As I looked at my sister, eagerly browsing shopping websites to build what she called her “college fresher” wardrobe, I felt a twinge of nostalgia. Four years before her, I was in a similar position. Only, I had no elder sister to keep me from making terrible fashion choices.
College life signals an exciting time in the life of an individual. Free from the unexplained tyranny of school and its numerous rules, one gets their first taste of the adult life. Whether it’s selecting your subject, or the classes you want to take or the clubs you want to be a part of; everything is in your hands. No adult hovering over your shoulders, telling you what you should do (I mean they are there, but you don’t need their express consent to take these decisions). It’s like you are suddenly handed over the scepter that allows you to rule with absolute power over your life, for the first time ever.
But as they say, with great power comes great responsibility, and this is something almost every 18-something teenager forgets. But, in the spirit of sisterhood, we decided to compile a short list of important things every college girl should know and remember. Here they are:
1. It’s For You To Set The Boundaries And It’s Important Too
With no one to keep tabs on you, it can be difficult to juggle everything — personal life, friends, studies, extracurriculars — all at once. So, it’s better to decide what you will or won’t do in advance. It can be a real lifesaver in the long run.
2. Choose Your Friends Wisely
Shutterstock
It’s said that the friends that you make in college are the friends you make for life. It’s true to an extent too, for it’s the first time in your life that you get to interact with like-minded young adults. That being said, choose your friends wisely, for they can have a significant sway over other spheres of your life as well. It’s okay even if they aren’t the cool ones as long as you’re comfortable with them.
3. You Will Feel Overwhelmed
As exhilarating as freedom is at first, it can quickly snowball to make you feel like your life has lost its plot. Especially when it comes to making all these life-changing decisions, such as what career to pursue, and even when it comes to dating the hot guy!
We just want to tell you that it’s okay, your life has a plan, you will see it eventually, for now just keep doing you.
4. You Will Meet People Having Different Views And Beliefs; Treat Them With Respect
Shutterstock
Most colleges are a true melting pot with people from different cultures, and regionalities coming together. Given this fact, it’s quite possible that you come across people having viewpoints and beliefs that might be quite opposite to that of yours, in such cases, be respectful of them even if you don’t agree with them.
5. It’s Okay To Not Know All The Answers Every Once In A While
If somewhere down the line you feel like all your friends’ lives are working out while you are still a little lost, then you don’t have to think that it is the end of the world. It’s okay. Don’t think that attending that guest lecture or that club meeting has to lead somewhere. Do the things that excite you or inspire you.
6. You Would Be Required To Speak For Yourself, So Learn To Question
Shutterstock
In school, we are taught to speak the “right” things. In fact, until now, most of your life has been about people telling you what you should think or say. That won’t be the case in college. So before passing someone else’s opinion as yours, see if you even agree with it and if you do, then ask yourself why. Before convincing others, convince yourself.
7. You Always Have A Choice
You don’t have to do anything. Whether it’s a date set up by your best friend or staying in a party that’s legit going to end up badly. You have the choice to walk out of that date, and you can always leave the party early. As hard as it might be, fight the pressure to be a sheep. Instead, be a leader, make your own way and encourage others around you to do the same.
8. Being Proactive In Class Doesn’t Make You A Teacher’s Pet
Shutterstock
At its heart, a college is a place where you enrich your world view by interacting with peers and learned people. Take initiative to do that, volunteer for drives, participate in debates, make yourself heard. Professors appreciate that because it shows that you are taking the responsibility of learning seriously. And no matter what anyone says, education will always remain in vogue.
9. Learn To Respect Your Body
Indulgence is okay, but it should be in keeping with the limits of your body. Party hard, but self-care harder. Nurture your body, and build a foundation of self-love and self-care, it’s something that will come in handy later when life would be much more hectic and relentless.
And the most important thing that you should know is that you should enjoy it all. Soak the college experience in, as it would all pass in the blink of an eye.
College is not just the most fun part of one’s life it’s also the most formative one and if you remember the life lessons that we have given here, it can be an enriching one too!
Here’s hoping you have a great college life!
If you have any other additions to make to this list, share them with us in the comments section.
The post 9 Things College Girls Should Know appeared first on STYLECRAZE.