10 Things I’ve Learned In One Month Of College

Photo courtesy Matt Garrett

The other day marked one full month since my parents dropped me off at college, effectively leaving me on my own for the first time. To commemorate this past month, I have compiled a top 10 list of things I’ve learned after only one month in college. 

10. How to take care of myself

I never really knew how much my mom and dad did until I actually had to be Mom and Dad. Whenever I was sick, Mom gave me something to take. Now, I’m stuck at Wal-Mart debating whether or not to go with Mucinex or Robitussin. On the flip side, part of the general rule of being a dad is fixing stuff. Safe to say my roommate and I have unsuccessfully tried to install air filters in the room. Still working on a way to fix that.

9. Wash dishes immediately after use

After a long study session at the library (yes- the library on campus, Mom), I was feeling the late night munchies. I made a quick bowl of Ramen, devoured my noodles and passed out. When I woke up in the morning, I spent 10 minutes trying to wash out the bowl before giving up and throwing it out.

8. Ramen can be substituted as a meal

This brings me to my next point that Ramen can absolutely replace a meal. I highly recommend the beef flavor.

7. Sleep is overrated..

If you’re not staying up till 2 every night are you even doing college right?

6. But naps are underrated

The way my schedules shakes out most days is I have a good two hours between my first and second class. 

5. The freshman 15 is a myth

I know, I know, I know some people may strongly disagree with this, but in all seriousness I’ve lost 5 pounds since moving to Oxford. I guess Ramen actually can’t replace a meal.

4. The guy that goes out every night is real

I always assumed when people said they had friends that wanted to go out every night, they were exaggerating. They weren’t. It’s real. Very real.

3. The importance of time management

Unlike high school, where I put everything off till last minute. By doing all my assignments as soon as I get them, I realized I have a lot more free time for extracurricular activities.

2. My Keurig is my most reliable friend

Whether a quick boost to wake me up in the morning or three cups to keep me going at night, I know my Keurig will always be there for me.

1. Meet as many people as you can

The number one lesson I’ve learned is to always introduce myself to strangers. You never know who knows who. Who knows who turns out to be your best friend back home. Just say, “Hey.”

John Touloupis is a freshman broadcast journalism major at the Meek School of Journalism and New Media and an intern for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at jtouloup@go.olemiss.edu.