23 Things I Learned as a 2023 Graduate
As a recent college graduate, I have had my fair share of lessons I have learned along the way. Here are 23 things I learned during my college experience.
23 Things I Learned:
Rush that sorority freshman year. Even if you don’t stick with it for all four years, it truly makes college feel a little smaller and helps you find a friend group at the start of college
Study somewhere other than your dorm/apartment. I know, I am the same way. I love the comfort of my own home. Sometimes, you need to go to your college library with a Starbucks in hand and grind out your work in a different setting.
Don’t schedule the 8:00 am class. Trust me, the 9:00 am class is just as good
Before scheduling classes, go to RatemyProfessors.com. So many professors make classes much harder than they need to be. Save yourself the trouble and look into who you are selecting as a professor. They can either make or break your class.
If you get invited to a date party/outing last minute, GO. Some of my favorite memories were nights I agreed to go out when I was planning to stay in.
Buy a coffee machine, like a good one. You will have many restless nights and having one in your dorm/apartment will be a lifesaver for those 3:00 am crunch study sessions.
If you want to make friends, you actually have to try. Talk to people in your classes and ask people to go grab coffee or study. A lot of the time, you have to make the first move.
Buy cheap going-out tops. Trust me, you do not need that $50 top that someone will spill a drink on.
Go to school events. Museums, theatre performances, sporting events; ENJOY your time in college. Even though it may seem weird at first, you will really enjoy yourself.
Relish every moment. The four years in high school are completely different than the four years in college. It flies by and before you know it, you’ll be picking up your cap and gown.
Grab your friends, dress up, make the TikToks, and enjoy your nights in college. Yes, school is super important, but you will miss those crazy nights with your best friends when you graduate.
Do everything you want to do. This is the time to experiment with different clubs and classes you may not have the chance to after your four years.
Wear what you want and do what you want. Don’t fit a mold someone is trying to put you into or expects you to fit into.
Stand up for what you believe in. I always got told that college would push my limits, but never in this way. You are going to be around a lot of peers and professors who will try and change your opinion on things you feel strongly about. Keep your feet firm on the ground.
Raise your hand in classes. Ask questions and build a relationship with your professors. It will help you when it comes time for finals.
If you are staying in-state for your college, don’t stay in your same little hometown friend group. Expand your friendships and meet new people.
Sit near the front of the class. It helps keep you accountable and feel more involved with the course material.
It’s okay to change your major (or change it several times). If you aren’t happy, you really need to re-evaluate your studies. Don’t pick a major to please your family or your friends or your past self. It’s okay to grow and evolve.
Be spontaneous and have fun, but don’t lose your standards.
That frat guy doesn’t really love you.
It’s okay to ask for help. This can go for your classes but also for your mental health. College is hard. Really hard. If your mental health starts to decline, you are not alone and there is help.
Friendship breakups happen, and they suck. Take time for yourself during this time.
College is a time of learning; it’s okay to make mistakes and “mess up”. If you failed a class, went out with the wrong person, or lost yourself along the way, it’s okay. Give yourself grace. These are some of the most impressionable years of your life, and it’s okay to not have everything figured out and perfect yet.
