#College tips

[locke-writing]

Okay, look, I've been in college for two years and my Biology professor has pretty significantly rooted this educational science game called Labster into her course.

I was not expecting to be playing Portal all day for school.

Yeah, this is a full, 360 sci-fi free roam lab environment that you can pretty much do whatever you want in. You know those cruddy flash game experiments you used to do in middle school? Those are a thing of the past.

And check this: the entire lab is being run by this super cool AI droid named Dr. One

She floats around and directs you around the lab depending on the lesson you're taking and sounds eerily similar to GLaDOS. It turns out that Dr. One also has a lore page and that she was created originally for "unethical purposes."

Also, this environment is extremely detailed and even runs shaders and ambient occlusion in your web browser.

That's pretty nuts, considering the only time we ever see these things are built into genuine video games, not a web browser lab. It runs incredibly smoothly on my GTX 1050.

This is insanely impressive and I actually enjoyed my homework today. 10/10, would play this in my free time.

[theunaestheticstudyblr]

How I prep for a new semester at uni:

I make a new time block sheet. I put all my classes in, then my commute time. From there I plan study hours, when I need to wake up to not feel rushed, work hours, etc. This plan helps to keep me from getting too overwhelmed and let me feel like I have everything under control.

I do my school shopping on prime day or after the back to school rush. You'll find those nice multi subject notebooks on sale for cheap and fun stationary and backpacks a lot cheaper like this!

I try to get a head start in classes. If I know we're reading a book or something I'll start a couple weeks before school starts. I try to take notes on as many chapters/subjects as I can and all that. This not only helps me get ahead, but it also helps me for when I inevitably fall behind.

I get all the routine maintenance done on my car. I drive over an hour to get to classes so this is very important. Oil change, tire rotation, balance, filters, etc. I save up my summer tips to get all this done.

I stock up on easy and fast foods. Instant noodles, granola bars, frozen meals, etc. Between working a lot and doing classes I don't have the energy to cook and do dishes so this saves me.

I give myself little reasons to get excited. The teacher or the campus or a friend. Whatever it may be. I HAVE to have a reason to drive that long to attend a class for an hour and come back and not get stressed.

I make a food budget. It's so easy to spend $150 a week on snacks and treats and coffees and such. So I have to set a budget and a plan for myself so I can actually pay my rent haha

I plan my walks to classes on campus. Where I'll park, how much time I have between classes, how to get there, etc.

If I have late classes, I make sure that I can call someone after every class as I walk to my car to make sure I'm safe.

Plan little treats and rewards. If I realize there's a week that's going to be super hard on me, I'll plan a little early morning walk or something special I don't do often after as a reward.

I try to be more positive to myself the closer the semester comes. I have to be proud of me and my work. I have to be confident in my abilities. So I have to have that mindset. Which is super hard as someone with severe anxiety and depression and who has been conditioned growing up to be quiet and a background character essentially. But I AM good. I AM smart. I can ace these classes. I deserve to be here and I deserve good things.

I triple check with my job to make sure they have my updated availability and will give me the flexibility I require due to my classes.

Overall, I just get my shit together once again and try and get myself excited. I have the opportunity to study at a university and that in itself is absolutely amazing and something I don't take for granted.

[taurosrider13]

A few tips from a fellow Audhd who just moved into college for the first time (these won’t work for everyone but they’ve helped me)

- Put your medication in those weekly box things old people use, does wonders to help you remember if the meds have been taken or what day you will run out

- Put doodles on your calendar/planner that match the event. Adding a little doodle helps me remember to actually put things down because it makes it fun

- Painters tape and sharpies do WONDERS to help organize things, they may not hold posters up that well but they sure are good at marking cabinets

- Don’t sit in your bed when you have break time, you will have a hard time getting out. If your dorm has a common area with a couch/chairs sit there or sit outside and enjoy the fresh air

- Use what I like to call “the summer camp rule” in the dining hall. You gotta drink one full glass of water before you get your “fun drink” like coffee or soda. (This was the rule at my summer camp and it did wonders usually I just wanted more water afterwards and didn’t even get the fun drink)

-Back to the painters tape MARK YOUR KEYS. Use some tape and pen to label what key goes where and some extra info on them (dorm room, mailbox number etc)

Will update if I learn any more tricks

[teabutmakeitazure]

Zuri's Declassified University Survival Guide

This is a post about survival tips in university (undergraduate), especially if you're an international student living alone in a different country in this circumstance. I will be adding onto this later on if there's something I want to add, so keep an eye out for update reblogs of this I guess.

General Tips:

it's okay to make mistakes. you are here to learn and grow. no one is perfect, especially in the first and second year of their studies. those are mandatory experimental years. you're not expected to get magically mature and perfect when you get to university (or college for you americans). be kind to yourself and analyse your mistakes instead of beating yourself over them.

don't bother too much about your wardrobe. just wear whatever's comfortable. you might think people care but no one does. more than half of the people at campus will be in sweats or pyjamas and if someone IS dressed up, they're probably arts kids or business majors and they're the ones with the least workload (yes i am dissing you guys I've seen your workloads stop lying).

put yourself in uncomfortable social situations. yes i said that. the only reason i somewhat learnt to make small talk and learnt to talk to strangers is because I go to every single social event that I can. it's not necessary to make friends in all of them. just talk to people, exchange contacts, laugh while the event lasts even if you never see them again. this is how you survive in the lonely dorm life. and if you make an actual good friend? amazing! it paid off. even if it didn't you'll probably network and build rapport and have acquaintances from different majors.

if you're an ethnic minority, don't be afraid. I cannot stress this enough. don't be afraid to be there and take up space. you are there because you deserve to be and qualified. sure, it sucks at times because a good amount of people won't interact with you because you're 'different' but the international students will and trust me they're the coolest bunch to be friends with (I have 0 such friends so far). most times you will have to take the initiative to talk and sometimes they won't respond or worse flat out ignore you but don't let that get you down. just don't interact with them again. the world is big. not everyone will like you and accept you. find the ones that will.

eggs and milk are your best friend. a glass of milk everyday and 2 eggs. make that a staple. eggs are also very versatile for recipes. more on that in the recipes section. also yoghurt. a smol cup of yoghurt everyday too and nuts whenever you can buy them.

always have a few pack of instant noodles at home. sometimes you have deadlines or you forgot to cook or need a quick dinner because there's so much to do and you didn't get groceries. always keep them in stock. they're a quick fix for food. I'm not promoting them for frequent dinner but it's better than starving. just eat the noodles man. there's already so much shit to keep track of just eat the damn noodles.

incorporate veggies into everything food. they're good for you. if you're like me and don't like veggies, experiment with different recipes and find the one you like best. one good way is fried rice or rice with mushrooms, veggies, and meat in the rice cooker (I don't own a rice cooker when I'm writing this). just eat your veggies and thank me later. if you don't wanna cut them up, get a pack of frozen veggies. it's better than nothing. baby steps.

meal plan. if I don't plan my entire week's food on sunday night, I do it the night before for the next day. eat out as less as you can. homemade is better even if you're a horrible cook. practice makes perfect and you'll be grateful for learning a few basic cooking skills along with your degree later on. cooking your own food also gives you the liberty to add more veggies or save money.

treat yourself to stuff sometimes. yes you deserve it even if you don't meet your goals. you're trying. be kind to yourself. get that boba.

study everything done the week by that week's weekend. do the day's content that same day and don't lag behind. utilise reading week and read. don't slack off please I'm begging you. I'll even get on my knees if I have to.

you're gonna miss home and it sucks. yes you will be having your fourth mental breakdown of the week on a wednesday night and you will be alone or hiding under the blanket as your roommate is asleep. you're gonna have to tough it out soldier. I see you and I feel you. it gets easier with time and when you're doing better, you'll feel relieved for toughing through. it's so lonely sometimes and it sucks but it's worth the pain. don't lose hope.

seniors are your friends. they will give you forbidden knowledge for free. from hidden places with good food or convenience things or just life advice exclusive to your institute, they have it all. they're also generally very friendly so don't be afraid to interact with them.

annoy the living hell out of your professor during office hours if need be and utilise the student help room for help. your tutors will be happy to help you so don't be shy to ask for help. they will appreciate you coming to them, trust me. as for your professor, they're lonely people. go to office hours if you need to, chat, ask them what you need. they'll appreciate your presence and happily help you.

the security guards and cleaning staff will be witnesses to your worst states (freshly out of bed or haven't showered in 2 days) but they don't care. they're just happy to be of service and have you around. be kind to them. greet them whenever you pass by.

sometimes coffee is bad.

if your classes start at noon or later, get an hour of exercise in the morning at around 8 or 9 am. the serotonin that will hit you will be unreal. trust me.

make local friends. they're cool people and friendly and very helpful and accommodating. I may be biased but it's true.

being a student helper, student tutor, or a research assistant looks good on your resume and helps you win more scholarships.

put headphones on when in public if you don't want to end up talking to someone you might bump into. it works.

your body also has rights. treat it with care. don't abuse it. nourish it. you should take care of your body like you would a loved one. feed it good things, clean it everyday, and so on. when you feel good by taking care of yourself, you still do better and feel more confident. wash your hair with a set schedule and use good products.

make your wardrobe easier. hang your usual shirts and maybe wear the one in front each day, the previous day's being hung in the back or in the laundry basket. it saves time.

there's no shame in not having stuff. I still don't own a proper laundry basket it all goes into an IKEA bag. you live in a dorm, not a house. sometimes not having every single kind of furniture or accessory isn't bad. don't compare your setup to others. if it's convenient, clean, and homey, it's good. you don't need those expensive lights or those expensive posters to make it seem cool. what you have and what you may collect among the way is enough.

notes on paper are better than laptop or ipad

take breaks. be kind to yourself. it is you for yourself. treat yourself with love.

manage your time by designating time blocks to a certain task. it might not always work but it will help create some discipline in the routine.

having a set everyday routine helps. you don't have to think what to do, thus saving you brain power.

use a semester planner for deadlines and important information. it's useful. I highly recommend. I also have a template if anyone wants.

write down your thoughts, what's bothering you, your feelings, everything on a piece of paper or journal at the end of the day. it'll help process your emotions and you won't have to let the thoughts and emotions fester inside you, slowly simmering and coming to a boil. remember, you are your best friend.

Recipes to help you stay afloat (they're all quick and easy dw):

right off the bat I want to say boiled jasmine rice with sunny side up eggs. you drizzle a pinch of salt onto the yolk, break it over the rice, mix it with the rice and eat it and it's just *chef's kiss*. definitely a comfort food and a very easy quick dinner.

a lot of these I found while scrolling through instagram and some are from when I was trying to lose weight. hope they're helpful!

oyakodon

one pot rice cooker rice with veggies

veggie and meat single serve in one pot

chicken wrap (primarily for weight loss I think)

chicken gyros (this guy makes amazing food)

minced meat weight loss meal prep

chickpeas (chana masala. this shit is bussin i swear)

something tomato + onion + egg

one pot veggie rice (recommended)

chicken shawarma (not dorm friendly cooking but looks delicious)

egg sandwich in one pan

potato marraka (THIS IS SO GOOD)

one pot rice cooker with meat and veggies

daal

chicken and rice

pizza style chicken wrap

five different chicken marinades for meal prep

one pot biryani

takeout style egg fried rice

rice cooker carbonara

one pot yoghurt curry chicken rice

weight loss chicken shawarma

healthier mac and cheese

chicken fajita

chicken tikka masala crunch tacos

one pan braised eggs

air fryer garlic bread pizza

another veggie and rice in rice cooker

fried rice recipe

hainanese inspired chicken rice in rice cooker

tomato orzo(?)

creamy tomato pasta

tomato and egg rice

mushroom sauce (can be eaten with rice)

creamy tomato tortellini

grilled cheese sandwich

[cosmiccowboystuddies]

college tips from someone who survived their first year, and got themselves off of academic probation

study every day ( reread your notes, run through your flashcards)

it helps to avoid cramming around finals season

do assignments when you get them, it doesn't matter that its not due until the end of the semester, you will forget, you will get busy, you will get caught up with doing something else so do it when you get it, so you won't have to worry about it later

don't study in your bed, its a bad habit, it will make it harder to study and make it harder to sleep

go out at least once a month, to a party, to a club, on a late night walk

carry a knife if its legal ( not just for safety reasons)

join class group mes

go to office hours, even if you don't need to, lie and say you didn't understand something so the professor knows your name

its okay to skip a class occasionally, just never two in a row, and don't make it a habit

[sillycourtjester]

Neat trick: look up your textbooks on internet archive dot org and fuck paying for quizlet plus.

[socstudies]

Hi, as someone who is going to be in their first year of college this fall, I'm curious about the note taking part

Is physical or digital note taking easier?

Is spending money on a laptop nessesary?

What is something you wish you would've done differently during your first year?

Do you have any advice?

If by any chance you see this, your blog and your aesthetic are amazing!

I'm wishing you a wonderful day/night.

If you do decide to reply, thank you in advance <3

helloo! sorry for the late reply & thank u for the ask! :)

ive tried both and i think i prefer handwritten notes, however they both have their pros and cons:

handwritten pros

proven to be better for retaining information

can't get distracted by other tabs

lighter to carry

costs less than a laptop

i've had some classes where we weren't allowed to use laptops so it's good to already be used to taking notes this way

cons:

much slower. sometimes i find im missing stuff and i have to go back to it at the end

have to print out diagrams etc if u want to include them

could possibly lose them, spill something etc

not enough space on desk for both laptop and notebook so u can't get slides up or google something

digital pros:

much quicker

easier to organise & pull up different notes at any time - u don't need to carry around or find older notebooks to be able to study or refer back to past classes

some people make notes directly onto the slides which u would have to print out if u wanted to do by hand

can also use for research and writing essays which u will need a computer for at some point so might as well do everything in one place

cons:

expensive

more stressful if u lose or break it

if u forget to charge it and u don't have paper .......

this upcoming year, im using a combination. most of the time i'll handwrite my notes, but for classes where they talk too quickly i'll type them (it's not worth the stress & extra time having to go back to recordings after). my notes for readings will be annotated straight onto the pdf. i'll be taking pictures of notes to put them all together.

---

unfortunately, i think it is because you'll need computer access to research and write ur essays, as well as to find course information etc. HOWEVER some universities (most?) have laptops that u can borrow and computers in the library, so if u know that you'll be motivated enough to get up and do all of ur work on campus, you could save this cost - bare in mind when u move off campus after first year it might be even harder. definitely look into this if cost is an issue for you! it doesn't need to be a fancy one if u do buy a laptop though, just remember u'll be carrying it around so don't get a super heavy one!

---

as for something i wish i'd done differently: as a sociology student, none of my classes have exams where i have to memorise things, instead it's all essay based. this led me to not 'study' i guess ??? like the stuff that i wrote my essays on, i knew like the back of my hand, but everything else i couldn't remember well. so if ur taking an essay based subject, remember that u still need to study a little & remember these things !! i was so overwhelmed tbh that i forgot about this oopsie!

---

extra advice:

when people say that after u skip one class, u'll skip the rest THEY. MEAN. IT. literally try so hard not to miss class bc you will never go again if u do. my classes would start off with not enough seats for everybody and end up with just a handful of us by the end of term.....

make time for urself !! it can become all consuming, especially if u live on campus, but pls make some dedicated time away from studying !!

u will find ur friends eventually. pls remember that it won't last or be that fun if u stick with friends who u don't have that much in common with just bc they were the first u met. tell me why i was going to bars and clubs with people in first term bc that;s what they wanted to do ????? it's ok to move onto different people bc u will eventually get tired of doing these things u don't like just to be able to hang out with people !! now i go to bookstores and cafes with my new friends and i love it!! don't settle !!

[parasocializing]

As people cry over losing Watcher to the woes of subscription service, I would like to let people know that subscription services like Netflix, Disney+, etc. can be easily replaced by a reliable movie/TV show pirate site and that most libraries, university libraries included for other students out there, have movies, not just books, and allow you to check out the movie discs they own just like the books: for free with a library card! Stop paying billionaires and support your local library :D

[discountscholar]

How would you recommend networking early for psychology both during and prior to getting a degree?

this is something i struggled with a lot, and still do to an extent. primarily because i get socially anxious and overwhelmed quite easily.

but here are a few things you can do-

1. go to research conventions and conferences and meet/talk to people

2. join online communities like discord servers for psychology students, reading groups for psychology, etc. i’m thinking of starting one myself so we’ll see how that goes.

3. when you intern or work at other places, you’ll find other people who are either your colleagues or your superiors at the job who you can connect with

4. i have benefitted a lot from connecting with cool and authentic people through LinkedIn. initially i connected with people who were already in schools that i wanted to go to or doing the programs that i wanted to do. got to talk to them and they answered a lot of my questions and even gave me a few helpful tips.

5. get in touch with any of your seniors in the field. good seniors are literal godsent angels. they’ll help out with with anything from academics to further networking to recommendations. they also provide you with emotional support when things get rough. they know what you’re going through and no one can understand you better than someone who’s already been through something similar.

6. if you find decent professors, keep them. even after you graduate. these are literally so rare but if you ever find one, hold onto them for dear life because they can be one of the most helpful resources you have.

[polarcoconut]

How I've maintained good grades my whole life: The perfect school mindsetmindset

Tips to succeeding in school

I've always had good grades. Even if I fail a test. Even if I fail an exam, I've always had a good grade in the class. And that's from deep subconscious work.

Personal history: I've always been considered smart and good at school. I never heard differently. My teacher said once "If Haylie doesn't understand, no one understands." I've also always genuinely loved school. I liked being good. My teacher once said "I wish I had a classroom full of Haylie's." All this from a very young age helped me succeed for a long time. Until I had a serious mental health issue and basically lost myself. I had to find out what used to make me succeed at school. Cuz I'm telling y'all right now it wasn't effort. My main focus in class was my friends and crushes lmao. But I had a mindset from a young age that helped me. And I re-learned that mindset and now school feels the same for me. An easy asset that flows into life naturally.

How I did this

<3 BEING CLOSE WITH MY TEACHERS

teachers are humans. Respect them. Communicate with them. Show interest in their lives. Look at them while they teach. Ask questions. Value their insight. Be honest with them. All while still maintaining professionalism. They can be your references and even help you gain opportunities.

one time I talked my way out of taking a whole ass economics exam. got an automatic a on it for being nice to her throughout the course.

&lt;3 Valuing school

School definitely has its bad sides. But its a gift in many ways. Find how it brings value to your life. It can be an escape from your home life. It can be your way of moving up in the world.

<3 Finding the fun

I love school work! It's so fun!! Find the satisfaction. I love learning new things.

<3 Doing what I can

Only take on what you can actually do. (In american college that would mean, only taking as many classes as you can handle) It doesn't matter how long it takes you to do something. It's better to actually understand a class then rush through it. I have huge obligations to my family and work so I'm compassionate with myself on my school work load. Life is a lot so don't feel bad if you can't do everything you thought you could.

&lt;3 Getting help

This is actually something I struggle with but it's important. I know how dumb it feels but accept that you need help. For me, this is math and computer classes. I plan on hiring a tutor and everything. I want to do the best I possibly can. Learn your weaknesses and try to strengthen them.

<3 Rewarding myself

Be proud of yourself. Every achievement deserves a treat.

<3 Getting involved in what the school has to offer

School is a whole experience. Find something that interests you. Don't be a afraid to try something new. Make school a happy place for you.

stay tuned for a school affirmations post

[i-am-a-fan]

Things I learned my first year in American College ™ that maybe would be helpful for others?

Don’t skip meals, if you have to then buy a starchy snack to keep you from feeling funky until meal time

Take out is a god send

Buy frozen Veggies

WD -40 is a good investment ( Squeaky door frames to Wasp Killer)

Bring rain boots. It won’t hurt.

Be okay with bugs. If you have a phobia, make sure there’s a designated bug killer.

Know how to communicate your wants and needs

DONT. LEAVE. OUT. DISHES. WITH. FOOD.

Keep sandals on at all times if you’re on the first floor. (I had scorpions :,>)

Eggs are a good and easy source of protein!

you will get tired of eggs.

Go out. do stuff. Even if it’s just sitting in the library for a bit.

You’ll need more paper towels than you realize.

Take a water bottle with you. A 16 oz is really enough.

Have a routine. It’ll help keep you sane

I know everyone says this, but start your stuff early. Especially if you work. The bad part is that most of your peers will not be able to help you if you start early.

MAKE. FLASH. CARDS. Write down the information your professors give you like 3 times in different places.

Your professors and peers are mostly there to help you.

Little treats will mostly keep you sane but will drain your bank account

There’s a million ways to cook instant ramen packets. Don’t just follow the instructions.

IN FACT HERES MY FAVORITE RECIPE I MADE

Take the ramen packet that’s cooked on the stove (I usually used spicy lime shrimp.

Separate the noodles and the flavor packet.

Fill a medium pot with about 3-4 cups of water. (I measured out the water to be the same amount as could be held in the bowl I used). Turn on to medium heat.

Add the flavor packet to a pot of water.

Add a slice of butter (for creaminess).

Add half a spoonful of chili garlic sauce

add a spoonful and a half of soy sauce

add minced garlic (half a spoonful)

Add ginger paste ( a dollop)

Add chicken flavored Bouillon (a spoonful)

Mix it all together and let it boil.

Once boiling crack an egg and there and MIX. MIX!! You want the egg to cook fully in the boiling water.

Once the egg is cooked add in the noodles and let the noodles cook for like 3 minutes?

Once the noodles are starting to separate, add in your hearts content of frozen minced spinach.

Wait until spinach is no longer frozen and serve.

[merridelicious]

I’m moving into college in 3 weeks have you got any tips :0

yes!! quite a few actually. :) *for mutuals outside of the u.s., this advice is based on a U.S. American university experience, so some of it may not apply to you.

PLEASE SEND ASKS if you have specific questions, and I’ll either speak from my own experience or give information from other friends in university rn!!

packing:

You don’t need to bring ALL your stuff. (Really, it’s okay. Also, you have limited space.)

A quick Google search of “college packing list 2023” will yield many results. It’s up to you to decide what “essentials” are actually essential, but suffice it to say, think about the things you use on a daily basis and then think about what you don’t have at home that you’ll need in student housing.

Apartment or dorm, unless you’re really lucky—you’ll be sharing living space & appliances with other people. Yes, that includes showers. If you can get toiletries cheaper locally than in the location of your university, save yourself the time and money. Shower shoes are an absolute must, because those showers can get disgusting.

If you have a meal plan that lasts the entire year, you don’t really need to pack a bunch of food (or go grocery shopping a ton during the school year) but it can be nice to have dry goods & snacks on hand. (I keep rice, macaroni & cheese, crackers, & some type of dried fruit around, if nothing else. Whatever tastes strike your fancy, feel free to add/substitute.) If you’re cooking all your own food, you’re going to need at least a cooking pot, frying pan, spatula, dish sponges, and dish soap, as well as some resealable food storage containers and cheap cups and bowls (I got most of that at Target. They tend to have back-to-school sales and bowls & cups go for less than a dollar each.)

Laundry is going to be a pain in the ass, unless again, you luck out and have a washer and dryer in-unit. Ditto for dishes (unless your space comes with a dishwasher). Do yourself a favor & get a huge bin of Tide pods, pack of laundry sheets, & at least two paper towel rolls so you don’t have to run out every week to replenish cleaning supplies. (I personally despise having dish towels to wash, so if you don’t mind them take the paper towel advice with a grain of salt.)

My dorm was weird and had a sink in it. If you’re responsible for cleaning your own sink it will get nasty quickly. Either take turns with your roommate(s)/housemate(s), or figure out who the designated sink cleaner is.

friends/socializing:

Your first friend group in college will likely not be your last, nor will it last. This group is usually composed of people close in proximity to you aka convenience friends. You might realize three or four months in that these are not your people and you don’t like hanging out with them. This is perfectly normal and okay! You’ll find people who you do vibe with. I encourage you not to limit making friends to your specific university, although if you go to a small one like I do that can be tough.

Universities often have events with free stuff, including free food. Take advantage of these events if & when you can. They’re usually very laid back, and if you’re not in the mood to stick around, you can grab food and then dip.

Orientation events & icebreakers within your first week are to be expected. Try to remember a fun fact about yourself (which is what you usually get asked, along with your intended major, name, pronouns—sometimes, & hometown).

Your RA(s) aren’t cops, but they also aren’t your friends. They’re required to report sketchy shit that happens. My RAs had a rule that if they didn’t hear, see, or smell anything suspicious, it was like nothing happened, but try to get a feel for what yours look out for.

It is more than okay to need/want therapy. You’ve just gone through a massive change in your life and you did it mostly, if not all, by yourself. Your university counseling services (if applicable) are generally not the best place to go for therapy, though. This is especially true if you’re worried about your privacy. I don’t think I’ve heard of student discounts for therapy, but some therapists have this policy called sliding scale where you pay what you can. Find a person you can talk openly with and who is experienced with your mental health concerns/practices the right kind of therapy for you. (CBT, DBT, & EMDR are a few examples.)

dating, love, etc.

First and foremost, if this section doesn’t apply to you because you don’t participate or aren’t ready to in college, please feel free to skip!

If you’re still here, obviously I am not the expert on your love life—you are. That being said, without getting too personal, here are some things I’ve picked up through trial and error.

If you’re starting college, and haven’t yet dated anyone, it’s okay to feel behind. What isn’t okay is being patronized or taken advantage of for your lack of experience. I wish I could say it’s just common sense, but it’s crucial to figure out what your boundaries, limits, & standards are before getting into an intimate situation with somebody. (I myself learned this the hard way.)

simply put: It is okay to be picky! (Read that again.) Or not—what works for one person won’t work for everyone. Some people date & hook up just for fun, especially during college when a lot of changes are happening, and that suits them fine. Some people want stronger, longer connections, and that works for them. Some people focus on friends over partners and refrain from the entire dating & hookup scene. All are valid and healthy. (As long as you stay safe, sane, & consensual, and get tested.)

school stuff:

Please do yourself a favor and don’t schedule 8am classes five days a week. I don’t care if you could do it in high school—chances are you’re going to need to wake up way beforehand to get ready OR your roommate will do something ridiculous in the middle of the night that will wake you up. In this more than likely event, you won’t want to wake up and go straight to class. If you’re not a STEM major, this advice is easier than if you are (and if the first applies, my condolences and much love).

You need sleep no matter what—if that means midday naps, go for it. I don’t recommend skipping class to nap unless it’s an emergency though.

Re skipping class: some professors take attendance and your grade can suffer if you don’t attend. Aside from mental health days, skipping class for fun can be a slippery slope at some universities. (At some, Cs get degrees and grades don’t matter as much, especially if you aren’t looking to go down the postgrad path.)

[theunaestheticstudyblr]

Some fresh advice for y'all in college to start off the new semester!

Sleep. Sleep will let you function better, be in a better mood, get sick less often, etc

Eat. Fuel your body and mind. Eating helps with your brain fog and focus. Calories are just the energy you are putting into your body and the more you do, the more energy you need.

Find a why for every class. Why are you taking this class? And no just to graduate isn't always a good enough why to keep you motivated. Will you use that physics class? Maybe not, but it can help explain how the world works around you, makes your brain work out, all that stuff.

Take time for you. You are the most important aspect of your life. Great yourself as a priority.

Listen to your body. Please

Take a little time every day to study. Even an hour is a good amount of time. 1% better every day is still better than before.

Don't buy textbooks until after the first week or two of class. You won't need the textbooks for most classes, they just have to say they have a required text book.

Be social. Join a club. Go to events. Be a college student!

Make a schedule. Having a schedule with flexibility built in will make things less stressful in the long run.

Move your body every day if you can. Stretch. Go for a walk. Do yoga. Whatever you like. Taking time to just be present with your body and no distractions or pressures, you can reduce stress and recollect yourself. It's essentially moving meditation when done in depth and without any distractions.

Try out several study methods. Different topics may require different study tools. Flashcards probably won't work for every topic.

Make a budget. Try to save when you can, even if it's $1 every 2 weeks.

You will probably be in a new area. Take time to explore. Find some dive bars. Hiking trails. A cute cafe.

Brush and floss. Teeth are so expensive to fix later on. Take care of them now please. Don't wait for that $10,000 dentist bill for a tooth replacement.

Start hobbies. Let them fall off if they no longer interest you. A lot of times, you have temporary needs that a hobby will fulfill during that time. Your hobbies aren't your identity. And you are fluid. It's ok to change.

Explore your style, interests, food tastes, social structures, etc. This is a time of limbo basically. Have fun and figure yourself out.

Talk to your teachers. You'll probably need reference letters later on. Go to office hours. Ask questions in class. Make sure your teachers know who you are.

[midoristeashop]

help yall gyal out and drop some cool college tips (and for all our fellow college freshmen HEHE)

[girlietips]

Hey so I'm gonna start freshman year in a few days so do you have some tips you could give me?

Ofc I’m gonna assume freshman year of college but if it’s highschool just send me another one and I will get back to you 🩷🤍🫶🏻

So college can be scary especially if you are an introvert or haven’t spent that much time away from home but it is also one of the best opportunities for personal growth.

I’m going to break this down by the different categories.

Dorm life

Make sure you talk to your roommate about different rules you have about people staying over, what time you wake up/go to bed, how clean you like your room. Lay it all out as soon as you can so you are on the same page and there is no reason to fight.

You don’t need to be besties with your roommate but I recommend for the first few days you invite your roommate to walk campus and go to different events that way you aren’t going alone.

DO NOT STAY IN YOUR DORM THE WHOLE TIME. I’m so serious only use your dorm for sleep the occasional study and relaxing. Go out and find places around campus to hangout. You are spending all this money on college go and explore.

Keep your dorm clean. It’s a small space it will get messy quick so do a reset routine and tidy often.

Get a medicine cabinet because you will get sick all the time in college. Just ask your mom(or guardian) what medicine you should take and make sure you don’t run out.

Parties

I’m gonna say this parties are so overrated and drinking is so horrible for you. In my personal experience I would go not drink and then end up as a babysitter to all my drunk friends as I tried to keep them away from creeps.

I’m not saying don’t go because they can be fun but definitely don’t go every weekend. I say once a month max and make sure you have a good idea of the people going.

Always wear your gross shoes to parties don’t ruin your nice ones.

Watch out for the guys who funnel drinks into girls (lot of times freshman because they don’t know any better) just to get them drunk enough to get in their pants.

Making friends

During move in day I would always walk by girls rooms poke my head in and say something along the lines of “omg your guys room looks so good I love your style” and try and start a conversation most people are desperate for friends on the first day so just being nice and friendly works wonders. I would also invite them to go with my roommate and I down and look for our classes or go to an event.

If I had a class with a person who looked very put together or that took good notes I would walk up and ask if they wanted to review after class at the library or cafe.

Literally just start inviting people to go places and be so friendly.

If you see the same people at a non class place over and over (such as the gym or library) just walk and be like “ I’ve seen you around and you seem pretty cool do you want to do x with me”

Join a club or some kinda extracurricular. Some of you amazing people might be on one of the teams so you already have like built in friends but if you don’t go find a club that seems fun and join. This will give you the same forced proximity friendships.

This might be a bit much but it is something I did. I would be walking somewhere on campus and if I saw someone with cool hair or style I would go up compliment them and ask for their instagram. Then if I saw them again I would give them a different compliment. This actually helped a couple times when I went to a party and ended up alone one of the people I have complimented a bunch came and talked to me and now we are good friends.

Studying

This is the main reason you are in college so this should be the priority. Never party before a test or on a school night in general.

Never take an 8 am class if you have a choice this way you are never tempted to miss class.

Make a study routine that you follow through every day.

Use your calendar app or planner to plan out your day and your hangout time with friends. This way you make sure you get your work done.

Study outside your dorm. I like the library because it’s distraction free but there are so many great study spots on campus.

Go to your professors office hours if you need help. Always ask questions when you have them.

Learn what study methods work for you and do those.

Do your work ahead of time. I always have my assignments done the day before they are due at least this way if something happens and you can’t study you aren’t left high and dry.

This was a really long post but if you would like me to expand I will.

I believe in you college is going to be so fun I promise.

🎧🤍🩷🫶🏻📚

[growandrecover]

struggling to get through school?

Hi! I feel like it's been forever since I posted something, but I'm back! Lately, I've been struggling with my ed and school, and both are affecting the other. If you're dealing with the same thing, or something similar, you're not alone. Here are some things that may help :) Also- the first one is kind of related to restrictive eds. If you're experiencing a lack of energy not having to do with your food intake, I suggest that you either see a doctor or mental health professional.

Make sure you're eating enough protein. If you're not eating enough food as it is, you may feel like you can't focus as well, or you simply don't have the energy to study, do your work, or go to school, which is understandable. But please listen to me when I say protein is extremely important. According to Harvard, to calculate how much protein you need in a day, multiply your weight (in pounds) by 0.36. Here is the link to the article, which has a calculator you can use .

If you're worried about your grades, talk to your teachers/professors. Not all professors are the same, but if you're honest with them and spell out what's been going on (as much as you're comfortable with, of course), they may be able to help you, give you an extension, or some advice on their class.

Find study techniques that work for you. Not everyone has the same learning style, and not all methods of studying will work for you. I advise that you first find out what your learning style is if you don't already know. Then, you can research what may work for you as that kind of learner. However, if you have something else going on, that may not be enough. For example, I have adhd and have a hard time getting started with my work and staying motivated. Something like getting a planner, which may work for someone else, just doesn't cut it for me. Instead, I like to use asmr pomodoros and rewards for myself when I finish a certain amount of work, like doing something I've been wanting to do or watching a movie.

If you have trouble asking for help, like I do, I know it can be scary to send an email to your teacher, ask a friend, or even raise your hand in class to ask a question. But trust me, my grades started improving as soon as I did this. I know some of you may be thinking that your teacher will judge you, or your classmates will, but teaching is their job. They want students to ask questions, that's what they're there for. Your classmates could actually be wondering the same thing, they just might be too nervous to ask.

Try your best not to procrastinate. I know, I know. But hear me out. Procrastinating causes last minute stress and most likely isn't your best work. I'm not trying to call you out, because I do this too. But as I've gotten older, and been through years of school, I've learned that I hate the looming feeling of having an assignment due the next day and not having started on it yet. Your grades will be affected by not procrastinating, as you'll have had more time to study, do your work, and go over anything you need.

If you need someone to talk to, or have any questions, please don't be scared to send me a message or an ask, I'm here to help <3

(If I think of anything else, I'll make a part 2)