50 Lessons & Tips I Learned in College

So here's what you have to do...take 128 credit hours, get on the dean's list, figure out what job you want for the rest of your life, oh and get enough competitive job experience for said job. Have a fun and memorable social life that you can tell your grandkids about. Also, please figure out who you really are.
 You have four years. 

GO. 

Fresh out of high school and I was ready to take on the world (or at least my area code). So in preparation for college I netflixed Animal House & Legally Blonde, bought a new planner, kissed my parents goodbye and set out on my next adventure.

College for me was a marathon. From impromptu twerking sessions with my sorority sisters to 2 a.m. Wal-Mart trips for glue sticks, some of the best lessons I have learned came from the past 700 days it took me to get to this finish line.

Throughout this time I have learned to test my own boundaries, always be the one to start the conversation and it's okay to get a speeding ticket or two (seriously:/ I was on my way to the Taylor Swift concert).

Learning all these lessons is part of the fun, but I thought I'd share some lessons and tips that I didn't learn in the classroom. To quote King George Strait, "we aren't here for a long time, we're here for a good time."

1. Use men's razors - ditch the venus...your legs will feel like dolphin's skin 
2. Keep an open mind (Thank you Rachel Coffman:) - Don't waste your time and energy judging others. Everyone has something beautiful and unique to offer, and often just need the opportunity to express it. Along these lines, if someone does something that catches your eye, let them know. All too often we admire others and never let them know what's special about them. Compliments can do a person a world of good, and you may never how you can impact them. 
3. Sleep on silk pillowcases - not only will this decrease wrinkles but I imagine this is how Beyonce sleeps too 
4. Grades don't really matter - now before my mom yells at me for this one let me explain myself! The big grades matter but the lesson is don't sweat the small stuff. The one F on your anthropology is not the death of your success, just don't make it a habit
5. Deodorant fights blisters - Rub it all over your heels and anywhere you think you might get a blister. It can save you from those awful Sperry blisters!
6. Friends = Quality over quantity (Thank you Alex:)- Remember that it does not matter how many twitter followers friends you have, it is friends who are tested through and through that matter.There is nothing more important than surrounding yourself with those that will continually lift you up and remind you what a good friend is! Never settle to be around people who echo negativity. Always strive to be around those who are secure in who they are and in result allow you to be the person you are!
7. Write handwritten thank you notes - It is so simple and thoughtful! Snail mail is still greatly appreciated
8. Step out of your comfort zone (Thank you Margaret:)- College is all about trying new things and new experiences. When you start doing things that you aren't used to that is when you are able to really grow. I know changing can be scary, but it is a part of growing up. It's how we find out who we are and who we're gonna be. 
9. Dye your hair whatever color you want - college is the only time in your life you'll be able to get away with this...I had a dark red/purple phase
10. Use the on-campus tutoring programs - don't let yourself struggle through that horrible class that you are completely lost in! Seek out the programs they have for you on campus, they are free and saved me through statistics!!
11. Find the perfect red lipstick - MAC Russian Roulette is magic! With the right outfit you can pretty much do anything you want!
12. Don't be afraid to hear no - most of the time it won't be no, you just have to make the effort
13. Keep your toes painted - you never know who might see the little piggies and you don't want them to look like dead feet 
14. Make your bed every morning - it instantly makes your room look that much cleaner 
15. Dry shampoo will save your life - the best investment I have made in college
16. Find career role models - for me it's Sam Ponder, it's important to look up to someone who is in your industry that you strive to be like
17. Don't take diet pills - none of that garbage really works, just be healthy! The sooner you embrace your body, you become that much more beautiful.  
18. Keep your social media clean ALWAYS - nothing really goes away on the internet! If you don't want your grandfather to see it, then don't put it up there 
19. Keep a journal - it is so fun to look back on how you felt and what you were doing 
20. Invest in a good candle - Volcano from Anthropologie is heavenly 
21. A netflix account is a necessity - you will never be bored again 
22. Have guys take you out on actual dates - Girls romance is only dead if you let it be! Don't settle for hanging out in his dorm/apartment, that does not count as a first date! Dates can be cheap too, go to the park for a picnic or buy groupons!!
23. Don't cake on the makeup - Believe it or not, you are beautiful the way you are! Now, I like to apply some makeup when I'm going to an event but you never want to be that girl that hides her beauty under too much makeup! Plus it will give you acne, less is more:)
24. Always have a chocolate bar on hand - you never know when you might need it 
25. Your parents are your friends - as you are growing older so are they, take time to learn from them and appreciate them! They actually do know what they are talking about!!
26. Forget designers - you're a broke college student so why spend the money when you can get the same thing from Forever 21 
27. Start building your credit - for me it was with a car payment but others opened a credit card
28. Have as many internships as possible - internships and career experience in college are invaluable and will help you big time when it comes time to apply for jobs 
29. Be an uplifter - support those around you 
30. You can never have too many pairs of black leggings - I wear mine to work, school, yoga, everywhere. 
31. Wake up everyday and say what you're grateful for - make it a daily habit and it is a great way to start to the day 
32. Have a solid pair of black & nude heels - ones that you could wear out for the night or in the office 
33. Join clubs/organizations - it's a great way to meet new people that you share common interests in and it looks great on your resume 
34. Dress for yourself, not for guys - they don't notice anyway so wear what makes you feel good 
35. Don't over pluck - I can't emphasize this enough but thin eyebrows aren't cute 
36. Wear daily moisturizer - your skin will thank you and SPF is a big bonus 
37. Keep the selfies to a minimum - never ever post mirror pics 
38. Don't waste your time on people who suck the life out of you - it lifts a big weight off your shoulder and you obviously don't need them 
39. An occasional breakdown is healthy - don't keep it bottled up! grab some wine and have a good cry 
40. Take as many pictures as possible - who cares if it is annoying at the time but you'll appreciate having those memories saved later 
41. Go on road trips - grab the girls/boyfriend/sibling and get out of town for two days, it is rejuvenating 
42. Buy cheap mascara - it doesn't change whether its 6 or 60 bucks, save the money 
43. Create a plan - know your goals and how you are going to achieve them, it's okay if they change 
44. Don't text and drive - it's tempting but don't! If you really can't help it put the cellphone in the trunk 
45. Don't eat past 10 - It's unhealthy to sleep on that food but if you do choose Whataburger honey butter chicken biscuits:) 
46. Always ask for a student discount - anywhere you can save money, do it! 
47. Create a professional network - don't lose contact with people you have worked with, they'll be references later 
48. Learn how you like your coffee - it is a rite of passage for college students
49. Create a professional email address - have one that you can put on business cards or your resume 
50. Live selfishly - I don't mean forget other people, but use this time to find yourself, love yourself and find your passions!! College is the beginning of your life:) 

Now my birth certificate may indicate that I'm 22 years old and my diploma might mean that I attended                                a university for four years, but I feel like I just started my life. 

Thank you for reading:)