How to Remain Practical in College

Entering college is like being introduced to a new realm. Everything seems bigger, the future appears brighter, and any adolescent mistakes seem a distant memory….or do they? Let’s hope that those walking into this next sector do it with charisma for challenge and an appreciation for a new found independence. Until now, most people had the comfort of home, mom’s good cooking, familiar faces, and their parents credit cards for occasional emergencies. As we leave the restrictions of curfew, rules of the household, and all evidence of the life left, we gain a sense of arrogance, the ability to make decisions, and the thought and means to fill our pockets and stomachs.

This exhilaration felt can be short lived once the realities of new responsibilities appear, the shared space of a roommate surface, the late nights, the pressures of athletic performance, or simply the completion of an anticipated degree occur. College is a place for intellect, yet seems to harvest some of the most irresponsible moments, necessary for growth and self-reflection. Consider the butterflies that exist inside us, and let’s explore the pressures associated with college.

The dreaded Freshman 15

Whether or not this remains urban legend, we dread the cafeteria, 24 hour diners, pizza deliveries, and oh man those vending machines. They seem to sing to us as we walk by, know all our secrets, and become our company amid our comfort. Good food choices can seem a distant second when convenience is available, but those jeans are unforgiving, and winter will soon approach. Will they fit? We do everything better feeling better. Sure comfort foods are sweet and rewarding, just in moderation. Moderate, so that monitoring is not necessary.

Roomies

Yes, the roommate factor. You hope with everything in us that they don’t spend all day trying on your clothes, infiltrating your circle of friends, or sniffing your hair as you sleep. Okay, perhaps that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but it can become a sad truth. I remember my roommate stole my jokes, my expressions, and I’m sure I introduced her need for glasses. Her makeup even began to look familiar. Now, lets say you get the normal roomie who is happy to share the costs of food, the chores, and clothes with permission, and never, ever boyfriends or your shoes; you feel you scored big, right? Amen to the cause of respect and duality. Now you have a wing man for any party invite, or other late night score, including the late night binge. It’s usually easier to do just about anything with company, including expand. Make a friend; it can help when a confidant is needed, or even lecture notes. They say don’t sh*t where you sleep, so play nice.

Walk of shame

Have we heard the horror stories? The intolerable tip toe down the hallway that never ends. The hair we lazily lick down with a dry mouth and the palm of our hand. A mini dress disguised under an oversized sweater if we are lucky, otherwise we are left with the same garments this debacle of a night began with. No one is saying college is not the perfect stomping grounds for overstepping any prior dating rule (i.e. one night stand), and we can surely prove the need and want to experiment and “test the waters.” Nobody would advocate marriage freshmen year, and most would say love or a serious commitment would only serve as the perfect distraction, making perfect sense to explore and negate any titles of obligations. But beware of where the fun will lead you, because it’s no fun waking up  and feeling awkward wondering if breakfast is included, or if a phone call is either wanted or warranted. Have fun, meet people, invest in relationships, but don’t offer yourself to everybody charming and attentive. Sex is fun. Its liberating, a good form of exercise, and a great way to feel wanted. Just make it warranted and consentual.