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Things You Wish You Were Told
What are some tips, tricks and information you wish you were told before you became an adult going to college?
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6 answers
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Daniel’s Answer
Wow this is a great question Jade!
If I had to narrow it down to only three things it would be the below.
1. Start putting money into your 401k as soon as possible! It is absolutely crazy the difference you will end up with at retirement if you start at 20, 25, or 30. Compound interest is amazing and I wish I would of started to save at an earlier age.
2. Do your best not to go into credit card debt in college. I know its tempting but really try to live within your means and put all your extra money towards paying off any student loans you may have.
3. Do your best not to get stressed out! A very wise person once told me if it won't matter in 5 years its probably not worth stressing about over. That one piece of advise has really helped me put things into perspective.
If I had to narrow it down to only three things it would be the below.
1. Start putting money into your 401k as soon as possible! It is absolutely crazy the difference you will end up with at retirement if you start at 20, 25, or 30. Compound interest is amazing and I wish I would of started to save at an earlier age.
2. Do your best not to go into credit card debt in college. I know its tempting but really try to live within your means and put all your extra money towards paying off any student loans you may have.
3. Do your best not to get stressed out! A very wise person once told me if it won't matter in 5 years its probably not worth stressing about over. That one piece of advise has really helped me put things into perspective.
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Rana’s Answer
What you think you want to do at 18 is likely to change. Don't take life too seriously, your teenage years and early twenties are a fun time for exploration, of self and space.
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Stacey’s Answer
I went to college later in life- in my mid 30s. Speaking from this perspective, I can say I don't know that I would have known what I wanted to do career wise if it weren't for me working in different areas and finding my passion before going to college. That said, explore all your options. Find what you are truly passionate about and look into all fields adjacent to that. There are a so many fields of work that I never would have known about if it wasn't for work experience before college. Utilize this site and others around you. Ask the questions. Do google searches. This is something you will be doing for the rest of your life so you want to make sure you love it.
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Deborah’s Answer
Hi Jade:
I was the first in my family to go to college so your question really resonates with me. When I started college, I thought its main value would be to teach me most about a specific topic or field of study and that my main goal was to impress my teachers and get high marks. While I did deepen my knowledge in subject through lectures, essays and projects, I found that I learned and grew the most outside of the classroom in these ways:
- Practicing and gaining confidence in taking care of yourself
College is a time to practice being independent from your family and caregivers and learn how to navigate the day to day largely on your own. Through trial and error, you will develop what your rhythms are and what inputs you uniquely need for a healthy, happy life.
- Exposure to topics and ideas that you know little about (and seeing if you want to know more)
College is a great time to learn a little about a lot of things. This can be though enrolling in a class, joining an organization, or simply hanging out with random fellow students who are from different backgrounds that you. For the first two years, focus on exploration before you narrow in on a speciality.
- Networking and making friends with peers (who will become an invaluable job network)
Everyone else in college is figuring out things too. It's an exciting time of growth and challenge and it's important to start building a support network to help each other through the confusion and change. You will develop unique bonds with these cohort of people because you came up together and these relationships can lead to long friendships or even job introductions or offers in the future.
I'm glad you are asking for guidance at this stage of life and I wish you the best!
I was the first in my family to go to college so your question really resonates with me. When I started college, I thought its main value would be to teach me most about a specific topic or field of study and that my main goal was to impress my teachers and get high marks. While I did deepen my knowledge in subject through lectures, essays and projects, I found that I learned and grew the most outside of the classroom in these ways:
- Practicing and gaining confidence in taking care of yourself
College is a time to practice being independent from your family and caregivers and learn how to navigate the day to day largely on your own. Through trial and error, you will develop what your rhythms are and what inputs you uniquely need for a healthy, happy life.
- Exposure to topics and ideas that you know little about (and seeing if you want to know more)
College is a great time to learn a little about a lot of things. This can be though enrolling in a class, joining an organization, or simply hanging out with random fellow students who are from different backgrounds that you. For the first two years, focus on exploration before you narrow in on a speciality.
- Networking and making friends with peers (who will become an invaluable job network)
Everyone else in college is figuring out things too. It's an exciting time of growth and challenge and it's important to start building a support network to help each other through the confusion and change. You will develop unique bonds with these cohort of people because you came up together and these relationships can lead to long friendships or even job introductions or offers in the future.
I'm glad you are asking for guidance at this stage of life and I wish you the best!
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Remember, college is a time of growth and discovery. Embrace the journey, stay open-minded, and make the most of the opportunities that come your way. Good luck, and enjoy your college experience!
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Prioritize self-care: College can be overwhelming, so it's essential to take care of your physical and mental well-being. Establish healthy habits by eating nutritious meals, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. Make time for relaxation and stress management techniques that work for you, such as meditation or hobbies you enjoy.
Master time management: College brings increased independence and a busy schedule. Learn to manage your time effectively by creating a schedule or using a planner. Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and set realistic goals. This will help you stay organized, meet deadlines, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Seek support and resources: Don't hesitate to reach out for help when needed. Take advantage of the resources available on campus, such as tutoring services, academic advisors, and counseling centers. Building a support network will provide you with guidance and assistance throughout your college journey.
Get involved on campus: College offers numerous opportunities for personal growth and building friendships. Join clubs, organizations, or student associations that align with your interests. Participate in campus events, volunteer work, or leadership roles. Engaging in extracurricular activities will enhance your college experience and help you develop valuable skills.
Network and explore career opportunities: College is a prime time to start building your professional network. Attend career fairs, industry events, and networking sessions. Seek internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities related to your field of interest. Building connections and gaining practical experience will give you a head start in your career.
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Scott recommends the following next steps:
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Anna’s Answer
I love this question!! You don't need a credit card. Trust me on this one. You can absolutely buy a car, buy a house, go on vacation, whatever, without a credit score. Don't get sucked into the trap of debt! Don't take yourself too seriously. You are going to make mistakes and one of my mentors always says, "The greatest learning comes from failing" and he's absolutely right. On that note, find a mentor! Someone you value and trust. Could be someone in the field you want to go into, a family friend, a teacher, someone at church, or wherever. Build relationships with people and never, ever burn bridges. If you are going to quit, do it with integrity. You never know who you may run into later in life. Align yourself with people who help bring out the best in you. Learn to budget and as someone mentioned above, absolutely take advance of every opportunity to invest in your future. No matter what you are making, put something into retirement. If you end up working for a company with a stock option program, take advantage of it. I promise you it will be worth it in the long run. Lastly, don't forget to relax, breathe, and enjoy! Life goes by so fast. It's a wonderful, amazing ride and I wish you the absolute best!