With the impending completion of my first year of college coming, I have been reflecting on the year and what helped me get through those all-nighters and stress-induced crying sessions. Here are three essential things that enabled me to survive my first year of college.

Friends

For all the times when I was feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities and life in general, I always turned to my friends for a much-needed laugh or venting session. I know this sounds cliché (and I know how cliché it is to say it sounds cliché), but I don’t think I would have survived the year if I didn’t have my friends to support me and give me the confidence to keep going, even when I felt like a failure or like I couldn’t do something.

Me Time

Even though I love my friends and spending time with them, there were moments when I just needed a day to myself to relax and catch up on Netflix (and also study, of course). Never underestimate how much a day by yourself can really recharge and rejuvenate you. College is an incredibly social environment, which I love, but it can be draining for a lot of people so it’s important to distance yourself for even a few hours and just be alone.

Maintaining Perspective

I think one of the most important things to do in order to survive college is to think of the bigger picture and remember what you are here for and what you want to accomplish. When I felt like I was going to fail an exam (and subsequently college), I would try to think about what I was working for and why I was here. Sometimes we can get discouraged by a bad grade and forget about our own purpose in being here. Perspective can help you to see past the negativity you may be feeling and enable you to see your ultimate goal, whatever that may be.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year of college, even through all the stressful, panic-filled weeks and the moments where I felt completely overwhelmed, and I am excited for the years to come. Especially now that I have an idea of how to handle all of those crazy moments successfully and with my dignity (for the most part) in tact.

Photo by Stephanie Steiner