Tips I Would Give to My Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Self
Entering into your first year of university can be terrifying, full of the unknown! Lucky for you, we have tips for every step of the way during your college years…
AUSLEEN ACOSTA | FEB. 12, 2021
Reflecting on my college experience, there are many things that I wish I knew. Some things sillier than others; like how spending the majority of my meal plan on Starbucks is not worth it in the end or spending all night in the library is not the most effective way of studying. There are things that I wish I never done, but ultimately, my college experience wouldn’t be what it is without all of these mistakes! You live and you learn, and I’m here to tell you some of the things that I wish I had done and things that I wish I avoided in my college career.
TIPS FOR MY FRESHMAN YEAR SELF:
Freshman year is probably the easiest time for you to make friends. Put yourself out there! Whether it’s conversing in the hallway of your dorm or joining different clubs on campus, take advantage of you being in a new environment with people who are also experiencing the same thing. Essentially, every Freshman in college is looking for the same thing - genuine connections and a place to call home. Step out of your comfort zone and ask people around you to get lunch, hang out after class, or study! Although times may look a little different due to the pandemic, don’t be afraid to reach out virtually or hang out with others in a safe manner!
TIPS FOR MY SOPHOMORE YEAR SELF:
Something that I wish I was more aware of during my Sophomore year of college is to manage my time wisely! From balancing school, work, and extra-curricular activities, I found myself sleeping for about 4-5 hours every night simply because I didn’t manage my time more effectively. Looking back, there was absolutely no reason to put my body through that much stress and it could’ve been easily avoided if I planned my day by the hour. Doing things such as getting an early start to your day, completing your most important tasks first, being conscientious of the amount of time spent on your phone, and avoiding naps will save you so much time throughout the day and will boost your productivity. I would tell myself that there is enough time in the day to get everything done and emphasize the importance of prioritizing. Work smarter, not harder!
TIPS FOR MY JUNIOR YEAR SELF:
Junior year is typically the time where we’re starting to branch out in taking our major classes, and I really wish I found hands-on opportunities in my desired field. Whether it’s a paid or unpaid internship, interns get a first-hand look at what it’s like to work for an employer in the real world. This is the time where you find what you like and don’t like in companies, employers, and your preferred career. There are so many benefits in internships such as networking, interpersonal relationships, and resume-building! Now more than ever, I realize the value of internships because it essentially leads to increased opportunities for the future.
TIPS FOR MY SENIOR SELF:
With graduation quickly approaching, you could only imagine the anxiety that every college senior is feeling. People are constantly asking what you’re going to do after college, and considering the fact that we’re STILL in a pandemic, many of us might not have an answer. The confusion and uncertainty begin to consume us to a point where we’ll stay up worrying about what our next move is. How could we possibly know what we’re doing next when the majority of our life has been structured around the education system?
The answer that I slowly found out was very simple - it’s okay to not know. If there was one piece of advice that I would give myself, it would be to trust the process and know that everything is going to fall together in the end. There are many things that we can’t control, especially given our circumstances, but there is so much beauty in that. We should be excited that there are unlimited possibilities after college; new job opportunities, new relationships, and some may even move to new cities. It’s important to focus on where we are in life at this very moment, and to enjoy it!
College is a place to make mistakes, learn, and enjoy! You’re going to cross paths with so many amazing people and create memories that you will remember for the rest of your life. Savor the moment and appreciate every moment. We wish you the best in your future endeavors at SDSU!
Survival Guide to Spring Semester in Your Childhood Home
& just like that, we’re back into the Spring 2021 Semester at Zoom Uni- I mean, San Diego State University. Here are our tips & tricks on how to make this pandemic-stricken semester a good one…
AUSLEEN ACOSTA | JAN. 22, 2021
The way that I’m starting my last semester at SDSU has been far from what I would have ever imagined. I’ve always looked forward to my last semester here at State - meticulously planning every semester of my college career in order to have an easy load during my last semester, living in an apartment filled with my best friends, studying abroad in a faraway country, being newly 21 years old... but here I am, having my “grand finale” in my childhood bedroom.
On behalf of every college student in America, no one was prepared for the mental and emotional toll that COVID-19 gave us. At the peak of the global pandemic, we were expected to pack our things, adjust to online learning, and perform at our highest like nothing ever happened. Though everyone’s “living at home” experience has been different, it always leads back to one question... how do we succeed in college when we are living at home?
TIP #1: KNOW YOUR BOUNDARIES WITH YOUR FAMILY
One major thing that I had to adjust to during quarantine was having a loud house and disruptive family members. It seemed that every time I had class or had an assignment due, all of a sudden, my house turned into a zoo and every family member needed my help! Although it’s hard to speak up against your family, it’s so important to remember that you are an adult that has boundaries and deserves respect. One of the main things that helped me with online school was setting boundaries with my family and having everyone understand my workload. I had my school schedule taped onto my refrigerator and “do not disturb” signs on my door to maintain separation between work life and family life.
TIP #2: GET OUT OF BED
How do we separate work from home when we are working from home? A simple answer but it’s something that none of us want to do; get out of bed! Working from your bed has proven a decrease in sleep quality, work productivity, and energy levels. According to Health Line, “When we use our bed for other activities, like working, reading, watching TV, etc., we create an association with wakefulness. We want the bed to be a cue for sleep, and working in bed weakens this association.” Considering the pandemic, civil unrest, and ongoing chaos, who could blame us for wanting to work from our bed! I am definitely a victim to it, along with the majority of college students, but doing your work on a desk has definitely been a game-changer in staying productive.
TIP #3: GET INVOLVED WITH EXTRACURRICULARS
One reason why I loved SDSU so much was because of the social life and networking opportunities. Although the way we connect with other students has been different during the pandemic, being involved with other students through a computer screen is better than having no interaction at all. Having a community that you are a part of is so important ESPECIALLY when we are dealing with times that are difficult for all college students. When I joined American Marketing Association this past semester, it gave me stability, people that I could talk to, and a distraction from my crazy home life!
TIP #4: BE GRATEFUL
As the world may seem like it is crumbling beneath us, it’s so important to remain grateful for the little things! We are lucky to have a roof over our heads, our health amidst a global pandemic, and people that support us. Living at home could feel like a total disaster at times, but there are so many benefits that come with it! Take advantage of the fact that you’re saving money from rent, that you have time to spend with your family, and going to Zoom University in your pajamas!
Online school and living at home have definitely been a challenge, but finding the little joys in hard situations makes these unprecedented times easier. We wish you the best in surviving the spring semester!
REFERENCES:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323551004578116922977737046
Why I Love Love Library, and Why You Should Too
Want to know our favorite place on campus? Read more here about the Love Library here at San Diego State…
ISAIAH CROOKS | NOV. 6, 2020
The Malcolm A. Love Library is San Diego State University’s premier library that was built in 1971 in dedication to the university’s fourth president, Dr. Malcolm A. Love. If you’re like me and thought that because his last name was love, he was a lovely person, then you are also a genius. Dr. Love transformed the university from a community college to a state university and made numerous other changes that greatly raised the school’s reputation and success. He passed away in 1990 at the age of 86, but his life’s work lives on.
While SDSU still holds its reputation as a party school (watch this), the academics are not too shabby. We, students, are provided with many great resources, and perhaps, the best of all is Love Library.
The library is equipped with state of the art technology like 3D printers, multiple computer labs and lounge areas, and more than 1.6 million books, serials, and media titles. However, best of all are the cubbies on the 3rd to 5th floors.
The cubbies are large, private desk spaces with electrical outlets and an extra shelf. They are also home to many of my fondest SDSU memories. These include the time when I learned I failed FIN 240 and proceeded to take a 2-hour nap, and the days I would buy Naked Juices (Red Machine is the best flavor) after my 8 AM class and watch Netflix.
I hated getting up for an 8 AM class and I hated FIN 240, but at least the cubbies were always there. Waking up and spending entire days doing schoolwork in my room puts everything I used to experience in perspective.
Maybe every experience isn’t pleasant, and maybe every class isn’t exciting; however, the cubbies will always be there. And that is the greatest gift Love Library could ever grant me.