You have -$30,000 and nine months to make every single life choice for yourself. You can waste it. You can take the newfound freedom and run wild, no discipline, no structure. Or, think of it this way: You can make the most of it.
The most important thing to know is that, unfortunately, you are on your own now. No one breathing down your neck about grades or curfew, no one to wake you up when your alarm clock doesn’t go off, no one to pick up your slack if you’re having an off day. Do you have the skills it takes? This is the first test of many. The good news is, though, you are on your own now. Self-governance is by far one of the best things about college, but it is also the scariest. Every single element of your life is of your choosing now. When you do your laundry, when you clean your dorm, how late you stay out, when or if you go out, if you do your homework- no one can tell you anything. What’s for certain in a time when everything is uncertain is that your life will change. But, now is the time to start over and include every last element of what you’ve always wanted to do- because you can.
Heading into my sophomore year having maintained a 4.0, completed over 40 credits, participated in three extracurriculars, two of which I have earned leadership positions in, worked here at The State News, and enjoyed a vibrant social life mixed with going out and nights in, I can safely say it boils down to three steps:
- Time management
- Structure
- Routine
Here’s the thing. You’ll be lonely for about the first two months. You’ll miss home, and it won’t be easy. The way to remedy that, though, is to get involved and build a structure. Don’t just go to class, eat, come home and lay in your bed scrolling on your phone. With over 1,000 Registered Student Organizations on campus, you will undoubtedly find something to join- and when you do, it will confirm to you that you’re right where you’re supposed to be. The other facet of this, though, is time management. I am of the firm belief that the words “I don’t have time” are an excuse. It may seem harsh, but I believe that if something matters to you enough, you’ll find a way to make it work. It might require rearranging and evaluating priorities, but it is more than possible, with the combination of time management and structure, to make everything work.
The final element, routine, comes after you’ve figured out how to manage your time and build a structure. Now, you’ve got to find all the open spaces in your structure for the non-negotiables- laundry, self-care, cleaning, eating, etc. Once you’ve found the space, stick to it. This allows you to have a falter in other areas while still maintaining a sense of normalcy and security. Everything else can fall apart, but you’ve still got a strong routine and you know what’s coming ahead. Stress is inevitable, but by setting yourself up for success with these steps, you can mitigate it and still have the ability to have a social life- just don’t let the MSU party culture consume you.
Now, with my sophomore year not too far away, I can confidently say that I lead a balanced life in East Lansing. I experience academic success and I get to do things like be on our radio station, make student film projects with my best friends, and reignite my passion for dance. Is it stressful sometimes? Sure. But I would not rather be anywhere else.
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