How to survive and thrive in college

As you prepare to join college or university, you need to know what to expect. You already expect to have more freedom than before but you are also responsible for your studies. You will meet different people and will want to get the most out of everything. You might be wondering how you will balance everything.

Here are some tips on how you can survive and thrive in college.

1. Be yourself

You will change while in college as you are in a different environment than you are used to. You can embrace the change and strive to be a better version of yourself. However, do not change so you can fit in with a certain group. You will be on your own and you need to know who you are and what makes you happy. Pretending to be someone else will make you miserable so just be yourself.

2. Treat your roommate well

treat your roommate well

Your roommate is one of the first people you meet and interact with in your life. You might not be comfortable sharing your personal space with a stranger at first, but you get used to having them around. You need to treat them with respect and try to know them better. If you have any issues, solve them early since the more you wait, the harder it is to fix it. If you find that you cannot get along, you can see your residential advisor and make a moving request.

3. Meet new people and join groups that interest you

College is a place you meet new people. Instead of being a loner, you can try making friends with different people. You can make friends with those who sit with you in class, the library, the gym and other areas. Start and join discussion groups and other group activities.

The more you open up to people, the more they will open up to you. At the end of your college life, it will be good to look back and see that you made friends who made you better.

4. Save money

save money in college days

College is expensive and you need to save wherever you can. One place you can save is when it comes to your books. College books are expensive and there are some you only use for a class.

Why spend all that money on a book you will use twice in your communications class? Instead of going for new books, you can look for used books or borrow them from the library or from students who are not using them. That way, you will learn and save the money you would have spent on the books.

5. Look for job and internship opportunities

Ask around and find places that are hiring or offering internship opportunities. It will give you lots of experience and you can learn more about the career you want while earning some money on the side. If you cannot find any, you can always volunteer in your department.

6. Do not make bad decisions

bad decisions in college days

Most people think that college life is all about alcohol, drugs and sex which are a lie. Temptations are there especially with your new-found freedom but you need to remember that choices have consequences. You will make several discoveries in your college life and are bound to make mistakes. Someone once said,” It is wise to learn from your mistakes but wiser to learn from other people’s mistakes.”

7. Keep in touch with your family

You might be excited to be on your own but you are bound to get homesick. Keeping in touch with your family and friends back home will make your transition easier. If your college is not far from home, you can go during the weekend. A home-cooked meal once in a while is something to look forward to.

Do not be afraid to try new things. College is a place you can explore and discover your hidden talents. As much as you are studying, you can take some time and enjoy yourself. Make your college time as memorable as possible and avoid anything or anyone who will divert your attention from your college career. These tips will help you have a smooth college life and keep you on the right track.