We asked, you delivered. K-State students, alumni and others weigh in on how to survive — and thrive — in college.
Confidence is key
“Fake it ’till you make it. I promise no one actually knows what’s going on.” — Ethan Eccles
Pick a theme song and stick with it
— basketball/football champs always (@lifeofmamafitz) September 27, 2019
Productivity hacks
“Stay on campus as long as you can to get everything you need done.” — Morgan Kaiser
“Take a nap. A rested brain will help more than having a sleepy one the day of an exam.” — Corinne White
“Take things a day, hour or assignment at a time.” — Janelle Naegele
“I figured out which classes and assignments didn’t matter that much and gave them less effort.” — Benjamin Ristow
Always carry a granola bar with you. Sometimes you’ll have constant classes and very little time to eat so a granola bar is a great thing to hold you off until you can eat a proper meal.
— mikaela (@mlange2187) September 27, 2019
Some sage words
This is a bit of "bad boy" advice, but realistically, you don't need to attend EVERY lecture to pass a gen ed class. Don't be afraid to take some days off for yourself, for whatever reason. Professors get vacation days, so why not you?
— Kyle Hampel (@KyleHampelEsq) September 27, 2019
•don't be afraid to take classes that are hard or challenging if you're interested in them! If you're really interested but don't have the time or money, ask your advisor about auditing a class!
•understand how to read your DARS and your program requirements— Electron Sleuth 🔎 (@yippeekiyoyo) September 27, 2019
“Take each new semester as an opportunity to learn how to problem solve (and work with others to get work done) … Second, understand what it means to have a growth mindset and cultivate it! The world is constantly changing but you have the capacity to change and learn with it.” — Mandy Trewett
Priorities
“Don’t put your interests or career goals in a box. Pursue and study what fascinates you.” — Elyse Pendergrass
“YOUR GRADES DON’T DEFINE YOU. Your 4.0 cannot come at the cost of your mental health. Take care if yourself, and remember that you’re more than your grades.” — Grace Diane Stanfield
“Remember that college is a means, not an end. Failure here doesn’t define you.” — Blythe Landon
Take time to watch the sunrise and sunset. If it keeps rising, so can you.
— Timber Hinson (@ManOFallingTree) September 28, 2019
“Make friends. Find your people.” — Gregory Eiselein
Remember, college is fun.
Enjoy going out with your friends as much as you can. In the real word going out on a Tuesday is frowned upon. It will be the only time you will all live in the same place. You will miss them and the good times after you graduate.
— Brooke Gardner (@TheBTay) September 27, 2019
And finally…
“I called my mom at least once a week.” — Joanna Lind
Do you have a question you want crowdsourced? Email us at opinion@kstatecollegian.com. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Collegian. Please send comments to opinion@kstatecollegian.com.
