Advice for Students

There are a lot of things I was really glad I learned while in college, and a lot of other things I wish I knew sooner. I have collected this list with help from friends, identifying what we wish we knew. Their universities, majors, and post-graduation plans are diverse, and most of our collective advice is universal.

What I (or my friends) am (are) glad I knew or wish I knew in college

• Asking for help does not make you stupid or incompetent, it makes you resourceful.
• At some point EVERY SINGLE PERSON at college feels like he or she does not belong, is hopelessly confused, or is falling behind. This is called imposter syndrome, and people actually study it (especially for women and minorities).
• Similarly, the people who speak with the most confidence do not necessarily know what they are talking about any more than anyone else.
• You do not need to know what you want to do as a career while you are in college. You do not even need to know what you want to do as a career when you graduate. And you will probably be happier without the pressure to figure it out.
• Planning is great, but you should be open to changing the plan.
• Keep your mind open to new activities, events, and classes.
• Intelligent goal setting is critical for accomplishing most things.
• Acknowledge your successes, and sometimes you need to even acknowledge really small successes (like waking up on time, going to the gym, or finishing something ahead of schedule).
• On the other hand, evaluate yourself constructively for areas to improve and set attainable plans to do so.
• Go to the career center!
• Major in something that you want to do as a career, not just something that would be fun to study in college. (This was advice of a friend, I somewhat disagree because you will have few other opportunities to study something you are interested in. But I suppose I could encourage you to take classes that you are excited about outside of your major or consider a double major).
• Even if you do not know what you want to do or study, try to get some experience in something that sounds interesting.
• The potential loss in a risk is lower in college than it seems (and lower than it will be in the future).
• Network! This means building (usually professional or interest based) connections where you can offer someone something and they can offer you something. Look for what you can offer.
• Take statistics and computer science courses.
• There is much, much more to college than classes.
• There is no point in your life when you will be surrounded by more peers, with more available activities, and more time (even if it doesn't feel that way). Take advantage of that.
• There is no such thing as "cool." Look for the people that make you happy.
• Get fit or stay fit; your physical health impacts every aspect of your life.
• Spend effort on cultivating relationships and connections.
• It is much easier to make friends when you are 20 than when you are 30. So invest in and cultivate your college friendships.