By Ruchika Joshi:
For everyone I know, the first year at college is a whirlwind of new people, new surroundings and new possibilities. After all those years of living in a regulated environment — thanks to school and parents, we’re suddenly propelled into this unfamiliar situation where we’re responsible for our decisions, we choose what takes up our time and we set our own priorities. Slightly scary, isn’t it?
Fret not, for here are a few things to keep in my mind so you can make the best of your college years. After all, isn’t this we’ve been waiting for all along?
- Meet New People!
As you traverse through the corridors and holler at new faces, your dorm-mates, classmates and the society folks, don’t let it end at the names and hometowns. Get to really know these new friends and strangers on a deeper level. Ask questions, share interests and explore. Everyone has a story to tell, and meeting new people helps us understand our own selves better.
- Have New Experiences!
College is a lot about societies, fests and co-curricular activities. So what if you’ve never acted in your entire life or have never tried debating before? Seize this time to attend orientations and auditions. You’ll never know what you’re capable of until to actually go out there, take a stand for yourself and explore who you really are. Just because you’ve never done it before, doesn’t mean you can’t do it now.
- Find Your Ideal Study Method!
There’s always something going on, and sometimes studies take a backseat in college. Before you know it, the exams are already here! Academics are equally important but that doesn’t mean you have spent every living minute buried within the books. We all learn in different ways, and we all have different methods that work best for us. The point is to really think about what kind of learner you are and then use that to maximize your study output. Be regular with your assignments and try to grasp the lectures in class itself. That saves a lot of time, and keeps you updated with your studies.
- Take Care Of Your Health!
Health takes a backseat for a lot of freshers. Don’t let that happen to you. Eat healthy meals at regular intervals, get those much needed hours of sleep and make some time for exercise everyday. If exercising isn’t your thing, get involved in a dance class or pick up a sport. One important tip I learnt was to always keep healthy snacks in my bag, be it a fruit or a granola bar. That way, I can snack healthy and reduce my intake of junk food. Health is primary. College life won’t be fun if you’re always exhausted or sick.
- Use A Planner!
College can get busy. There’s so much to do, so many people to meet, so many places to go and so much to learn. You don’t want to miss out on anything and that’s where a planner comes in handy. List down everything you need to do, prioritize and get down to it. That way you’ll never forget anything and will even be left with time to spare.
- Be Yourself!
Amidst so much newness, it’s hard to maintain individuality. There will be days when you’ll question who you are, what you’re doing and what you really want. To face those days, you’ll need your individuality to keep you strong. So stand by your principles, explore your possibilities and be courageous enough to make decisions for yourself! If it helps, have a signature something, be it clothing, music or opinion.
- Always Keep Looking Forward!
Things happen, sometimes good and sometimes terrible. They just happen and you have to go through them. But it’s important to let go of what’s over and to look forward to what life has in store for you. Never lose that childish enthusiasm that paints your life. It’s a beautiful world out there just for you.
So Happy College Life, everyone!