College 101

What I Learned My Sophomore Year In College

My Sophomore year was both challenging and insightful. Honestly, sophomore year is that one awkward year where you're not a freshman but you still have no idea what you're doing! I didn't even know where some of my classes were held this year, even though I go to a small, all women's private college. 

Anyways, here are a few things I learned my second year of college. Hope this is helpful!

• Having a good attitude about the classes you are taking before you take them is essential to persevering in said classes throughout the year. I  had a terrible attitude about my Intro to Biology class and spoke negatively about it every chance I got. I also entertained the possibility of not doing so well in that class when school had not even started yet. As a result, I struggled in that class all throughout the semester. Having a good attitude about all your classes matters! 
• Keep good track of your sources if you are writing an essay! Don't leave it till the last minute. I didn't do this and ended up writing crappy in-text citations and bibliographies. 
• The commuting life on public transportation is rough!
• Never kid yourself into thinking you would be okay with an early class, especially if you are a commuter!
• Not all the friends you met your freshman year will be your friends sophomore year. Many times this is simply because you no longer share a class with them. There are still ample opportunities to meet new friends. 
• Join clubs and other student activities. If you don't know where to start, go to an event hosted by this club and see if you like it. I definitely need to do more of this. 
• Don't take too many reading heavy classes.
• Always have a mini stapler with replacements in case your stapler runs out of staples.
• Notebooks tend to not get completely filled. Buy a cute smaller journal instead. This wastes less paper and is better for the environment. 
• Advocate for yourself! Professors are willing to help but you will have to make the first move. I'm an introvert, so I know this is hard to do. Try emailing them first if the matter is not too urgent, and hopefully the success of that exchange will build up your confidence to go to office hours if need be. 
• Deciding your major/minor is really hard! I have changed my mind many times and am still  unsure of what my major will be as of now. But even as a junior, it is not too late to change your major if you feel the need to do so.
• C's get degrees :D
• There are many ways to get to the same place. Do not be afraid of the journey. 
• Don't listen to music with lyrics! It makes it hard to concentrate and you know it. It makes you want to sing along, and then all of a sudden your out of your seat dancing. Play some classical or instrumental music instead.