This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Stonehill chapter.
As a second semester first-year, I have been able to learn a lot very quickly from the college experience. From moving away from home to meeting an entire group of new friends to discovering what I want to do with my career. The first semester was a whirlwind. I’ve compiled a list of things that I wish people told me before coming to college. Even though I wish I knew these things prior to college, having them as a reminder or hearing them from someone else can make all the difference even for those of us already in college.
- It’s okay to change your mind about what you are going to do with your life– I came in as a completely different major but, I realized quickly that I was struggling with my courses and didn’t get as much enjoyment as I thought I would from doing it. After taking AP English courses, I thought to myself: “I won’t ever take an English class again,” but now, it’s my major. It’s okay to go with things that do not generally challenge you. Each course you will take comes with its own unique challenges.
- It’s okay to take a break from studying– I had a lot of difficulty with taking breaks. Now, I try to give myself at least one day a week where I do nothing schoolwork related. Spending a night with my friends is one of my favorite things. As much as I would like to constantly be productive and never have homework to do the night before having a class, sometimes you just need to be willing to take a break.
- Studying with friends makes it easier to study– Even though it can get less productive, studying with friends has pushed me to get work done, and it makes the work feel lighter. One of my favorite habits we have adopted is writing checklists on a whiteboard and then crossing them off.
- Your professors are there to help you– Even though this might seem obvious to some, others might find it hard to converse with professors or to go to their office hours. For me, going to office hours or emailing professors with questions has been a huge help. Since they know the area that they are teaching well, the professors have a wealth of information that you can receive by just asking a simple question. I try to see each of my professors at least once a semester outside of class, just to check in and ask any questions, especially around bigger projects or papers.
- Scheduling is important- Being a college student takes scheduling. Obviously, you have a standard class schedule, but outside of that, you have to build in mealtimes, time to shower and exercise, time to go to clubs or jobs, time to be with friends, time to clean, time to do work, time to call home, time to spend with family, and more. Scheduling is crucial to doing well in college and being able to estimate how much time certain things will take is super helpful.
- Sleep is a priority- For me, I knew I would need to sleep and couldn’t pull all-nighters to do homework. But for some, it’s difficult to set down the homework. Sometimes, you need to be the one to draw the line in order to do what’s best for your health. For many, setting a certain time to go to bed is super effective. For others, not continuing to do work after a certain time works in a similar way.
- Some of the weird things you purchase will be the most used things- I bought a cheap bathrobe that I ended up using every single time I showered. I then had to ask for a better one over winter break, and now I am obsessed. Some of my other most used products are: a stain remover, dish soap, a sponge, the famous target bowls and plates, and a heating pad.
-  Don’t let your mental health slip- Check in with yourself and make sure you are doing well as much as you can. School is already stressful enough without the added panic and anxiety. Make use of Counseling Services if you don’t have a provider at home, or if you want more support.
- Be okay with being alone- Especially as an introvert, it is okay to take time to recharge. Even if you are not an introvert, it often feels like people spend a lot of time together. Sometimes, it feels hard to sit at a table alone and eat a meal, but that’s college life. This is a time to learn who you truly are as an individual and in a group setting.
- Get involved with as much as you can- Even if you choose not to join every club, go to the activities fair of your school and sign up for the email list of clubs that seem interesting to you. Especially with a different schedule every semester, you might have more availability to try certain things down the line.
- The transition from high school to college is difficult- People do often say this, but they don’t say it in a way that alludes to the various aspects that people can find difficult. Every person is different, but ultimately, there will be difficulties down the line. Especially coming back to school after winter break, it’s hard to fit into the routine you built in the fall.
-  Take walks or workout- Exercising is important and it helps your mental health. Personally, I’m not super into it, so even just taking a walk without the intention of ending up at a certain place (a class, the dining hall, a club, etc.) can be really nice and therapeutic.
- Use this time as an opportunity to grow– College is the perfect time to discover who you are. You’re at a crossroads between adolescence and adulthood. Sometimes you might regret the grade on a paper or exam, but instead of seeing those as purely bad, take them as an incentive to do better next time. Some things will be more challenging than others, and it’s all about the skills you use to get through difficult times.