With enough assignments to bury you and too many events to go to, college can seem impossible. Student life takes on a superhuman quality that gets all the work done just in time, defies sleep, and intimidates those who think they need to live that way.
Well, I am here to tell you that you do not need to be a superhuman to get through college.
To survive and thrive all four years of your time in college, or however long it takes, here are some things NOT to do while in college:
1. Do everything. It’s impossible, and if you try, you’ll exhaust yourself. Yes, take a break from your homework and do something fun, but learn to also balance the activities in which you participate. You do not have to go to every single campus event, nor should you.On the other hand, the same goes for your homework. You’re going to get a ton of it, but don’t let it be the ruling factor in your life. People need breaks, and even sleep. I know you don’t want to hear that because I didn’t either, but it’s true.
College is hard on you. You’re going to get tired, and if you don’t sleep and take breaks, you will feel the repercussions later. You should also remember that your time here is not unlimited, so choose how you spend it wisely. Do good work. Spend time with your friends. You’ll be glad you did.
2. Give Up. Sometimes you’re not going to feel like doing your homework. Sometimes you might not feel like doing anything, in fact. College is purposely difficult, and it can get discouraging when the work keeps coming or you get lonely or even feel like your life is falling apart. But don’t give up. Push through it, pray about it, talk to other people about it, and take it a day at a time. Other people have done this before, and if this is where God wants you to be right now, He’ll help you get through the hard times. Be tenacious and work hard.
3. Do It Alone. You’d be surprised how many people have been through the same things you’ll experience in college. Whether the problem is relationship drama or doing all your homework, there is no reason to have to work through all the challenges college will send your way on your own. You need other people, and they need you. That doesn’t mean you have to have a giant friend circle and be the most popular person on campus. Smaller friend groups can actually be better. But don’t hide in the corner all the time either, even if you’re an introvert. Give the people around you a chance. I’m sure I will regret some things I did or didn’t do when I leave college, but I know using my time to talk with friends I met here will not be one of those things. Don’t go through college by yourself.
Trying to be superhuman is not a good way to spend your college years. You can, however, be someone who strives to become a part of something greater than yourself – a purposeful student, a trusted friend, a follower of Christ. These great achievements are only possible if you avoid doing everything, giving up, and doing it alone. Those are three things you don’t want to do in college, but achieving balance is a healthy way to approach it.
Learn more about being an intentional learner and person with a Geneva education. Contact Admissions at 800-847-8255 or admissions@geneva.edu.
-Emma Hodgson ‘23
Photo by Cole Keister on Unsplash
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
May 5, 2022
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