Starting college can be intimidating yet also feel like the beginning of a whole new chapter. You’re constantly meeting new people, exploring unfamiliar places, and creating experiences that shape your everyday life. What no one really tells you, though, is just how much you’ll change along the way and how those changes define who you become.
It’s true what they say: College goes by in the blink of an eye. It’s all about creating silly memories with your friends to make up for the not so fun parts. With only three weeks left of my college experience, I find myself reflecting on the past four years and the lessons I’ve learned outside the classroom.
Each year brought its ups and downs, but they pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. From stepping out of my comfort zone to building connections and shifting my mindset, these moments have all played a role in my journey.
These lessons were taught through real experiences and by constantly adjusting to change. Looking back, I’ve realized that each year I gained a new insight that contributed to my overall growth. Ultimately, college isn’t just about earning a degree; it’s about embracing everything these four short years throw at you. Here are four lessons I’ve learned in four years.
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Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)Year 1: Get Comfortable with the Uncomfortable
My first semester of college felt like uncharted territory. I was excited for a new chapter in my life, yet I still held on to the memories and friendships I made in high school. New friendships came and went, and some old ones faded.
Every time I went home for breaks, I wanted to stay and never leave because it felt familiar. I even contemplated transferring closer to home, but after my friends from home convinced me to give the second semester a chance, I made the wise decision to stay.
Living across the country truly changed my life for the better and opened the door to brand-new experiences. The first semester may be difficult, but if you decide to stick it out, you may find what you were looking for all along.
Getting out of my comfort zone allowed me to make new friends, enjoy the town I was living in, and look forward to returning to college after each break. I urge you to get comfortable with the uncomfortable; otherwise, you may miss out on what’s waiting for you.
Image Credit: Nicka Ghods
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Year 2: Make Various Connections
My second year of college was full of highs and lows. This was when friendships began to form and people fell into different groups. I remember it being difficult not to compare myself to others who seemed to find their lifelong friends so easily.
I learned that you have to make an effort with all kinds of people, even those you might not initially expect to be friends with. I pushed myself to seek out people who made me happy, were inclusive, and were fun to be around.
Talk to everyone and see who you click with. This can help you understand the kind of friends you want to surround yourself with. Aside from finding close friends, I also think it’s important to have connections in different circles outside of your own.
Being tied down to one group doesn’t allow for growth or the opportunity to meet new people. Making friends in different sororities, as well as through my own circle, made college feel more like home and created a sense of community when we saw each other around campus.
Be kind to everyone you meet. Give a compliment and smile at someone new. These small gestures go a long way and can spark a new friendship. Creating these relationships is essential for the future; you never know who you might end up living in the same city as after graduation.
Image Credit: Nicka Ghods
Year 3: It’s Not That Deep
My third year of college was the best yet, and I’m sure others would agree. By now, you probably have your core friendships, know your way around campus, and have built a sense of community.
After a rough sophomore year, I decided to enter my junior year with a positive mindset, which truly shifted my perspective on school and relationships. I often reference a photo that shows “Your Life” as a giant circle and “This Moment” as a tiny speck inside it to bring myself back to reality and stop overthinking.
During junior year, I felt comfortable with who I was and confident in who I was becoming. I loved my friends, classes, and the town more than ever. I fully embraced the mindset that “it’s not that deep,” which allowed me to be more carefree and focus on the bigger picture.
I stopped believing in embarrassment and focused instead on having fun for myself. I truly encourage everyone to realize that college is not that deep. If anything, this is as good as it gets.
Don’t worry about what other people think, don’t overthink that boy, and allow things to stay lighthearted. This is a lesson I wished I had learned earlier.
Image Credit: Nicka Ghods
Year 4: Enjoy Every Moment
Now, as I enter my last month of college, I feel so much gratitude, happiness, and a bittersweet feeling that I can’t quite shake. College is meant to help you find yourself through trial and error, and as much as the hard times were difficult, I am thankful for the lessons they have taught me over the past four years.
You’re going to lose friends you made freshman year, and some will stick around, but that is all part of the experience. You’re going to cry over exams, jobs, friendship breakups, and all the little things in between, but this is the easy part of life, so try to enjoy every moment as much as possible.
Don’t get me wrong, it can be hard to stay present and happy during your senior year because you will slowly start to grieve the past four years. Say yes to every opportunity, from going out to eat with friends to attending date parties or going out on a random weeknight, because these experiences make for the best memories in college.
Lastly, just like learning to get comfortable with the uncomfortable, learn to be comfortable with the unknown, because everything will eventually fall into place.
Image Credit: Nicka Ghods
