My awesome niece Robin starts as a Freshman at BYU next week so I decided to do a post of unsolicited advice. It's been five years since I graduated from college and my experience is probably different from hers but I still have a few pieces of sage advice. A lot of this came from older brothers and sisters but some of it comes from personal experience.
1. Don't kiss lame boys even if they are a little cute. You'll regret it later.
2. Fall in love with someone new every single day. Crushes are new and exciting.
3. Don't sign up for credit cards or give personal information to anyone who wants it. It's not worth that free t-shirt or king sized Snickers bar they are offering.
4. If your friend dates a boy you hate, stay out of it.
5. Go to all the free lectures and activities they offer, even if you are busy and tired.
6. Throw lots of themed parties: Pink Party, Hair Party, Middle School Party.
7. Don't move home for the summer. You think it is a good idea because you miss it but after two weeks it will just be really depressing. Instead do an internship somewhere fun or get a job in an exotic locale.
8. Take art classes even if you aren't an art major. (This one might be me projecting my own regret.)
9. Don't get your hair done by the local hair school students. It will always end bad.
10. Make cookies every Sunday and take them to friends and cute boys. Do this especially when you get depressed or sad.
11. If you can't get in a class you want because it is full--don't take no for an answer.
12. Join clubs and maybe start one yourself.
13. If you get a job in college don't work too much. They are only paying you minimum wage. In five years you'll make quadruple that and your time in college is precious. Better to spend your time studying or working for free somewhere cool or doing an internship to further your career.
14. Go camping a lot and go on lots of road trips.
15. Find the girls that dress cool, make friends with them and ask them to help dress you. (speaking from experience here)
16. If it rains go dance in it.
17. Don't park illegally even for a minute. College campuses are crawling with meter maids who WILL GET YOU.
18. Get a Vespa.
19. Never schedule a class before 10am. Don't do that to yourself.
20. Watch lots of foreign films and go to lots of concerts even if you don't have the money. That is what college is for.
Ok, What am I missing?
Agreed on all accounts from a fellow BYU Grad.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I'd just add:
ReplyDeleteNothing's set in stone. If you agree to move in with people from your dorm for your next year and have second thoughts, go with your gut and don't feel obliged.
and stay there as long as you can!
ReplyDeleteDon't sleep through class, no matter how persuasive your snooze button is!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice all around! As a recent grad school grad I have lots of experience as a student but also the perspective of the instructor... so if I may be so bold:
ReplyDeleteGo to office hours! Your prof or TA will know your face, your name, you! and trust me that is SO helpful if you want a few extra points at the end of term. Besides, they get very bored sitting there doing their own work. They would love an interruption. Trust me.
This is maybe nerdy, but also, sit in the front of the class. You might feel weird, but again, the prof will notice and will reward you for it. Even if it is a wretched prereq class, at least all the other students will get to look at your sassy outfit or hair!
Also, don't wear sweats to class. I know the temptation. Trust me, I KNOW. But a cute outfit will boost morale and self confidence, will wake you up, will attract those cute boys or fun friends, will make the prof respect you more... Besides, when are you ever going to have a better chance to experiment with every style you've ever wanted???
oh here's some advice:
ReplyDelete(these may or may not be from personal experience)
-buy a box of lucky charms and eat all and only the marshmellows. it's liberating. and your mom won't be there to get mad.
-although at the time it may sound fun, taking pictures in your underwear at 2am with your roommates is never a good idea.
-on a similar note, remember: any one can post any picture of you on facebook and your mom and aunts can all see
-just because you CAN eat all the time doesn't mean you should
-do not under any circumstance buy matching overalls at dillards with your three besties
-the library is the perfect place to study if you aren't really needing to study
-find a friend with a cabin in sundance, a friend with a car, and a friend with a relative close by who is a good cook
-stalking boys is perfectly acceptable in college
Once you find professors you like, establish a relationship with them. Go to their office hours and get to know them. Ask for their help and input constantly. Seek out their wisdom and perspective. This will be rewarding far beyond your college years. GOD, I wish I had done this.
ReplyDeletetake any chance you get to study abroad! this is my biggest regret. i promise that you won't miss anything great on campus while you are away, but if you don't jump on that plane, you will miss out on a great opportunity to meet (more) new people, explore new places and cultures, and eat way better food than what you can get in the dining hall!
ReplyDeleteUm, what does a hair party entail?
ReplyDeleteI resent the Hair school statement. I'm a hair student and have yet to let anyone leave looking or feeling bad! I do know this.
ReplyDeleteDon't be shy. Put yourself out there and make lots of friends. Don't limit yourself to your group or dorm friends.
Here are the four pieces of advice I gave my sister when she started her freshman year at BYU:
ReplyDelete1. Don't rush through school - take your time and take as many fun classes as you can.
2. Do at least one semester abroad (especially if the parents will pay or help pay for it).
3. Don't dye your hair dark - speaking from personal experience here. If you are blonde, keep it blonde - they really do have more fun.
4. Study something that can actually get you a specific job when you're done. "Business" & "communications" are fine, but who goes and applies for a job as a general business or communications person? Try accounting (accountant) or nursing (nurse) or photography (photographer).
LOVING all this advice! Almost makes you wish you could go back and do it again yourself, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteAwww, this is making me want to go back to college just to try some of these things! I remember always being so STRESSED during college and I wish I would have relaxed and stopped to enjoy it a little bit more.
ReplyDeleteThis is fun. I wish someone had given me these rules when I went.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree on going to office hours, both from a student perspective and a professor perspective. It really helped me in my classes, and I look more favorably on the kids who bother to come to my office hours and ask real questions.
ReplyDeleteI'd also add living it up in the mountains. Invite lots of people to go up and build bonfires, play Capture the Flag, and sing Primary songs while the coals are burning down. It's awesome fun and you really can't do it anywhere but BYU.
Don't neglect your girlfriends for the boys. I admit, I usually had at least three or four dates a week, but guess what? You only marry one of them, and girls are your friends forever. Plus, what fun is a date without a bunch of people to dissect it with later? My roommate just flew out to visit me a few months ago and we had so much fun--husbands, kids, and totally different lifestyles didn't matter, because we were so close from college.
On that note, don't feel like you have to date every guy you like. My platonic guy friends were invaluable those first couple of years.
Take advantage of the cultural experiences. BYU has amazing theater and music programs, the MOA is free and so is International Cinema. Visit regularly, and go to Devotional every week.
Take honors classes. They're smaller, the professors are passionate, there isn't a curve, and you'll learn really fascinating things without filling in a lot of busy work.
Run through the sprinklers at night at least once. Ditto to playing kick the can on the quads. Take religion classes from professors in the religion department--they're the ones who really know their stuff.
aw, that's an adorable list.
ReplyDeletegetting to know people in your department really well--both students and professors--is invaluable.
International cinema is free at BYU! I loved it and I had wished I had taken more advantage of it when I was there.
ReplyDelete* take advantage of your school's study abroad program and don't be afraid to go somewhere that has a different national language. The only way to learn a new language is to be immersed in it.
ReplyDeleteDon't live with your best friend/cousin. Live in next door apartments so you have 2x the roommates to choose from.
ReplyDeleteTake PE classes. It's mandatory work-out time you're paying tuition for.
Go to sleep. The late-night cramming doesn't help. It's better to go to bed and wake up early (and rested) to review the material one more time.
If you have to work, try your hardest to find on-campus work. It doesn't pay much, but at least it is convenient; you usually don't have to work nights or weekends!
I agree with all the others except for scheduling classes after 10:00. I never started later than 7:30 or 8:30 and I loved being done with classes earlier in the day so I could enjoy campus in the afternoon!
I work at Utah Valley University as an admin. assistant for an academic department, so I know from experience.
ReplyDeleteYou'd think that this would be common sense, but students can be so inconsiderate. This is my best piece of advice:
Be nice to the Administrative Assistants on campus. If you're rude, they can make your life more difficult than it needs to be. If your nice, we'll go out of our way to help you.
Oh, this is making me miss BYU so much!
ReplyDeleteI never had a bad hair experience at any of the hair schools in Provo. I went to Paul Mitchel, Dallas Roberts and Bonne Losse. I went to friends at the latter two and braved the first with much success.
ReplyDeleteDon't knock it til you try it! Plus, really, it's just hair.
STUDY ABROAD.
ReplyDeleteOh I SO agree with #1! My advice to all college students is: NEVER EVER GRADUATE.
ReplyDeleteStudy abroad! Study abroad! I know this has been mentioned above, but really, it's the best.
ReplyDeleteAlso, make friends with at art students and theater students. They throw fantastic parties.
Jordan, these are great-- totally agree on not taking No for an answer to not getting into classes. Yes to the Art classes (I was a botany major).
ReplyDeleteI'd add/modify to say
-take one class JUST for fun every semester.
-always remember that when you feel lonely or sad or stressed (which happens a fair amount even to the happiest souls in college) there are ALWAYS people you know who are lonelier, sadder, or more stressed-- so take some of those cookies you've made to them, or drop them an email-- just make sure to reach out when you're blue
One of the best pieces of advice i ever heard (be it a little too late):
ReplyDelete"I've learned one thing, and that's to quit worrying about stupid things. You have four years to be irresponsible here. Relax. Work is for people with jobs. You'll never remember class time, but you'll remember the time you wasted hanging out with your friends. So, stay out late. Go out with your friends on a Tuesday when you have a paper due Wednesday. Spend money you don't have. Drink 'til sunrise. The work never ends, but college does..." -Tom Petty
Tom Petty is a wise man
ReplyDeleteOh man, This makes me miss college so much it makes my soul hurt. haha
ReplyDeleteI would also add:
take a random trip of the mountains or beach or wherever in the middle of the night atleast once. You may be dog tired in the morning and you might even miss class all together but it'll be so worth it.
I still remember doing that my freshman year. I don't remember which class I slept through but I remember every detail from that night- I can still quote some funny one liners that were said.
I would also say don't neglect your family or friends back home. Of course this isn't to say that you need to stay in touch with every person from your HS but don't loose touch with the ones that mean the most. I'm still best friends with my HS best friend. If it weren't for him I would have NEVER made it through college.
And as far as picking a major- find something you love. Who cares if it isn't something where you'll get a job right away. You're going to be doing it for the rest of your life so make sure it's your passion. I really struggled with this one and has ended up causing me to take a break before finishing up my last semester. Being an art major really makes you worry about that stuff. Now I'm working in an art gallery surrounded by what I love and more inspired everyday. I'm not a billionaire but I'm not starving either. I'm happy doing what I love so I'd say I'm lucky that way. In sum: Find your passion and stick with it.
And after college- be intentional about staying in touch with people. I've done pretty well so far. It's been the most rewarding few minutes I spend every week to write a quick email or text message or snail mail just to hear back my friends who helped me become who I am.
Thanks for posting this Jordan. It has made my day so much better. :)
Thanks for posting this Jordan, it
Study abroad! I never did and regret it. And I agree about not working a part time job. It's not worth it - instead take out student loans and spend a few hours a week volunteering your efforts at a local charity.
ReplyDeleteWow, lots of good advice! I'm still waiting to make quadruple minimum wage, though. :( But, I will say I'm much happier as a full-time salaried plus freelance graphic designer than I was as a poor college student!
ReplyDeleteha ha, liz. pictures in underwear--i don't know, i think it might be a right of passage.
ReplyDeleteHere's another vote for "study abroad" - and I think it should be #1 on the list. I tell anyone I know starting/early in college to do it. I mean really, when else do you get to move halfway aroundt he world (in my case that was literal - I went to Fremantle, Australia!) for 4-5 months on your parent's dime?! I met some of my best friends there, who I still see almost yearly despite the fact that we lived half the world away from each other!
ReplyDelete13 - really? I graduated almost a decade ago and am STILL not making quadruple minimum wage! I loved all of my silly PT jobs those years.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with the no classes before 10am!
Some advice from me:
Like someone else said - graduate.
Don't study just to pass for things in your major. You'll probably want to remember them come job time.
I liked getting all my classes in MWF if I could so I had 2 days off.
Have fun, youth is a blessed thing.
Love your body because post early 20s things just aren't as good.
Eh, that's it. I'm not really full of too much wisdom.
I have to (respectfully) disagree with # 11. There is a limit to the number of people in a class for multiple reasons - both for safety and for the professor's sanity. You do not have more of a right to be in a class than any other student.
ReplyDeleteWHAT IF MY ADVICE IS, GO TO THE U??
ReplyDeleteTHIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE YOU WILL RECIEVE, AND THE ONE YOU'LL REGRET LISTENING TO THE MOST. Just because you are at BYU does not mean you can trust all boys. When I was there not long ago the number one crime was sex crimes. I apologize for my bluntness, but BYU police talk to Relief Societies about it b/c it is so important, and she should know it. DO NOT trust a boy just because he is a returned missionary and has a cute smile. Use your head, listen to those "gut instincts", and you'll be fine. Just think smart. For example, running alone at 2 am on a very dark night through a park: not smart. P.S. Take the flower design class. Life's too short to not have flowers on your table.
ReplyDelete1.Study in the basement of the maeser building (there is a great reading room there) or in the lobby of the new hinckley building.
ReplyDelete2.Be outside on campus as much as you can in the fall.
3. Make friends with your professors. Most of them are looking for a few students that they can connect with. If you put yourself out there you will learn alot more and get better grades.
Study Abroad without a doubt. I think it should be a requirement.
ReplyDeleteAttend BYU-Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteTake a FUN class (of your choosing) every semester.
Study what you love, not what will "give you a job when you get out." If it isn't engineering or nursing, then do whatever it takes to get real world experience that complements your awesome art degree.
ReplyDeleteTake a business class. Everyone, whether you are going to be a zoologist, administrative assistant, theater manager or hospice worker should understand basic business principles.
Wander Target or Walgreens for hours with your roommates. Cheap and easy fun.
Have fun, be open to new things and people. Don't judge people based on what or who you think they are based on your life so far. People are will surprise you constantly.
Do like Frankie says and relax. You aren't going to ruin your life or career chances your freshman year of college.
i know it's been said before, but it is so important that i will say it again (and again and again): study abroad, study abroad, study abroad!
ReplyDeleteMy advice for a girl going to BYU--
ReplyDeleteDo not expect to go on 4 dates a week. In fact, don't even expect to be asked on one date a week. If you are--fun! But I knew too many girls who went to BYU thinking everyone goes on dates constantly. That's not how it is. I'd say 10% of the girls get asked out a billion times, 50% get asked out every once in a while, and the rest don't really get asked out. Make a great group of friends and hang out with them--that's what it's really all about. I knew a girl who said she was wasting her tuition money, because she wasn't getting asked out. Dumb reason to go to BYU if you ask me. Enjoy it and don't stress about the dating scene.
if one of your roommates gets mad at you for being really LOUD outside your room at 5am, tell them, "fergi, this is college." that will make them really mad.
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with #1! Kiss all the boys you want and have fun! It's a great way to practice for your future husband. He'll appreciate it later.
ReplyDeleteAlso, don't schedule any classes on fridays. You'll be really sad when you realize none of your dorm floor girls did and they're off for a weekend of fun but you'd have to skip class.
I third the hair school comments and would add, be nice to the receptionist and ask for a senior student who is really good. They'll almost always hook you up. And if you are really scared just go to phase II at Paul Mitchell. Everyone in there will be graduating in the next 3 months and will charge you 5 times the amount for the same cut a few measly weeks later.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me want to go take more fun classes. I miss learning new things every day.
these are amazing!!!!
ReplyDeleteDon't get a job, but definitely buy a Vespa.
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice.
Great advice! I'd add "don't rush through school - graduating early only cuts short your social life. You have plenty of time to be in the real world later."
ReplyDeleteGreat list! Robin, join the Cheese Club - it was there I learned to milk a cow! They brought a cow on campus and I milked it! Awesome.
ReplyDeleteI actually always had a great experience with Paul Mitchell school kids cutting my hair. I still have them do it today.
this is making me miss college SO much. this might not apply for BYU students, not sure, but don't always drink beer, you WILL get a beer belly, switch it up, just because it is cheap doesn't mean it is good.
ReplyDeleteand i agree with this too, "just because you CAN eat all the time doesn't mean you should"
and times have changed, pick a major that will land you a specific job, anthropology was extremely interesting to study but unless you want to go for a phd pick something more practical.
be nice to people, it isn't high school anymore, meet people you wouldn't normally, open your mind.
I love this! I sent it to my niece who just started at BYU also. I wish I could have been one of your roomates:)
ReplyDeleteI would say go ahead and move home for the summer... 12 years ago when I did, I was making $10 an hour for moving home-- WELL worth it. BUT if you come from Utah, RUN AWAY, run far, far away... you need to learn outside the bubble! Love ya'll, but there's a bubble!
ReplyDeleteAnd take all your classes early so you are out in time to party :) I never had a class later than 2 :)
Thanks Jordan! This was really good for me to read today. I'm so stoked to start classes!!
ReplyDeleteTwo things everyone should do {IMHO}: Be a waitress and get your heart broken {and then brake some of your own}. Both proved to be significant life experiences.
ReplyDelete--Def. go to BYU-H for a year.
--Don't gain the freshman 15--one less thing to worry about.
--Don't go to bed before 2...you're in College!
--I second the advice not to believe that all "BYU RM's" are good guys. There are plenty of wolves dressed in sheep's clothing.
--Major in what you really want to major in. I graduated in Painting and have never regretted it...even when I had to get a real job.
Woot! BYU! I would say, don't take your roommates' attitudes personally. Sometimes people have bad days. And, remember, guys really DO go for the "nice girl".
ReplyDeleteMy advice would be to not feel your major is pointless- I had so many people nag me that my Art History degree was useless. Meanwhile, most of these people are now unemployed due to the economy anyway! So study what you love and you will somehow discover a way to incorporate it into your life after college!
ReplyDeleteGet away from Provo for the summer, but don't go home. Make an effort to stay in touch with the friends you will make (I wish I had done this).
ReplyDeleteEnjoy school while you are there, but don't stay longer than 4 years. If you love academia, go to graduate school, but taking longer than 4 years to complete under-grad in not going to look good to any employer or admissions committee.
--living with your best friend won't guarantee that you'll have that best friend in the next year. it's ok to be picky about roommates!
ReplyDelete--just because your mom never let you eat Spaghetti-o's or Chef Boyardee Ravioli when you are little does NOT mean it's super good. still tastes like a big bowl of nasty. eat lots of pizza instead.
--take at least one spring break to go somewhere fun... not necessarily somewhere skanktastic but somewhere different and fun with friends. you'll never forget it (a college regret)
--make lots of mix cd's or mix 'on the go's' on your iPod. you'll always remember the time and place you were when you made that with friends (from experience!)
--IF YOU TAKE AN ART CLASS. let it NOT be photography... even if you're an undiscovered protege of the film and digital world. you'll make all the other photo majors mad when you take a fuzzy picture of your television... that clock... your big toe... the crack in the ceiling you thought looked like a smiley faced horse galloping towards an ice cream truck. nope. it's just a crack. :0)
don't talk bad about other people. It's not worth it and it really comes back to hunt you, especially in college.
ReplyDeleteGreat Advice! Especially study abroad and the not moving home for the summer.
ReplyDeleteAlso, remember to take good care of yourself, take time for yourself, stay healthy!!!
Good list - I'll save it for my daughter.
ReplyDeleteTalk to everyone, all the time. You will make awesome friends this way, since nearly everyone feels lonely and isolated.
ReplyDeleteFind the local places.
Take a different route to class sometimes.
Forget the backpack and carry your things in an oversized chic purse.
Wonderful advice my dear!
ReplyDeleteDon't let a roommate or friend talk you into stupid stuff like skipping most of your classes. Also, go to church. Yes you are now a grown up but you know better than to turn into a slacker.
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice here. Let me add this: Find the women's bathroom on campus with the comfiest couch and most quiet atmosphere for taking naps when you need a break, or for studying until you take a nap. My favorite was on the bottom floor of the HFAC.
ReplyDeleteSo much good advice! I learned no. 4 the hard way - let me tell you - and I could never take a foreign language in college because all of the first level classes started at 8 AM every single day. It just wasn't gonna happen!
ReplyDeleteEat strange and unholy food combinations! And at any time of the day and night. xx
ReplyDeleteThat's all wonderful advice! My own two little additions...
ReplyDeleteDon't be afraid to contact tutors/lecturers during their consultation hours if you have any questions (good politics apart from anything else) and for goodness sake, don't allow having a boyfriend to prevent you from making friends.
I started my BA with a boyfriend on campus and I made so little effort to make friends as a result. Of course when we inevitably broke up, I had to start from scratch, but by that stage all the cliques etc. were formed...
it's what you don't do that you'll regret. i've made a ton of "mistakes" in college, with boys, friends, classes, etc., but it's the missed opportunities and times i said "no thanks" that i wish i could fix...
ReplyDeleteah, byu... que saudades.
ReplyDelete-don't worry too much and learn to play "worst case scenario" with all of the things that could cause you grief. chances are if you really failed that test and it really causes you to fail a course (which you probably won't), you can just take it again next semester.
-establish some kind of nightly unwinding ritual with your roommates where you catch up with each other.
-when you move to an apt. cook together with your roommates. making dinner one night a week and one sunday a month is easy and you'll eat better than otherwise!
Don't worry about choosing a major right away even though everyone says you should. Explore a bit. See what else is out there.
ReplyDeleteThis is making me envious =| I'm about to go into my second year at uni (I'm in England) and I spent a lot of the first year very depressed and hating it - I have the most amazing friends at home but really struggled trying to fit in with people I didn't really like that much all last year. American colleges sound a lot more fun, I'm going to be honest. I'm going to try and do some of the things on your list this year, rather than spend the whole time wishing uni was already over =].
ReplyDeletenever say anything bad about one roommate to another roommate (or anyone for that matter)... this will only breed unhappiness and make the situation that much worse.
ReplyDeletedon't have a tv in your dorm or apt. really.
I wish someone sent me this post before I went off to college...20 yrs ago. It is amazing though how these things are still relevant today!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! But you need to add a #4b...If your friend dates a boy you LOVE, stay out of it.
ReplyDeleteWhere were you when I went to college! This list is great!
ReplyDeleteI say AVOID STUDENT LOANS! Yes, use them for tuition if you must, but don't use them to finance road trips, climbing gear, an iphone, etc. Dumb. Take the trip on a budget, rent gear, use your cheap phone. The less debt the better.
ReplyDeleteThey are all perfect. LOVE IT!
ReplyDelete1) Try to make friends with your roommates, even the odd ones and the ones you seem to have nothing in common with. Sometimes it's the people that you wouldn't have picked that end up being your best friends or even just making apartment living more fun. If the friends thing doesn't work out, at least try to get along.
ReplyDelete2) Try not to let your roommates bug you. If you just let the little things go, you'll enjoy being home a lot more. When you have your own apt, then you can have it exactly as you like it. For now, just try to get along with each other and have fun.
3) Try to go abroad for at least a semester. When you're in college, it's so much easier to put everything on hold and just go. Later in life, it's a lot harder to make it happen. There are other (and cheaper) options besides study abroad. Maybe check out www.ilp.org for teaching abroad or bunac.org if you want to work abroad. I did both of these programs and has amazing experiences both times.
4) If you meet a cute boy and think you're ready to get engaged, don't jump into anything. If he's the one now, he'll be the one in a few months, when you really get to know each other.
buy a crock pot.
ReplyDeletethey are like $15
the settings are only 'on' and 'off'
you can make awesome meals that take as much time as a ham sandwich to make.
This beats the heck out of Polonius's "neither a borrower nor a lender be"! Jordan, I think you should consider penning a modern girl's guide to life at university. I'm getting nostalgic - and wishing someone had said to me more than "Good luck!" :)
ReplyDeleteForget the Vespa. Get a bicycle! Then you never have to go the gym AND you can get everywhere. Many birds, 1 stone.
ReplyDeleteThese are cool!
ReplyDeletejust stumbled upon your blog. and this is a great post. as a new grad all the things i wished i made more time for is still fresh in my mind. but lots of good memories too!
ReplyDeleteDo 2am donut runs and pick cool roommates.
ReplyDeleteI was asked to give advice to a family friend going to college too!
ReplyDeletehttp://highoverhappy.blogspot.com/2009/07/college.html
I'm going to pass hers yours.
Oh, to be able to turn back the clock.
I just graduated and am missing BYU like crazy!Here are my thoughts.
ReplyDelete1-Try to pull off no class on Fridays a couple times. How many times in your working life can you have a three day weekend every week? It's the best.
2-College is just better than high school. If you are nice to everyone, everyone will like you. That's just the way it works.
3-I totally agree with the study abroad. I think about my semester in London every day.
Have fun! Everyone is so excited for you!
Study abroad!!! You will never be able to spend time in another country so easily and cheaply. It is absolutely the best opportunity afforded by going to college.
ReplyDeletestudy abroad if you can! (my own personal regret).
ReplyDeleteJust because you've declared a major doesn't mean you can't change it. Take classes in areas you know nothing about-it may lead you places beyond your dreams.
ReplyDeleteNEVER sit at home any night of the week. There are always awesome things to do!
ReplyDeleteStay in school as long as possible.
Don't take more than 15 credits your Freshman year.
Do an internship.
Always take a phsyical class...either a dance class or skiing or even bowling.
Experiment! College is a time to try as many different things as humanly possible!
I LOVED THIS! thanks jordan for posting. made me smile and think about my college days. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is by far one of my favorite blog posts in ages. Yes, to the art classes (huge regret for me) and themed parties and road trips.
ReplyDeleteMany, many road trips. You've given me so much to think about this morning.
Yes ma'am, I agree with all of those!! A few more:
ReplyDelete-Enjoy starting over, where no one knows you!
-Get a job having to do with your major - you'll get to know all the faculty and staff by name and lots more of your peers.
-Go hiking and rafting in southern Utah...*sigh*
-DON'T let your roommate coerce you into taking a class with her...like ballet.
-Take advantage of the great restaurants in Provo.
-DON'T go tanning every day - I not only will most likely have cancer in my old age, but I PAID to get it.
-You don't have to shower every day - it's overrated. :)
-Take advantage of the library and museum - there is SO much there. Yes, I was a library and museum nerd. Proud of it.
-Enjoy every minute. You'll miss it when it's over!
Resist the urge to loan your nice things to other kids. I loaned my brand new Smith-Corona electric typewriter (this was in 1981) to a girl in my dorm and it came back broken and jammed full of eraser crums. Shoulda listened to Mom & Dad...!
ReplyDeleteHmmm... I have to disagree with #1... as my mom always told me "you have to kiss some frogs before you find your prince!"
ReplyDeleteAnd... though I didn't attend BYU, several friends did, and I think many of them got caught up in the pressure/race to find a husband. It's college - relax, have fun, learn new things, and husband will make his way into the picture when the time is right!
Go for 5 years. Everyone needs a victory lap!
ReplyDeleteNo matter how much money you make when you graduated, NOTHING is more fun than college.
as a victim of a hair school haircut, AMEN!!!
ReplyDeleteas a teacher, i would say:
when you go to class, focus. don't text, don't do the crossword, don't pass notes, don't do sudoku. it's rude.
This is a fan-tastic list! I agree with others that it's worth studying abroad. I spent time in the UK and love it.
ReplyDeleteMost importantly, I met some great people that I still talk to and that was 12 years ago!
Drink too much. But not too too much. (I probably should have followed my own advice here).
ReplyDeleteLaugh a lot and call your mom.
there should be two lists...one for those that didn't have to worry about working to put themselves through college and one list for those who were surviving to get through college trying to pay for it while living on their own (most of the people I know). Any suggestions for the latter?
ReplyDeleteAnon- nope just one list. I put myself through college. I always had a crappy minimum wage paying job and graduated with plenty of student loans and this list was made for myself from my experience.
ReplyDeleteGo to BYU-Hawaii for a semester. It's more of a vacation than school, but you'll end up exploring the whole island and hanging out with some extremely chill people.
ReplyDeleteBlock out an hour for lunch with all your friends and spend it hanging out in the Terrace.
Be up for anything! Road trips, skiing, biking, rock climbing, etc.
Go to all the BYU football games, and any other sporting events for that matter.
Don't be afraid to take naps on campus. Just find an empty bench and snooze.
Go to devotionals!!!
Eat at the MOA Cafe, especially when you have the Dining Plus meal plan. Their soups, salads, and sandwiches are BOMB!
Date all the boys :)
-Take advantage of things like giant paper cutters, darkrooms, HFAC supply rooms, camera rental offices, plotters, etc. I wish I had all of that back again.
ReplyDelete-Take honors Geology (includes class field trip to the Grand Canyon) and honors Anthropology (sweet field trip to the four corners).
I'd like to add - get a credit card (be responsible about it, ie barely use it, always pay it in full) just so you have an established credit record when you get out of college and need credit to rent an apartment!
ReplyDeleteGreat, great advice! Love it.
ReplyDeleteI loved this post! I miss college so much!
ReplyDeleteI really like the "Get a Vespa" tip!!
I've always wanted one!
This is my first time visiting your blog and I'm so happy I found it!
It's awesome!
--Take a light load your freshmen year. High grades in high school do not equal high grades in college. Promise.
ReplyDelete--Rent a mailbox at The UPS Store and have all your mail and packages sent there. That way you don't have to change your address every 4 months, your roommates will never misplace your mail, and your packages will always be signed for and secure.
--Anytime you need to move, hire someone to help. Your friends love you, but no one wants to help you move. Not even your home teachers.
-- Get dressed for class every single day. By the end of college, people (read: boys) actually noticed that I was consistently well dressed and put together. May have taken them 2 years to realize I never repeated an outfit, but eventually they did. And I was so proud that I always put in the effort to dress well.
--Live in the dorms freshmen year! (Especially if you grew up in Utah) Most people form their solid friendships freshmen year and if you miss out on that, you will feel behind for the rest of your time in school.
--Get a real calling, and do it! The best way to integrate into your ward is through a busy calling.
--Join a dinner group in your 1st or 2nd year, before you are dating a lot and want to eat with him all the time.
--Make friends with someone (or be the friend) with TiVo. Weekly excuses to get together with friends and crushes.
--STUDY ABROAD! Especially in Jerusalem! Unfortunately, the people who would benefit most from this usually get married at 18 instead.. The friends and memories I made on my 3 study abroads are some of the most treasured from all my time at the Y.
--Graduate with an employable skill! (side note: MFHD does NOT create an employable skill) Seriously, what's the point of all that time and money to graduate without hiring potential? Even when planning to work inside the home as a mom, having an education in a real-world field will bless your husband and children 10 fold.
what a great list...if only someone had given me such advice as a freshman.. especially the one about working... my first 2 years i didnt need to work but did anyways and i missed out on so much!
ReplyDeleteRoadtrips, dancing in the snow (not rain) and cookies - done and done.
ReplyDeleteI would negate the crush thing as that would tempt her to do the useless kiss thing :)
I would add make friends outside of your circle, it broadens your horizons.
Don't be afraid to be, dare I say it, the alpha female.
Don't get caught up in arguments or back up a mean person.
Make breakfast to cheer up a friend if you are in dorms.
A beach trip is always a sweet idea.
Do not ever let your grades slip for having too much fun.
Make true friends, not oh so cool friends without a mind of their own.
Alcohol will be thrown at you like confetti - be wise.
Call your Mom - a lot.
I didn't go to BYU, so my list is just for college in general.
ReplyDeleteIf you can swing it, arrange to have no classes on Fridays. I'm proud to say that I did it! ; )
If you need help with classes, don't be afraid to ask for a tutor.
If you disagree with a grade, fight it!
Take some classes just for fun, you'll be glad that you did.
College is great, but during freshman orientation when they say it's the best time of your life, don't believe it. It's wonderful, but luckily it isn't all downhill from there. More great stuff happens after college!
Study abroad! I wish I had done it!
I have to disagree about the hair stuff. Do what you want with your hair and clothes! You're young! Experiment and find your style. Enjoy yourself!
Go to lots of parties! Dance, dance, dance!
Kiss the boys that you want!
Always follow your gut and instincts. If you ever feel unsafe, then get out of that situation quickly!
Even if you don't want a career in it, take a photography class or film class.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if your school offers it, take a real estate class. It will help you in your future with one of the biggest investments you'll ever make.
Friday night dance parties - turn up the music really loud for 15 minutes every Friday night and dance around with your roomates.
What a great list!
ReplyDeleteI have only this to add: I would try harder to go on an exchange programme and go abroad!
x
Amy
How about, just find your own scene and don't worry about other people's advice?
ReplyDelete:)
Don't start a serious relationship too early - college is for meeting new people, not being attached to an old one.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I agree with Julie - don't SLEEP through class, but it's DEFINITELY a must to skip it on the Friday before Mardi Gras weekend, and the afternoon of a Thursday night football game. Frequently, your friends want to take a day trip to Dallas (TCU grad here), and it's not worth skipping 24 hours with the best friends you'll ever make to listen to your professor ramble on about the importance of putting a comma here instead of a period there.
don't join a sorority!
ReplyDeleteneeda clique? han out with the art kids or the theatre kids or the psych kids or...
BYU will always have great memories for me. Especially my friendships I made there. I would add a few more words of advice.
ReplyDeleteDo not date a return missionary your freshman year!!! Stick to those who haven't left yet. It's safer and much more fun that way.
On that note, don't be eager to get married. Trust me! The human brain doesn't fully develop until 25 - 28 years of age. Don't make any major life decisions until then. Have fun and don't grow up too fast.
Buy season tickets to the football games with your guy friends. It's so much more fun hanging with the guys at the football games.
I told my cousin (who just started her 1st year of college in NYC) to take tons of pictures. I didn't take that many, and I kind of wished I did!
ReplyDeleteI also agree with the commenters and making studying and working on classwork your full time job.
I worked too much outside of school my senior year, and my grades started to slip! I made the decision to quit my job, and just be insanely frugal. For the rest of my senior year, I only ate out every blue moon, spent around 20 bucks a week on food (I ate a lot of turkey sandwiches and PB&J back then) and was only spending money on school supplies.
Being that frugal was so much easier than to not have enough time to spend on my school work! I was able to really focus on my studies, and I graduated with honors!
If you do have to work, Only work your first 2 years, and get a job where you can do homework (ie, working in a computer lab on campus), or is something that will be a benefit to your studies. You can also work really hard in the summer and be frugal so you don't (or barely) have to work during the school year. This is a great solution, and a good way to get out of the house if you have to move back home for the summer!
There wasn't a lot of internship opportunities in my area of study where I went to school, so I worked at the school library. I met so many great people on the job (this includes cute boys, and new friends). I learned so much from the librarians I worked for, that I had no problem finding books for reports or subjects I wanted to learn more about. I also was able to check out TONS of books (more than what a normal student could check out)! The librarians also would be extra helpful to student workers they liked!
Also, if you really want to do something crazy with your hair, your first and second year of college is the time to do it. I shaved my head my 2nd year in school, and it was such a wonderful and unforgettable experience!
I love this list, and reading it, I can picture you as one of the coolest BYU students ever. Wish we had been friends there.
ReplyDelete