Living Your Best College Life

Hindsight is 20/20. “I could’ve done this more.” “I wish I had known this.” “Wow, this was the best time of my life.”

It’s been about seven months after I walked the stage to receive my college diploma. Although I may be too young to say, “Wow, those were the days,” it’s amazing to see how much time has flown by the laborious hours of studying, back to back classes, working and interning, filming videos, Friday nights, and clubbing (haha).

And while I’m in post-grad, settling into my own schedule, I’ve had a lot of time to self-reflect and examined my college experience holistically. What I’ve been through — the failures, hardships, successes, and breakthroughs — have molded me into an independent, self-aware, and mature young woman.
Duly noted, there are things that I wished I would have done better and opportunities that I wished were available for me at the time, but I’m proud of how I made do with what I had.

If you’re reading this and you’re still an undergraduate, these are ways to make the absolute BEST out of your college career (whether your a freshman or a senior, doesn’t matter what place you’re in!)

1. Know how much you can handle.

Our academic workload and personal bearings put a considerable strain on our emotional and mental health. These are the two things that we often forget about when we’re lost in the midst of midterms, finals, or drama. Remember to take a break and be kind to yourself. The universe won’t give you anything that you can’t handle.

With that said, when you’re enrolling for classes in the next quarter or semester, know how many units you can handle. Often, the fear of staying an extra year makes us feel as if we failed our parents and our ego to finish on time. If that’s what it takes, don’t be discouraged. Many things can unfold in the extra time you give yourself while you’re still in school. In fact, you still have your student discount to Amazon Prime, Spotify, Apple Music, Adobe Creative Cloud — DON’T TAKE THAT FOR GRANTED!

2. Be open to others.

I can still remember the excitement I felt driving up to UC Santa Cruz in the early morning. The key to making the best memories is expecting nothing.
Great things come when you least expect it.

I introduced myself to everyone on my floor, to people on the other floors, and even to people in the other buildings of my college. Eventually, my floormates and I became one huge family with memorable Friday nights. I met new people in my classes that built my network all around the university.

When I transferred to UC San Diego, I had to force myself to join organizations and know people in my major. Knowing familiar faces was what made me feel content and secure. It made the transition bearable and worthwhile.

I believe that the people we meet, teach us more about ourselves. If they’re in our lives for a quarter, a year, or maybe even stick with us, there are memories to be made and lessons to be learned.

Not to mention, I met the most inspiring and wild group of friends I could ever ask for.

3. Befriend a professor or a graduate student.

Not just for an A in the class. We all need guidance, especially, if after we graduate we don’t know what the hell we’re doing. We can ask our family and friends for advice and help, but ultimately, it’s more insightful to ask someone who has already been there to guide your steps.

By befriending the professors and graduate students in my major, they pushed me to fulfill my potential, even when I didn’t see it myself.

I remember one summer before my senior year; I was encouraged to enroll in the Communication Department’s Honors Program. I thought, “No way, that’s too much work, and I want to enjoy my senior year. Plus, I don’t have a thesis in mind.” My friend, Nalini, encouraged me to propose an idea that of which evolved to a huge project that I am extremely proud of completing by the end of my senior year.

This project broadened my interest in documentary production and added to my portfolio. I learned how to conduct qualitative and quantitative research, interview reputable media professionals, and master the ropes of Adobe Premiere Pro.

4. Always check in with your department and college advisor.

This could be the one downfall in your college career if you push college advising to the side. Take the time to set out a four-year plan and seek help from an advisor when you feel conflicted about changing majors, need internship opportunities, or to talk to someone.

Your department advisors are the best resources. Yeah, someone of them may be useless or rude, but if that’s the case, then resort to consulting professors, graduate students, or student organization advisors.

5. Understand what’s going on in the news.

In Fall 2013, Obama was still President. Pope Francis succeeded the Vatican. Nelson Mandela passed away. Catching Fire just came out. Black Lives Matter Movement was gaining traction. George Zimmerman was on trial.
Once I graduated, Trump became President. Protests all over the world shut down cities to walk in solidarity. White Nationalists found their voices. Salt Bae memes were everywhere. Kermit the Frog memes represented our universal subconscious.

Remember what goes on during your time in college, so that when history is being understood in the future, your interpretation of the period adds insight for future generations.

6. Study Abroad.

Studying abroad is a huge financial privilege. And for others, they can’t risk losing a semester or a quarter if a class is only offered once a year.

I would suggest studying abroad to complete general requirements so that you can have fun AND STUDY.

Whether it’s a quarter, one semester, or a whole year, studying abroad is a transformative experience that is an opportunity of a lifetime. Sure, you may rather just travel without the studying, but the friends that you meet and the lost adventures you make are what builds introspective growth.

7. Party, but be safe. Know your limits.

College parties, without a doubt, are the best and worst memories you’ll make in college. I mean, it’s the most anticipated part of living away from your parents. Then, once you turn 21, you switch to clubbing and trips to Vegas.
But to be honest, the best parties are the ones that aren’t too crazy where someone’s ear gets cut off. Or when a house gets raided, and everyone has to hide. Of course, there is certainly a thrill to let loose after a midterm, a final, or just a rough week.

Just remember to always be with people you trust. Good friends who will watch after you and make sure you don’t get carried away. Friends who will hold your head by the toilet and make sure you make it back to your bed safe.

Know your limits.

No one likes who can’t handle their shit.

8. Be active.

Exercise.
Take care of yourself physically. You’re paying for recreation fees, and you won’t have the luxury of having open squat racks when you have to pay a monthly subscription to 24 Hour Fitness.

Student Life.
Join organizations that will build your social network and pride in your university.

Once you graduate, you want to look back and feel proud of your alma mater and how you made the most out of just studying in the student center.
You will learn so much about yourself and how to balance your time when you’re a member, a volunteer, or on the executive board.

9. Start finding internships, especially during the summer.

I think for me, my journey was a bit rough because I was still figuring out what my major was and what industry I wanted to be a part of. So, I understand how finding the right internship, especially when your family travels a lot, can be difficult to accommodate your schedule and interest.

When I look back, I wished I picked up even some unpaid internships in digital marketing and film production so that I can build my portfolio and experience.

Campus Jobs
There are dozens of campus job postings that seek to bring out students to take their learning outside of the classroom. Always keep an eye out and keep yourself occupied to make some pocket money.

I started my first paid internship as a junior in college and kept it for a year. Working on campus is a benefit because your boss will be able to accommodate your schedule and you don’t have to worry about parking. You can just easily walk to class.

10. Appreciate your time as a student. These are your formative years.

Now that I’ve graduated, college is just now just one cohesive, blended memory. It’s no longer the back to back schedule I once had, along with the late nights at UCSD’s Price Center where I wrote my papers and studied for finals. It’s no longer the moments where my friends and I can just go out and grab boba or study at coffee shops in North Park.

College, now, is a trajectory of how far I’ve come in life to find what I’m passionate about, become more appreciative of my family, and value the best group of friends I could have ever asked for.

Life is rough when you enter the real world, so when you complain about a class or how much work you have, appreciate those little moments you have while you can still see your friends and acquaintances.

Life is unpredictable; you will no longer live in a structured world.

Take this time to be independent and know yourself.

You create your journey. Realize your agency and learn how to adapt to life’s waves.