Your college years, everyone asserts, “are the best years of your life. ” As much as I loathe clichés, I can’t help but concur. Exemplified in my life by the liberty to choose classes and the lack of an uptight dress code (which spells death, in my opinion, to the fashion-forward girl), everything about this campus screams autonomy. However, one must learn to manage this freedom.
In high school, I could resist a majority of the distractions that came my way. Fast forward to freshman year of college and every night in my room is a social event. Those of you who understand this know it serves as a blessing and curse. On one hand, having friends who like you enough to hang out is wonderful, but this can easily become problematic—particularly before exams (or, in my case, essay due dates). Be cordial, but learn to say no. I have found that very few grades are worth the small talk.
Furthermore, don’t be a drama mama. Everyone gets overwhelmed by college at some point, but just because you have a Swahili exam, Quidditch match, and two projects to complete on the same day does not entitle you to a massive freak-out session. Do some yoga, go for a run, say a prayer—whatever it takes (legally), keep your cool.
Moreover, own up to your age and remember that your roommate is not your mom. If you live on campus, your room probably has the dimensions of a sandwich box, so don’t leave your crap around. No one wants to clean your noodles out of the sink, pick your underwear off the floor, or wipe up that bacteria-infested substance oozing from your fridge. Simply put, be an adult and do your chores.
Likewise, watch your expenses. Just because your favorite store decides to run a two-hour BOGO sale does not mean you should heed the call of spending. Recognize needs versus wants. Do you need to hit up Five Points every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday? Do you have to have that venti, quadruple-shot at Starbucks? Evaluate what’s in your budget range before handing over your credit card.
Most importantly, set your goals and live to the fullest. You get out of USC what you invest into it. Therefore, push yourself towards what you want to accomplish. Never pick the easy route, and occasionally take some detours.
But above all else, love the college ride.
