April 26, 2021

The Declassified College Survival Guide

By Spencyr Aronson

As I sit in my shoebox-sized bedroom and begin to pack away boxes of clothing to put into storage, I can’t help but reflect back on the whirlwind that was my freshman year of college. It would be a lie if I said the removal of in person classes and tailgate Saturdays doesn’t weigh heavy on my mind. However, it’s easy to overlook these losses when I remember everything this year has given me: lifelong friendships, the ability to survive off of dining hall food and negative temperatures, and an overall second home in the city of Ann Arbor.

I’ve grown more in these several months than I have ever before. From the virtual classroom to the halls of my West Quad dorm room, the lessons I have learned will shape the rest of my college experience for the better. The unavoidable hardships I have faced this past year has led to a significantly developed version of myself in comparison to who I was when I first stepped off the plane in Detroit last August. I have collected pieces of advice for any college student on how not to just survive, but thrive in such a whirlwind period of time in our lives.

First of all, Ann Arbor is a one-of-a-kind college town. What makes this place so special and unique to everyone, though, are the friends you make along the way. Don’t be discouraged if your group changes or if you feel you haven’t found your people yet! Everything will fall into place with time.

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. If COVID has taught me anything, it’s that college (and life) are too short. Don’t hesitate to ask someone who lives in your hall to get coffee, or say hi to a stranger you pass by in the Diag. You never know what unexpected bond may form from simply being outgoing and friendly.

Put in the work to maintain the friendships you make along the way. All relationships take time and effort, but staying in touch with the connections you make throughout each semester is well worth it.

Savor every moment. While succeeding academically will always be my number one priority, I never want to feel as if I didn’t make the most out of the short four years I spend here. Study hard, but recognize that keeping a balanced lifestyle is much more important than acing every exam.

Don’t let the highlight reel that is social media fool you; college can be difficult. As amazing as it is, being a college student can start to feel exhausting if you don’t give yourself a break once in a while. Leave your phone at home and take an on-campus getaway by walking through the Arb with your friends every now and then.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Remember to lean on friends and family who will be there for you no matter what time of night you call to vent- and always with a slice of Joe’s by your side.

Edited By Bella Watchi