My College Life: What I Wish I Knew Before Starting

-

 

Hi friends — and welcome to my very first blog post!

I’m Brianna, a current college student figuring things out one class, one planner, and one coffee at a time. Starting college was exciting, but it also came with a lot of surprises I wasn’t totally ready for. So today, I want to share a few things I wish someone had told me before my first semester — the real stuff no one puts in the welcome packet.


1. 

Time Management Is Everything


You’re going to hear this a thousand times — but it’s true. Between classes, homework, gym time, meals, and trying to have a social life, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. What helped me:

  • Using Google Calendar or a planner to block out time

  • Treating study sessions like appointments I can’t skip

  • Doing just one thing at a time instead of multitasking

Tip: 

It’s so tempting to go out with friends or scroll TikTok when your books are calling your name. But here’s a mindset shift that helped me a lot:

Give yourself a “mini study goal” before you go out.

Instead of saying, “I can’t go out until I finish everything,” say:


“I’ll study for just 30 minutes, then I can go.”


Why it works:

  • 30 minutes feels doable (and usually turns into more once you start)

  • You feel accomplished before you go out

  • You’re way more relaxed knowing you didn’t completely ignore your work


Pair this with a reward: “If I finish reviewing these flashcards, I’ll grab boba with my friends after.” It helps you balance both discipline and life — and that’s what college is really about.


2. 

Your Space Affects Your Mindset

Dorms or apartments can get chaotic fast. Keeping things organized actually helped my stress levels a lot. A few simple hacks:

  • Under-bed storage bins (lifesavers)

  • A small whiteboard for to-do lists and reminders

  • Making my bed every morning — it’s a small win to start the day

Having the habit of cleaning your dorm, will make it stick and stay consistent. I know it's hard at first, but even if you can't manage to study in your dorm, go to the library and put those headphones on. Trust me, the library was my life saver when it came to studying and finishing up homework. 


3. 

It’s Okay to Feel Overwhelmed

No one talks about how lonely or stressful college can feel at first. I thought I was the only one who felt out of place or behind. The truth? Everyone’s adjusting. It’s okay to take breaks, ask for help, or even have a mini meltdown now and then. You’re not alone.

For me, it was hard to make friends because I was new, and I felt like I was the only one who felt this way. But in reality, its a large majority of college students who feel this exact way. Putting yourself out there might not be the easiest, but it deffintely makes a difference. Starting off slowly, by asking classmates if they want to form a study group.

One thing that has helped me sooooo much in college was making study groups for different classes. Being able to hear others opinions and gain new relationships was a game changer. It helped me understand my classes and actually want to study, knowing I was going to hang out with people at the same time. 

4. 

Online Classes Are a Whole Different Game

If you’re doing hybrid or online classes, it’s super easy to fall behind. What helped me stay focused:

  • Logging in 10 minutes early to get mentally ready

  • Taking notes by hand to avoid distractions

  • Having a “school-only” space (even just a corner of my desk)

I personally love getting a study room in the library and listen to my online class. It wasn't always the most fun, but it helped me keep my school work in tack. I personally hated doing this, but it made me feel so much better in the end once it was over. 

I also had classes online, but we never had a zoom meeting, it was al just work we had to complete on our own. I did the same thing, and made sure to go to the library and do my work there. The enviornment of the library made me change my whole mood to wanting to study. 

5. 

Start Small, Stay Consistent

Don’t try to fix everything overnight. Want to eat healthier? Start by packing one good lunch a week. Want to study better? Try setting a 25-minute timer and take it from there. Small habits add up over time. Within the next blogs I make, I will help you guys dig deeper into these things. Feel free to leave comments or email me, so I can make sure to answer all your questions!


 Let’s Talk

What’s been the hardest part of college life for you so far? What’s one hack or habit that’s helped you survive? Drop a comment — I’d love to hear from you!

And don’t forget to subscribe for more college tips, real talk, and a little motivation every week.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Study When You’re Just Not Feeling It (But Still Have Plans)

-
Let’s be real, some days you want to stay productive , and some days you just want to go out, hang with friends, or binge-watch your favorite show. I get it. Balancing fun and school is hard, but not impossible. Here’s how I’ve learned to still get stuff done even when I’m not in the mood. 1. Use the “Study-Then-Play” Rule Instead of saying, “I can’t go out until I finish everything ,” give yourself a small win: “I’ll study for 30 minutes first, then I can go.” Why it works: 30 minutes feels easy to start You often end up doing more once you get into it You enjoy your plans more without guilt  2. Set a Timer (Pomodoro Style) Use a 25-minute timer to stay focused. Then take a 5-minute break . Repeat a few times. No phone, no distractions — just pure focus After two rounds, take a longer break or call it done for the day This trick makes studying feel like less of a chore and more like a challenge you can beat.  3. Bribe Yourself (Yes, Really) Tell yo...
Read more

Welcome to my college life and study tips blog!!!

-
Hi! I’m Brianna, a college student who’s learning how to juggle classes, work, workouts, and life (without totally losing it). If you’re here, chances are you’re trying to do the same. College is exciting, but let’s be real, it can also be overwhelming. I’ve had my fair share of late-night cramming, messy planners, and days where it feels like there’s just not enough time. That’s exactly why I started this blog. I created this space to share real, helpful tips about college life — from time management and online class hacks to dorm organization and staying healthy on a busy schedule. I want to help other students like me stay on track, feel more in control, and maybe even enjoy the process a little more. Whether you’re a freshman trying to find your rhythm or a senior still figuring out your productivity flow, I’m here to share what works (and what definitely doesn’t). Let’s survive and thrive in college — together. If you have any comments or ideas, please feel free to comment on a...
Read more