Make It a Great Year, Or Not The Choice Is Yours.

On that note: recent grads seem to be flying off the shelves recently, whisked away to the dream schools of their choice, about to embark on the most grand of adventures; college (and yes, I am a time-wizened sophomore and can dispense my wisdom at will, so shut up and listen noobs). So I suppose that since, back in the day when this blog had a theme instead of being my insomniac ramblings, this blog was supposed to be a college based one I should put on a post for anyone reading whose heading off/has headed off to the big school (not in the sky) this year.

Krysti's Helpful College Survival Tips

(a colorful, pictoral adventure)

1. I don't care where you go to school, be it Forks, WA or the deserts of Arizona, rainboots are an absolute must. Classes still go on when it's raining and guess what sucker? You've still gotta trek across campus to get your soon-to-be-well-educated tush there. They also double as pretty great snowboots.

2. Go to class. Yes, I know, I'm an absentphobic nerd and of course I'm going to advise this (for your snot-nosed info I did miss three classes this year, so there!) but honestly, if you calculate the money you're losing every time you skip a class (if you're sick, that's different) it's just not worth it to not go. Your schedule in college is a piece of easy cake compared to high school, with like 4 hours of class a day, with breaks in-between, so I really don't see why you can't get your butt to class.
3. Don't buy books from the book store. They completely rip you off with their prices (most of the time, but not all) when there are so many other places you can get your books for much better deals. Personally, I'm a fan of half.com but search around. I've gotten $90 books for $18. The only thing you really can't do anything about is those stupid professors who insist on you using their book. They're really only sold at the school store. But I know of people who have even asked professors about using older versions of a book because they're essentially the same and much cheaper. Never hurts to ask!

4. If you are yourself, friends will come. Trust me, I had pretty much accepted that I would be spending almost all my time at school alone, because who would even want to be friends with me? But come orientation I ended up meeting a shit-ton of awesome people who - to my surprise - liked me (if you're reading this guys - love you!). Joining things you're interested in (like Biology Club lol) can help you meet people too, and chances are since you were both ballsy enough to go to that function, you have common interests. Always be open to meet as many people as you can, it really helps to make the campus feel just a tad bit smaller. Keeping your door open (if you're roommates are okay with it) is also a great way to be approachable and you never know who'll stop by to admire your sweet space painting or poster or what have you. And don't forget that almost everyone is in the same boat as you are, so don't be afraid to introduce yourself! Network, network, network!
5. I didn't actually do this this year, but I think it's a great idea. Clip these on the edge of your desk so you don't lose charger cords! But don't forget to unplug your chargers when not in use to save energy!

6. Calendars are very useful. I personally like the whiteboard kind, but it's personal preference. They're really useful for planning everything from trips home to keggers (if that's what you're into, I don't condone them). And trust me, your time at school will totally fill up between projects, trips, events, friends visiting, visiting friends, breaks, service projects, midnight movie premieres, etc.
7. Don't forget to bring some kind of weekend bag to bring on those mini-trips home or camping or to visit friends. I suggest a roomy duffel bag rather than a nice piece of hard-shell luggage (been there, done that, not readily repeating it).
8. Communal bathrooms: they are gross, they are scary, they will remain gross and scary places even after you get used to them. Sorry. Get yourself some sturdy shower shoes and a Velcro towel and man up. At least you (hopefully) don't have crazy hardcore-lesbian-ticket scalping cleaning ladies.
9. Go to free campus events. Even if you're so-so about it. Did I mention the FREE part? There are always a million free things going on on-campus and they're great ways to meet people, fill your weekends, and have something to do with the people you've already met.
10. Do all the things you were too afraid to do in high school, join choir, band, Biology club, football, dance, whatever it is that you couldn't bring yourself to break into these last four years (okay, I admit, I'm still working on this myself, but I'm going to make a fresh attempt this fall...). Now's your chance, no one will question why you're there, no one cares if you did it in high school.
11. Go on trips. Student associations and clubs are always offering cheap bus trips to NYC, Philly, DC to see shows to go to museums...GO! Call up your friends at school in that particular city and let them know you'll be in town. Or get a group of your school friends together and go!



Longwood Gardens :)

12. Be yourself. College is the time to show people who you've discovered that you are at this point, while hiding all the mess it took to get there. People at college won't know you peed your pants in third grade or all about your messy relationship in sophomore year, they only see the stronger person that has emerged as a result. Not that I'm saying you have to completely reinvent yourself at college, (in fact, don't because I'm 100% sure that you're pretty damn awesome the way you are right now) but I am saying that you're a clean slate at school, one you can draw on as you wish. So introduce yourself as your best side, the person you always wanted to be, and then be that person. Now's your chance, life is waiting.

Doesn't get much more 'Being Myself' than this...

To conclude: congrats class of 2010, now go out and kick some college ass! I know you will. Best of luck. xoxo Gossip Girl