Your college years are sure to change you, because there's so much that's scary and new. Most of you will have left home to live in a strange city, where you had to be independent and take care of yourselves. At high school, you might have been able to focus solely on your studies, but in college there's other skills that need developing too.
Here we list some of the things that we learned in college. Let us know if it was the same for you!
First, some of the more negative aspects of college life.
1. Holding back unpleasant information
Yesterday you had a bad experience, but you didn't tell anyone about it. Your WeChat Moments only document the positive parts of your life. The same thing happens whenever you call home and speak to your parents, you wouldn't want them worrying about you after all!
2. Running faster than you thought possible
There's nothing quite like being late for class to make you realize how fast you can run when you need to! We've all been there, rolling out of bed with 10 minutes to spare, getting dressed in five seconds flat, then sprinting across campus. More often than not you'll make it, if a little disheveled and out of breath. Next time you'd better try setting an extra alarm!
3. Cramming a full semester into one week
It's final exam week and you have a whole bunch of tests to study for, not to mention the barrage of term papers that you need to write.
After several sleepless nights, you finally manage to get it all finished. Who knew you had it in you to write several 20-page papers and review several 1000-page books in the span of a few days?
4. Making up excuses
You can't be bothered to go to class, but how can you skip and not get in trouble? There's only one thing for it, you'll have to come up with an excuse. You try your best to make it realistic and just hope the professor believes you.
Other times, you squint at the board and pretend you've forgotten your glasses. The professor won't call on you if you can't read any of the questions!
5. Overspending on things you don't need
It's your first time managing your own finances, so of course you're going to mess it up. Never mind if the object of your desire costs half your monthly allowance, you can just live on instant noodles for the rest of the month! Or if worst comes to worst, there's always your parents to fall back on.
How about five positive aspects now, to balance things out?
6. Mastering the art of saving space
Your dormitory might only have a few square meters of floor space, but it has to house you and your roommates, as well as all your belongings. You'll soon learn to maximize its potential by installing shelving units and under-bed storage, as well as implementing other space-saving ideas. Either that, or you'll just keep everything in a pile — we're sure you'll get used to the mess eventually!
7. Learning how to apply make-up
Going from high school to college is like undergoing a metamorphosis. Even the ugliest duckling can become a beautiful swan. Perhaps it's because you're older, and a little more mature. Or maybe it's just your newfound skills applying make-up.
8. Working together in a group
At high school it was easy to study alone and be single-minded in your pursuit of good grades in the college entrance examination. But after entering the college, you'll find group work is much more popular. Cooperation and communication are essential. Never be a black sheep!
9. Using social media to its full potential
You've lost something, or need some information, like a teacher's phone number or a recommendation for a nice restaurant. How better to find what you seek than using social media? Just post your question, add a hashtag and someone's sure to try and help.
10. Learning to multitask
The further you advance through college, the fuller your to-do list becomes. Studying, internships, preparing for postgraduate entrance exams — It all piles up and you have to learn to deal with it, whether you like it or not!
Here's a list of 10 essential skills for all college students, originally posted by Clark University in the United States. Let's see how experts say.
1. Time management
Prepare a weekly schedule that includes time in class, studying, activities, work, meals, study and time with friends.
2. Stress management
Regular exercise, adequate rest, good nutrition, prayer and/or meditation are all suggested ways of engaging in self-care that reduces stress.
3. Study skills
Knowing how to read a text book, take notes in class, use the library and take multiple choice tests are all areas that will help you be more successful in the classroom.
4. Money management
It is important to have experience in independently handling money, balancing a check book, using an ATM, reading a bank statement and learning to make responsible decisions about living on a budget.
5. Assertiveness skills
Speak up for yourself in an assertive manner that is not aggressive or passively allowing others to take advantage of you.
6. Well-developed self-care skills
Adequate sleep, healthy diet, exercise, relaxation and good hygiene are important aspects of self-care.
7. Keeping safe and avoiding risky behaviors
Make smart and low-risk choices and plan for the "what ifs" in life.
8. Seeking assistance when needed
Seeking help when you need it is a sign of strength and integrity, not an admission of failure.
9. Respecting the rules and policies
The rules and policies apply to safety and fostering a positive community where all students are respectful of themselves, others and the environment.
10. Displaying honesty, integrity and perseverance
Learn to incorporate personal values and ethics into every aspect of life. Learn how to hang in there and stay committed to goals even when situations are challenging.
After college, all of you must learn how to integrate into society. Without the shelter of our teachers and parents, you must handle all the challenges by yourselves, which makes college the perfect time to make mistakes and learn good habits. Use the time wisely, get to know yourself, and be the best version of you that you can be!
What else have you learned from college? Share with us!
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Editor: Zhang Xiaomin
Intern: Shen Zheyuan
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