For most, going to college is the gateway to adult life. Moving to student accommodation is your first step in building a home away from home. For some, this is also the moment where they meet family outside blood relationships.
College life is exciting yet could be stressful for some who are used to the comforts of home. However, as The Beatles once said, you’ll get by with a little help from your friends.
Making new friends
Exploring a new, unfamiliar territory can be intimidating, especially when you are all by yourself. But things will get easier once you meet one or two friends who are experiencing and feeling the same way you do. Exploring your new life together is a great way to build relationships; most friendships stand the test of time because of shared experiences– both good and bad.
Some people do not make friends as easily as others, though; some tips may be necessary. USA Today shares some ideas on how to build friendships in college easily. It includes joining extracurricular activities and spending time in the common area of the dorm room to meet new people.
However, the most important part of making friends is putting yourself out there while staying true to yourself. Genuine friendships are built because of personalities that click. No matter what you do, staying true to yourself makes sure that you will find true friends.
Getting education
The main purpose of getting into the university is to earn a degree; this will be useful when you go out to the real world and compete for jobs. Yet, there is not only one way to learn. You don’t only learn in the classroom; you have to teach yourself, too.
Teaching yourself different means to acquire knowledge is necessary if you wish to stay ahead. The world is constantly evolving, and every day, just on the internet, new information is available. Teaching yourself also means thinking for yourself and being critical.
A teacher is also human and can sometimes be influenced by their own perspective. Filter information well to prepare for the dilemmas and conflicts in real life.
Challenging yourself
Some say that college life is the best portion of their lives. Make the most out of it. Learn all the things you need to learn. Join as many clubs and organizations as you can and build connections that may be useful in the future.
Living on your own, away from your parents, allows you to solve your own problems. This gives you a true sense of independence and a test if you are ready for adult life.
One of the real-world problems that have affected everyone is the pandemic. College students have to shift from face-to-face classes to online lectures. Some do not find confidence in this way of learning but consider this one challenge that you have to go through as an adult. After all, it is life’s reality that you have no choice but to face.
Student-life balance
For adults, a proper work-life balance is needed to be productive and stay motivated at work. Students are no different. Focusing on studies is great, but do not forget to live. Enjoying your college moments is one step to make friends and also a great way to release stress.
As said earlier, living a university life is a new experience that can be stressful at times. Subjects are harder; some professors are stricter. It can put a lot of pressure on you, and it needs an outlet so that you don’t break down and lose motivation.
Accepting Failure
As you face college life, failures may be inevitable, may it be on grades, project work, or a rejection from a club you’re trying to get into. Accept that you can not always be a hundred percent on top of your game. Feel the emotions that go along with the experience, but quickly move on from it.
Failure is a normal part of life, so you must learn how to pick yourself up from it and challenge yourself to do better next time.
With freedom comes responsibility
As Spider-Man said, “With great power comes responsibility.” Living an independent life as a college student gives you the power to decide for yourself. But remember that to be considered an adult, you have to be responsible for your decisions. It means that when you do something great, you take credit for it; if you do something not so great, you also have to own it.
