My first month at college in three words: exciting but overwhelming.
Even as an in-state student who isn’t too far from home, I’m far enough that I definitely feel like I’m on my own. One of my favorite parts about being here is that tangible feeling of independence and the quick taste of adulthood without worrying about the bills and taxes that come with it.
But, being independent is just as overpowering as it is thrilling. I find myself always thinking ahead about how to make the most of my time here with clubs and internships, how to make time for myself in the midst of schoolwork, and how to take care of my health and mental wellbeing.
I know that I’m not the only student who’s already trying to piece together the future when it’s just been a few weeks of the next four. These are a few things I’ve learned during my first month to keep in mind whether it’s about finding my thing to slowing life down when it feels a little too fast.
1. Apply to things even if you don’t think you’ll get it. Seriously.
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I applied for a few positions when I started looking for ways to get involved on campus,\. From that experience, all I can say is that applying to anything can be somewhat intimidating because of the wave of uncertainty that comes with pressing the ‘Submit’ button. However, the answer if you don’t apply will always be ‘no.’
But, out of all the rejections, sometimes, things will actually work out! I applied for a position that I believed I was definitely underqualified for, and the surprise and happiness that hit me the next day when I got an acceptance email was incredible.
Even if you don’t succeed the first time, it’s better to go for it and even have those reviewing your application know your name so if you apply next year they see your willingness to try again.
2. Know when to step back and stay within your limits.
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While it’s great to keep putting yourself out there, once you have all your options laid out in front of you, it’s best to realistically evaluate what you can and can’t do. I was so excited to join clubs that I signed up for too many, leaving no room in my personal schedule to do homework and relax. I eventually had to drop out of some clubs to make more time in my personal schedule because I knew I wouldn’t be able to do them all.
Not being a part of an organization or doing an activity does not make you any less capable or strong. Knowing when to push your limits or stay in them is a truly valuable skill and, if anything is a subtle way of self-care because you’re prioritizing your wellbeing and goals.
3. Take your work and your day one step at a time.
Most people are aware that in college, you’ll be balancing your social and academic lives on your own. Looking at your calendar and not being able to see the white space past all your events will definitely make your brain glitch.
On days when what you have planned for the next month or even for the next week feels like too much, remember to focus on the present. I’ve found that planning out the order I’m going to do my work for the current day and the next day only helps to minimize the stress of multiple assignments and events.
Taking your life a day at a time not only can help you focus more and stress less, but it can also help you enjoy the present.
4. If you make a mistake, it’s okay.
I have definitely already messed up on assignments in class and had my work pretty heavily edited within my first few weeks, and it’s easy to take these critiques personally, wondering if you’ll have to relearn skills from high school because college is at a brand new standard you hadn’t known existed.
Making mistakes is essential to growing up. Nobody really knows how to adult; we’re all figuring out what works for us as we go along. Someone on campus has probably made the exact same mistake, and one mistake will not change the trajectory of your future. In fact, it’s probably not as monumental as you thought. With time and experience, you will learn, and that’s what will help you grow into the adult you’re destined to be.
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Even though most of these things may seem obvious, sometimes, we just need reminders to take ourselves less seriously, to live in the present, and to take chances and opportunities just for the sake of them.