After spending 14 years in school, following a set scehdule and leading a comparatively protected life, it’s finally over. It’s finally time to get started with college and i’m sure we’re excited to start off with this new phase of life and make memories that are going to last a lifetime!
So let’s begin with the basics :
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Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help
A new place and countless faces, it’s only fair to use as much help as one can get. Don’t shy away from asking for guidance and support, be it medical, emotional or physical. The seniors and staff members will be more than glad to help you out, because, believe it or not, we’ve all been there. It’s perfectly natural to be clueless at first and not knowing what to do or where to go. Don’t worry, you’ll find your way!
2. All Work and No Play makes Jack a Dull Boy
The time has come to an end when you had to invest multiple hours to studies and finishing your homeworks, college is the best time to not only learn new skills but also expand your horizons. This is the time to quench the thirst in your souls, explore and teach yourself new things, be it taking up a photography course, learning how to play the guitar or how to cook up a simple dish. It all counts.
3. All Play and No Work makes Jack a Mere Toy
On the flipside, be cognizant about your grades and what it took you to get to the college you are/will be in. Just because college life gives you freedom and time, don’t let your marks and more importantly, your attendance spiral down into oblivion. Nothing, absolutely nothing is worth skipping an exam, getting attendance less than what’s required and begging for the admit card. Pain is temporary, Marks are permanent. Mantain a healthy balance and you’re good to go!
4. Build your CV
No, you are not supposed to have every little detail of your life figured out just yet, but it’s always good to keep an open mind and work in the direction which caters to your vision. Be welcoming of new ideas and explore where your interests lie because end of the day, you don’t want to find yourself in a pickle as to what you want to do in life and as the last option, just go with the flow. You deserve big things and good things come to those who actively work towards it.
5. Save Money
The one thing that’s always going to be common between you and the next college going student is the fact that you will always be low on cash, if not broke or debt-ridden.
Don’t wash away your entire pocket money at the start of the month on the fanciest of accessories and clothes. Believe me, you’ll be thankful for every single dime that you saved and every Rs. 100 note that came handy while planning and going on the trip with your bestfriends to Manali, Kasauli and if lucky, to Goa.
6. Surround Yourself with People who Matter
Cultivate good friendships with people who teach you and motivate you to do better. You don’t have to be friends with everyone. You don’t have to please everyone and most definitely, don’t have to do something that you don’t wish to do or succumb to the peer pressure. Remember, it’s alright to not do something that doesn’t align with your morals and principles, just to be a part of the ‘cool’ group. It doesn’t matter if you have just one friend or a myriad of people around you, all that matters is that you feel comfortable and safe in whichever social group you choose to be in.
These are the friends and experiences that will last you your entire life, don’t waste it on people who try to change you for the worse and manipulate you into doing something you’re not comfortable with. End of the day, Risk taking is different from Gambling.
7. Take Care of your Health
You might have the biggest of dreams and the strongest of will powers, but you need to have a healthy body and mind that helps you implement all your greatness. With the erratic schedule that comes along with college life, one has to learn to take care of their health. Have a proper sleeping schedule, keep yourself hydrated, eat healthy and try to make exercising and meditation a part of your life. Make it fun by going on walks with your PG mates and friends or simply playing games in the college grounds after classes. It’s always a good idea to let the child in you take over!
Finally, I would just like to say that college is literally whatever you make of it. It could be one of the best times of your life or the absolute worst. Try and prioritise the things that matter, be it friends, family or studies. Be a part of societies that excite you and do things that make you seek discomfort and push you out of your comfort zone, because college life in reality is most definitely nothing like Student of the year and Jaane tu ya Jaane na, but more of what *insert your name* wants it to be!Â
All the very best for the new beginnings!
