By: Paige Scofield Campus Life Editor
You’ve finally made it to college. Welcome! The beautiful campus of Western Oregon University will be your home for the next few years. Be prepared to enjoy the late night studying, sleeping in the library, endless amounts of coffee and the wonderful friends that you’ll make.
But, in all seriousness, beginning a new life in college can be incredibly daunting. Just know that it is for everyone. You’re on the first step to adulthood which is one of the most stress-inducing steps you’ll take in your life.
Although college takes a lot of work, the payoff of being a more educated human is worth it and not something you should take for granted. A lot of people who want to be educated and better their minds aren’t able to afford college. So, understand that you have been able to partake in an experience that so many wish they could be a part of.
Throughout my years at Western, I’ve accumulated some wisdom and advice from my peers, my professors and my own experience. That wisdom should be shared, so you don’t have to learn everything the, “hard way.”
1) Always Know Where Your Keys Are!
This is one of the most important tips for living in the dorms. When you leave your room, do the three spot check. This includes: wallet (with your student ID), keys and phone. When you get back to your room, don’t throw your keys just anywhere. Put them on your doorknob, so every time you leave your room you have to grab your keys. Trust me, you’ll get locked out a lot, so heed this warning. (The RSC will only help you out a few times!)
2) Make Your Own Rules!
Being in college is great, because you can finally make your own rules. You don’t have to tell your parents when you’re going out or if you have homework, and that’s awesome! But, it can also be strange not having restrictions. No restrictions can cause a multitude of things to happen.
You can become: lazy, irresponsible, more of a procrastinator than you already are and stuck in a endless loop of naps. Create your own rules or borrow some rules from your parents. Make sure you try to do some homework before you binge watch something on Netflix, only nap twice a week, try to motivate yourself! Believe me, you’ll feel a lot better about yourself and you’ll start to create your own college routine.
3) Give Yourself a Break!
College can be incredibly difficult. Homework, studying, midterms, finals and life can really start to pile the stress on. Try to remember that your health is more important than what’s going on in school. Don’t skip class all the time, but if you really need some time for yourself, take it. Mental health and physical health need to be at tip top shape in order for you to function happily! Treat yourself! If you feel that you need to talk to someone, go to the Student Health and Counseling Center!
4) Keep an Open Mind!
During your time in college, you’ll be meeting people who are 100 percent different than you are. College is not only a time to learn about academics, but to learn about others. You may be set in your ways now, but you will grow, change and learn so much in your college career. Listen to others, debate and discuss. Your way of thinking isn’t the only way of thinking. When you graduate, you won’t be the you that you were in 2016. Learn how to grow and listen.
Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu
