1. To call your parents.
… And no, I’m not referring to the times when you frantically call them because you ran out of money and need them to add more cash on your debit card. When’s the last time you called your mom or your dad just to talk, tell them about your day, or ask them about theirs?
2. To call your siblings
If you’re super close with your siblings, this may not be as much of an issue. But for those who have siblings that are not as close in age as them, keeping in touch may not be as easy. Although you may not know it, they miss you a lot, and it’s weird not having you around the house anymore. Remember to shoot them a text or call them every once in a while just to let them know you haven’t forgotten about them.
3. To make your bed
If you’re like me, you never made your bed at home. Your bed got made on days when your mom couldn’t take walking past your room and seeing an unmade bed anymore, and caved and made it for you. But now that you’re in college, and roll out of bed 10 minutes before your 9am, bed-making is not at the top of your priority list. But climbing into an unmade bed at night just isn’t as satisfying. Plus, in a small dorm room, making your bed makes everything look a lot neater. Take 2 minutes to fit this simple task into your routine every morning- you’ll thank yourself later.
4. To get enough sleep
With all-nighter study sessions, 9am classes, and nights out, it’s easy to neglect to sleep enough. Oddly enough, your body doesn’t truly feel the affects of sleep deprivation until a day or two later. Stay up until 3 on Saturday? No wonder you’re struggling to stay awake in your Tuesday 9am. Those nights of missed sleep add up, and your performance in school will be sacrificed.
5. To not bite off more than you can chew
Some students want to get involved in everything and may tend to overcommit. A rigorous course schedule combined with a busy social life and too many extracurricular activities can be a recipe for disaster. It’s important to vary your interests outside the classroom but to not try to do too many things at once. You may feel obligated to be involved in everything, but this will only spread yourself too thin and leave you struggling in all areas.
6. Time Management
In college with only a couple of classes each day, most students find themselves with a lot more free time than they had in high school. Time management skills are key. It’s important to get a consistent schedule, allotting enough time to do some work for each class every day. Often it is the students with the most time on their hands who are the most likely to procrastinate. Thinking you have ‘all the time in the world’ can be a recipe for disaster.
7. To drink water
This seems pretty simple, yet most of us don’t stay hydrated enough. It’s amazing how the simple act of drinking water throughout the day can make you feel better. Most college students drink way too much caffeine- whether it be soda in the dining hall and endless cups of coffee to fuel those late-night study sessions. But caffeine is dehydrating if you don’t balance it out with enough water- which could be an explanation for frequent headache sufferers. Staying hydrated is especially key on days when you know you’re going to go out at night. Drinking enough water throughout the day and night will help fight that inevitable hangover.
8. To hit the gym
With late nights and long days, it’s easy to forget to stay active. Many college students find it difficult to make it to the gym. Carving out time each day to work out will make you feel energized and ready to attack your day. Think of your gym sessions as an appointment with yourself that you can’t cancel. Working out is also a great stress relief, a perfect study break when you’re feeling overwhelmed with work!
9. To eat your veggies
At home, most college students were accustomed to eating nutritious home cooked meals. Your parents always reminded you to eat your vegetables and to not binge on junk food. The dining hall is a very different experience. We’ve all fallen victim to the “all you can eat” buffet style- and it’s tempting to go for a bowl of ice cream instead of a salad. But eating nutritious foods will make you feel more energized and less sluggish. Not to mention it’s good for your waistline and will help fight the freshmen 15.
10. Birthdays
Birthdays are always the hardest to remember. Put your close friend’s and relatives birthdays in your phone so you never forget to call them and wish them a happy birthday. Make sure you’re aware of when your new college friend’s birthdays are so you can make sure to get them a card or plan something special- especially if it’s your roommate!
11. To go to campus events
Different campus events are advertised all of the time: whether its performance groups, comedy troupes, sporting events, or keynote speakers, there’s always something going on! Do yourself a favor and attend a few. Support your peers who work hard to produce them. This is the only time in your life where you’ll have so many free events that you can attend- take advantage of it!
12. Go to Office Hours
Virtually every professor offers office hours where you can go to get help if you’re struggling with the course material. They take their own time to help their students. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Put in the extra time to go, you’ll find that your professors are very willing to assist you and clarify anything that you need help with. They truly want you to succeed. Take advantage of the fact that they’re offering their own time for their students- this is an invaluable (and free!) resource. Don’t take it for granted.
13. Your ID card/key
Every college student has made the mistake of leaving their room without their ID card or key. Getting locked out is never fun. The worst is leaving your room to take a shower just to realize that the door has locked behind you. Leave a sticky note on your door to remind yourself, and keep your Penn card and key on a keychain so you never lose them.
14. To keep up with the news
It’s easy to get lost in the bubble that is your college campus and neglect to figure out what’s going on in the world. Most students don’t read the newspaper or listen to the radio every day to keep on top of current events. A good tip: make a common news network your homepage on your computer- you’ll read a few lines of the headlines every time you open your browser to go on Facebook.
15. … Your Saturday night
Woops.