Some Things I've Learned

Most people go to college to "get more knowledge", right? Well, that knowledge isn't just found in the classroom--spend a decent amount of time on campus and you'll learn a lot of things you probably didn't expect to. Here are a few of the suprising life lessons I've come to realize in my first semester as a college student.

1. If at all possible, try to schedule your classes later in the day. Of course, if you are a morning person (who is?) then it's fine to take that 8 am lecture on organic chemistry. But most of us, whether we stay up super-late or not, would prefer classes more centered in the afternoon. This semester, I was lucky enough to not have any class before 11. And even though that pushed some of my classes a little past 5 pm, I didn't really mind. Oh, except when it started getting really dark after daylight savings time. But it still wasn't a big deal for me. You'll probably concentrate better later, anyways.
2. Make friends with people who have cars (if you don't). This year, I don't have a car on campus. Why? Because at all the orientations I went to before starting here, they said cars aren't needed unless you live off-campus. Not needed, no, but very very convenient. Like, say, you want to grab some Starbucks on your way to class, or hit up Chipotle on the weekend or drive home whenever you want to (if you live in-state like I do). So be nice to the people who have cars and they'll probably be willing to drive you around, especially if you reimburse them for gas. But don't just be nice to get a free ride!
3. Earplugs, fans, iPods and sleep masks work wonders. An iPod of some sort is kind of a college essential, but aside from pumping you up before a night out or keep you awake on your early morning walk to class (see #1), it also helps when you want to block out noise if you're trying to sleep. People out in the hall can get kinda loud, not to mention your roomie might not keep the same sleep schedule as you. That's why the other three items also help you fall asleep faster.
4. Take a break every once in a while. Especially with finals coming up (my first one's in 4 days...yikes!) you deserve a refresher with all that studying. So grab dinner with a friend some place you've never been (or an old favorite), catch up on missed episodes of your fave TV show and just take some time to chill. Even using this time to sleep will help your stress level stay down.
5. Go to every class. Really. It's not that hard, actually. And really, if you don't go to class, what are you going to do? Probably not study. So just make a little effort and go to class--you'll get all the notes first-hand, not to mention the professor's side comments (which are usually pretty important) and you can catch up on the gossip of the day. If you're sure the class will be boring and pointless, bring along some homework, a magazine or your iPod. But most of the time, class is worth it.
6. Getting dressed for class is always good. Yeah, I know that I haven't had to wake up before 9 this entire semester, but I've always taken the time to dress nice, put on makeup and do my hair. Showing up every day in sweats and a ponytail may be easy, but it shows everyone you don't care. Oh, and just think of the possible compliments you may get on your amazing sense of style if you take a few minutes to pick out a cute outfit. It'll really help you feel motivated in class.
7. Communicate. With your professors if you're falling behind in class. With your RA if you're feeling homesick. With your roommate if any issues come up. For much of the semester, I struggled with voicing my opinions and it ended up not so good. Once the lines of communication were open, everything just felt better. So do it before it's too late.
8. Be responsible. Yes, you're on your own, with no one to really tell you what to do. Does that mean you should party every night or never do your laundry or skip class or pig out every day in the dining hall. NO! It means that you have to start acting like the adult you are: taking out the trash when it gets full, doing the laundry occasionally, cleaning up after yourself, going to class and doing the assignments, having fun but not letting it mess up your future career plans.

So there's the list! Of course, there's tons more things I have learned, and will learn in future semesters, but these seemed the most important. If you've been in college (or are in college), what important life lessons have you learned outside the classroom?