people.
3. Let go of the idea of how college is “supposed to be”
This third lesson is one that may be hard for me to articulate, but I still want to try and explain. Growing up, we are taught (in a way) how to expect college to go for us, through media/stories told by family and friends/etc. I certainly had a picture in my head of how college was going to be: crazy, wild tailgates rallying around a football/basketball team, sorority rush and parties, etc. However, my college experience was been COMPLETELY the opposite. When I was applying to schools, I had to let go of the idea of how college was “supposed to be.” I chose to attend a city school, with not a ton of “school spirit” (we never have tailgates/etc.), that has a lot of commuter students. However, my school experience has been nothing short of amazing, but just in a different way than I ever expected it. Try and let go of how you think things/your life is supposed to be in college, and instead welcome change into your life and take whatever comes to you.
4. Cherish every moment
I know…this sounds extremely sappy and cliche. It is. But it’s also so true. Everyone always says that college flies by, and they are right. I would LOVE to relive some nights of my freshman/sophomore year over again. I was so excited about Chicago and college back then, and while I obviously still love the city, I miss that “butterflies-in-my-stomach” type of feeling. I’ve realized just how fast time moves, and this year, I’m trying as hard as I can to cherish every moment. Sometimes, as corny as it sounds, I just look around on a night out with girlfriends and try to take a mental photograph of all of us dancing, smiling, and being carefree. I never want to forget the memories I’ve made, and know that before long I’ll be putting on that cap + gown to graduate and college will be behind me forever. *sobs*
5. Pour into other people
The last piece of advice I wish I could give to all college freshmen is to genuinely pour into other people and invest your time, feelings, and love into them. Whether it’s a platonic friend or something more, the people around you are who will shape your experience at school. If you’ve been vulnerable and scared of opening up in the past, try and push yourself a bit to let some of your walls down. Allow people to *really* get to know the real you. It’s only by doing this that you’ll be able to reach new levels of friendship with other people and form deep, meaningful relationships that last you throughout the years. I’m so glad to say that some of my current best friends are girls/guys that I met my freshman year of college. It’s only through our constant commitment to be there for each other that this has been the case, and I’m so grateful for that/them.
Well, that’s it. I hope this post wasn’t too cringe-y. I know it’s not my normal style, but it’s something I felt I just needed to get off my chest/heart in a way.
If you liked this post/know a college freshman, please share this with them!
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