College can be hard to navigate at times, but it’s also one of the most exciting periods of your life. You’re beginning the journey to discovering who you are and who you’re meant to be. Whether you’re just starting out or are a few years in, it’s never too late to incorporate some of these tips to help make your experience a smooth one.
How to Set Up Your Dorm Room
Living away from home and everything that you’re used to for the first time is a big change—which is why it’s important to incorporate little pieces of home into your living space to help make you feel comfortable and ready to take on your new venture.
Keep your favorite comfort snacks and drinks on hand.
Remember when you’d have a bad day and your mom would make you a cup of hot cocoa to cheer you up? Or maybe your dad would always cut up some oranges before your soccer games as a kid? Keeping easy-to-grab snacks around that bring you comfort are key. And don’t forget the tiny marshmallows!
Bring your favorite pics and mementos.
Your favorite blanket from home. That framed photo of your three best friends making silly faces before senior prom. That book you’ve read 100 times with the cover practically falling off. Or maybe that smiley-face mug your sister gave you in 10th grade when you were going through your first breakup. Adding these little touches of your life into your dorm room will help make it come alive and feel more like home.
Decor is everything.
Fun curtains, a fuzzy rug, a live plant, and some wall hangings that really show off your personality—all these things will help transform a generic dorm room into a space that really feels like you. And don’t forget to change things up for the holidays! Adding some fun Halloween trimmings in October or a little Christmas tree in December are easy ways to keep your dorm room feeling up-to-date and cozy.
Create a snug space for studying and relaxing. When it comes to college, one thing is for sure: In order to succeed, you’re going to have to do a lot of hitting the books. Sure, you can go to the library or somewhere else on campus, but it’s a good idea to create a designated area right in your room for days when you don’t feel like venturing out. A big, comfy chair from home could do the trick, or maybe a desk to create a corner workspace. Adding fun organizational pieces that match your decor is a great way to keep you on track as well as maximize your small space.
How to Pick a Major
What are you passionate about?
Steve Jobs once said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Finding a way to work in a field that you’re passionate about is important. Do you love working with children and helping to shape their minds through education and creativity? Or do you have a knack for designing or building things that make life easier? Try to think of something you feel strongly about, and look for a major that falls in line with that passion.
What would your career options be?
Let’s be realistic: Another thing to keep in mind when choosing your major is what employment options you may have with that degree. Do some research online or schedule an appointment with your advisor to learn more about what your opportunities could be post-graduation.
Do you know anyone who has this degree?
Talk with an alum or someone who has been in your shoes before. This is a great way to get an idea of the workload, career options, and advice for the major you’re considering. Someone who’s been there can also help answer any specific questions you may have about the major before you ultimately make your decision.
Make a pros/cons list.
Can’t decide between two options for your major? Sometimes it really does help to just write down what’s running through your head—a pros and cons list can help you sort between the positives and negatives for each major.
How to Find a Work/Study Job
Looking for a way to make a little extra cash during the semester?
What college student isn’t? Here are a few ideas for jobs you may be able to find on campus.
Your love of books can come in handy as a library assistant.
(Bonus: You’ll usually find plenty of down time for getting your homework done.)
Make fun coffee art as a barista.
Plus, working in a coffeehouse can be a great way to meet people you vibe with.
Put your school spirit to use as a campus tour guide.
Social butterflies, this job is for you.
Earn some extra brownie points from your favorite professor as a teaching assistant.
Another job that looks great on a resume—and teaching experience within your major will prove valuable in more ways than one.
Use your knowledge of technology to your advantage as an IT assistant.
This is useful on a resume, too.
This story originally appeared in our March issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.