Things You Learn at College

I've been a real-life college student for a little more than a month now... and I still don't quite have my life all together. But that's okay. Part of me still doesn't accept the fact that this is my life now, like I'm going to wake up one day and be back in the last week of summer when everything felt completely different. We have these pictures in our minds of how things are supposed to be; it's a strange feeling to fast-forward and watch those expectations play out for better or worse. Sure, I'm still figuring things out as I go, but here's a bit of what I've learned so far:

Coffee is an essential aspect to every-day living.

Especially for those 8AM classes. Why did I sign up for 8AM classes?

Everything you thought you knew about crossing streets was wrong. So, so, wrong. 

If there's a crosswalk, I'm crossing it come Hell or high water. Do I always stop first to look both ways? Well, not exactly; it all comes down to an act of blind faith, really. I've got places to be, after all. On the bright side, university vehicle run-in = free tuition.... I'm kidding (mostly).

People don't pay attention to you nearly as much as you think.

If you want to rock the flip flops in the dead of winter--go for it. Get as sweaty and disgusting as possible at the gym. Go to dinner alone. Ride a unicycle across campus. Nobody cares. Stop being so damn self-conscious and do what makes ya happy.

Don't drink the jungle juice. 

In the literal, frat-party sense, yes. But also in the "don't drink the Kool-aid" concept that you will be faced with an overwhelming number of choices in college; make the ones that are best for you. Know yourself, and what you deserve.

Join an organization. Get involved. 

It sounds cliché, I know. But there will come a day when you realize your life revolves around alcohol, textbooks, and Netflix--possibly in that order--and being an antisocial hot mess becomes old. It's scary to put yourself out there, but joining a club or organization opens you up to new friends and endless opportunities. Hello, fully-functioning member of society.

Sometimes people come and go. It's going to really, really suck. And you're going to be okay, I promise. 

That high-school boyfriend you couldn't possibly live without. The summer fling that fizzled out quicker than the leaves could change color. Interests and passions and friends and perspectives that grow further apart for whatever time and reason. Indulge in a night of ice cream and Gilmore Girls, but don't let it drag you down. What's important isn't going anywhere. The rest you're probably better off without, anyways.

If you're getting a sufficient amount of sleep, you're not doing it right.

About two weeks into the school year and your body will be acclimated to functioning at its highest potential on just barely 6 hours of sleep. It's been scientifically proven (it hasn't). Sleep is nice and all but there's just so many other things you could be doing, like binge-watching an entire season of Gossip Girl... you know, productivity and all.

Food is always better past 2AM.

And if wings come into play, always, always choose wings.

Halloween is not to be taken lightly.

Sure, there's the fall sweaters and scary movies and the pumpkin spice latte's from Starbucks. More importantly, there's Halloweekend, and the chance to show as much (or as little) skin as you want without fear of social judgement. 'Tis the season, right?

There is a playlist waiting to be made for every occasion.

Shower music, breakup music, going-out music, rainy day music, feeling anti-social music, workout music, procrastination music, I-have-an-exam-in-two-days-and-just-started-studying music. I must admit, I do make a mean mixtape.

Don't be afraid of failure.

Despite what everyone says, one bad exam won't ruin you. One bad day doesn't have to become a bad week. Just because one person royally screwed you over doesn't mean that everyone from now on will, too. Accept the outcomes you cannot change, the less-than-great choices you've made, and learn from these the most.