This week was a rough one. I had to catch up on homework from the classes I missed last week while finishing assignments in advance for the classes I’ll miss next week. I also had more meetings than usual, and, to top it all off, I feel like I’m getting sick. Ah, the joys of college. So this week, my post is on the fun side; maybe it will cheer you up if you’re having a tough week too. And, if you still need additional cheering up, you may want to watch Troll 2, the greatest movie I have ever seen. I was introduced to this gem yesterday, and it will definitely make you feel better about your life.

Now, I present to you the six mistakes you might make in college and how to avoid them.

 

Scheduling an 8 a.m. class

What can happen: You cry every morning as you walk to class in the dark. That, or you never go to class because you sleep through it every day.

How to avoid it: Don’t schedule your classes that early! Sometimes this is unavoidable, so if you must take an early class, go to bed early and/or drink lots of coffee. There’s a Starbucks on campus…

 

Buying new books

What can happen: You lose all of your money buying unnecessarily expensive, brand-new textbooks.

How to avoid it: Buy used books. If possible, buy older editions of the textbooks; they’re usually super cheap. I bought an older edition of a textbook for $0.51 once. It was fantastic.

 

Burning popcorn

What can happen: The smell of burnt popcorn permeates the entire area. The fire alarm may even go off.

How to avoid it: Don’t leave your popcorn alone; it will get into trouble. Watch it until it’s done. Also, don’t press the popcorn button on the microwave because it won’t always work.

 

Sitting at the bus stop on a Sunday

What can happen: You sit there for hours, and no bus appears. People might secretly laugh at you as they walk by.

How to avoid it: Do all of your errands/traveling on any other day of the week. The MITS buses don’t run on Sunday, something that I found out the hard way.

 

Wearing your lanyard

What can happen: When you move into your residence hall, you get a key to your room along with a fashionable lanyard. But wait! You can put the key on your lanyard and wear it around your neck! Neat!

How to avoid it: You can put your key on your lanyard, but keep it in a pocket, backpack, or purse. Wearing the lanyard marks you as a freshman. It is known. Almost everyone has made this mistake, including me.

 

Not having a calendar or planner

What can happen: You forgot all about the paper that’s due in three hours and that job interview that you scheduled for yesterday. Oops!

How to avoid it: Use an electronic or paper planner/calendar to write down assignments, appointments, and meetings. You may have been able to get away without writing these things down in high school, but it won’t work in college. Believe me.

 

And now I have questions for you!

Incoming students: Are there certain things you’re worried about regarding college?

Current students: Have you ever made these mistakes? What are some of the other mistakes you’ve made?

See you next Friday!