Survivor.

It's nearly 2am, and since 4pm I've officially finished my first year of university.
Now, I'm aware I'm probably starting to sound like a broken record with all the university related posts, but to be completely honest it's about all I've been doing for the last 8 months, so cut me some slack.
A few weeks ago me and a few of the girls I live with were joking around about the idea of a "Res Life Survival Guide" type how-to guide to make it through your first year of university. I don't think that's a terrible idea, so I've decided that, as I sit in my packed up room in my last night in residence, to write out a few things I've learned since September.

- Don't be afraid to say "Hi."
Especially in the first few weeks of school, everyone is itching to make new friends. However, lots of people (maybe including yourself) are going to be terrified to do so, so be prepared to take that first brave step and introduce yourself. It's completely true when they say that you'll make your best friends in university, and many of them are people you may not expect.

- Don't bother with fake friends
This one was especially an issue for me this year. By all means, make friends with everyone you meet, as some of them may turn out to be just fantastic. But sometimes it's just not worth it to hold onto a sinking friendship just because they were one of the first people to reach out to you, or because they were once nice people. No need to completely cut them out of your life either, but first year is traumatic enough without trying to salvage a friendship with someone who doesn't also put the effort in. If you're in a situation like this, seriously weigh out the pros and cons - are they really worth the stress?

- Remember you're (unfortunately) here for school
As easy as it is to get caught up in the lights and glamour of being out on your own and having countless parties at your doorstep, it's important to remember why you're here. Although in the big picture, first year seems like sort of a write off, it's there to set you up for the upper level classes; so if you're completely ignoring everything you learn, you may walk into second year completely blind. Not so good. If you're still super dedicated to your weekends, try and get your homework/readings done during the week. (jk, no one does the readings)

- Sleep. 
No, seriously, do it. First year away from home leads to temptation for many to have late night after late night, for whatever reason (socializing, movies, late night homework scramble.) This isn't to say that you can't have the occasional late night, but sleep will keep you alive for the year. Set a schedule for yourself, and try your hardest to stick to it. Even ordering yourself to crawl into bed by 12 is better than realizing when you've reached that part of YouTube that it's suddenly 4:30am and you have a class in 4 hours. (It happens...)

- Eat Well
With the convenience of never-ending burgers and fries, many first years find it easy to get into that habit. That, my friends, can not only lead to the dreaded "freshmen fifteen", but it lacks the nutritional values that your body needs to keep functioning. Sure, the greasy food is still fine once and a while, but try to shy away from it as often as possible - if you search, there'll be lots of (still yummy) healthy options for you that'll leave you feeling and looking a lot better.

- Exercise 
I'm starting to feel like I'm writing a preachy book about how to live well, but exercise really is important. That doesn't mean that you have to go to the gym at 6am every morning and consume only carrot juice smoothies, but it is an important factor to keep in mind. Being stuck in class or studying most of the day, plus with the amount of alcohol you'll probably be consuming, your body can get neglected pretty easily. Even just making the effort to go out on a nice walk, or doing exercise videos in your room (jazzercise, anyone?) can help.

- Study Groups
Study groups can become your best friend if you use them right. Not only is it a way more interactive way to study, but by forming a study group you've also found a group of people who not only can help you with your school work, but may turn out to be great friends!

- Leave Your Door Open
Not only does it encourage people to come and say hello to you when aimlessly wandering through the hallways, it also proves to your neighbours that you're not building some sort of weird meth lab in your room. (Hint: If you are building some weird meth lab in your room, I'd advise you to keep that door closed.)

- Party Safe
Yes, getting black out drunk is a great time and a fun story to tell at family gatherings, but it can also lead to serious trouble. If you are planning on getting absolutely belligerent, make sure that you're with friends you trust (even better if they're even slightly more sober than you are). This is also tied into drunken one night stands. Realistically, if you go out wanting one, it'll probably happen. But use your discretion, and most importantly be safe about it.


I could keep writing these for hours, and I'm sure I'll have more to add when I'm in a less 2:45am comatose-y state. But seeing as when I just tried to spell "add" I spelled "ass", I'm gonna say it's about time for me to resign for tonight. It's the big move tomorrow, and I've still got errands to run before the car gets here.

SEE YOU NEVER, FIRST YEAR.
MB.