10 Things I've Learned From My First Month of College

The summer before college is probably the most exciting, yet terrifying time in a girl's life. I know it was for me. I had so many questions and doubts swirling around my mind.

"Will my roommate like me?"
"Will I be able to find my classes?"
"What happens when my parents leave?"

If I'm being completely honest, I was excited to live on my own. To forge my own path and all that jazz. So, here are a couple things I've learned from my first month of college.

1) Learn to "let it go"
Let go of the doubts, let go of the nerves. Of course it's perfectly normal to worry about one's first day of college; who doesn't? But after that first day, give yourself a pat on the back, because you earned it, and let it go. Let go of the worries. You made it.

2) Forget about high school
Literally, don't even think of it. Who you were in high school was the old you. Be a new you. A better, more hard-working version of yourself. College is your chance to reinvent yourself. TAKE IT.

3) Prioritizing is important  
This is one of the more important ones. College is fun, definitely. It is also hard and very easy to fall behind. Remember why you are here; why you're putting yourself in crippling student loan debt. You are here to better yourself and to get a degree. I promise if you choose to stay in and do homework rather than go out, not only will you be less stressed and better off for it, I guarantee you didn't miss much.

4) Never lose your College ID
Like seriously. Don't lose it. Your ID is like your soul in college. Take it everywhere with you. The times you need it the most are the times you realize you forgot it at your dorm. Just make it a habit.

5) Make your bed everyday
Speaking of habits, get into the habit of making your bed every morning. Not only does it force you to get up, it forces you to stay up. Once your bed is made, it symbolizes you won't get back in it until you go to sleep that night. It gives you a set routine in the morning to start your day. Just trust me on this one.

6) Stock up on healthy snacks for your dorm 
The dining hall is great, but it's not open 24 hours a day. In college you learn to eat on the go and snack all the time. Half the time, I guarantee you'll be too tired or lazy to get up and walk to the dining hall. Just invest in some easy and healthy snacks to keep around. They'll save your life (and your tummy.)

7) GET AS MUCH SLEEP AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN
This is so so important. You will be tired 24/7. If you have a chance to go to bed early, DO IT. Don't go out if you know you have an early class the next morning. I know its tempting, but just don't.

8) Call your parents
Call your parents at least once a week if not more. You may think you're doing it for them, but you'd be surprised at how much better you feel afterwards. Even though we're all technically adults now, we'll always be their babies.

9) Learn how to study
If you're like me, you were the kid in high school who just improvised tests and quizzes and didn't really study because you were smart and thought you knew everything. Well, college doesn't work like that. The sooner you learn how to study and actually force yourself to do so, the better off you'll be.

10) Don't take it for granted
Now I know why people have always said college is the best time of your life. It's also a very difficult part. It's the time to discover who you truly are. The time to meet new and different kinds of people. The time to grow up and grow into your personality. The time to have fun and make yourself proud.

Love life, and love yourself.

-Cass💜