101 Tips from a soon-to-be College Graduate

1.     Join clubs on campus.

2.     Chose extracurriculars that align with your interests and career goals.

3.     Make an organized assignment sheet.

a.     Template: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eHX6teNlpPpw7fZNwjmZWFDApEuoxBvkyazv2Q8DfIw/edit?usp=sharing

4.     Keep a balanced social/academic schedule.

5.     Find your version of work/life balance.

6.     Challenge yourself to get outside your comfort zone.

7.     Find your preferred forms of stress management.

a.     Mine is practicing yoga.

8.     Explore your city!

9.     Keep an open mind when meeting new people.

10.  Challenge your perspective.

11.  Find a job that allows you to have fun and reap some benefits!

a.     I enjoy exercising, but I don’t love the cost of membership for studios, so I worked at CorePower to get a percentage off my membership cost!

12.  Join communities that help you be yourself and grow.

13.  Make connections! Professors, colleagues, friends…

14.  Your network is your net worth.

15.  Take the opportunity to study abroad!

a.     Many schools have options for a year, semester, or even month-long academic programs.

16.  Stay in touch with friends.

17.  Stay accountable in your relationships.

18.  Find time for your long-distance friendships/relationships.

19.  Allow yourself to learn from your friendships.

20.  Apply for internships as early as you can!

21.  Utilize your university’s tutoring services.

22.  Attend office hours.

23.  It’s okay to feel overwhelmed.

24.  It’s okay to feel imposter syndrome!

25.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Professors, advisors, and peers are there to support you!

26.  Prioritize your mental health.

27.  Take breaks when needed.

28.  Rest is also productive.

29.  Create an expense budget.

30.  Develop good studying habits.

31.  Take advantage of student discounts!

32.  Create a StudentBeans account for all kinds of discounts.

33.  Celebrate the small wins.

34.  Embrace failure as a learning opportunity.

35.  Make your dorm/apartment feel like home.

36.  Be a respectful and empathetic roommate.

37.  Don’t be afraid to change your major.

a.     I changed my major once and my minor three times!

38.  Develop a healthy sleep schedule.

39.  Start building your resume early.

40.  Speak up in class.

41.  Support your friends.

42.  Spend a syllabus week looking at your syllabus and plan.

43.  In the first few weeks of the semester, find a study group in your challenging classes.

44.  Attend campus lectures, symposiums, and talks

45.  When you ask a question at any event, state your name, what you’re studying, and thank them for their time today.

a.     The simple extra step will make you stand out.

46.  Find a creative outlet.

47.  Join a professional organization!

48.  Don’t over-do the caffeine.

a.     I eventually switched from coffee to matcha.

49.  Be mindful of the people with whom you surround yourself.

50.  Your friends are a reflection of yourself.

51.  Be adaptable.

52.  Make a LinkedIn profile.

53.  Stay up to date with your LinkedIn profile.

54.  Stay curious.

55.  Find what makes you happy.

56.  Create consistent morning routines that help you get ready for your day.

57.  Make a meal plan for the week.

58.  Learn how to make easy and nutritious meals.

59.  Make time to call your family.

60.  Drink liquid-IV/Hydration packets before a night of drinking.

61.  Set short-term goals that lead into your long-term goals.

62.  Check your email regularly!

63.  Make a signature for your emails.

64.  Utilize campus health resources and counseling services.

65.  Learn how to write a strong cover letter.

66.  Make time to read books, articles, news, and listen to podcasts.

67.  Seek constructive criticism and use it to improve.

68.  Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want your employers to see.

69.  Use Google or Apple calendar for all your activities, meetings, and appointments.

70.  Digitize your notes.

71.  Make time for your version of self-care.

a.     My self-care is my appointment to have my nails done once a month.

72.  My favorite is Microsoft OneNote.

73.  Have a backup plan in case your technology is destroyed.

74.  Create a one-page study guide before your exams to help you prioritize and compartmentalize the content.

75.  Find an outlet to keep your brain and body active.

76.  Don’t be afraid to correct someone or offer a perspective they ignored.

77.  Keep a journal.

78.  Find your perfect study place/vibe.

79.  Have a re-set day once a week for laundry, cleaning, and other up-keep.

80.  Find opportunities to travel, even if it’s a day trip!

81.  Develop your personal mission statement.

82.  Practice advocating for yourself.

83.  Take as many pictures as you can!

84.  Trust your instincts.

85.  Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s.

86.  Educate yourself on your alcoholic standard drink sizes and limits based on your assigned sex, height, and weight.

87.  Use a password manager to keep track of all your logins.

88.  Make a grocery list before going to the store.

89.  Ask upperclassmen for advice on professors and courses.

90.  Treat yourself to a nicer dinner with friends every so often.

91.  Carry a reusable water bottle with you to stay hydrated.

92.  Find your way of giving back to your community.

93.  Be a mentor for others.

94.  Know that it is okay to let friendships dissolve.

95.  Trust that your true friends reveal themselves when you need them the most.

96.  Be a friend to everyone.

97.  Look good, feel good; Dress to impress… It works.

98.  When you go out, stick to one type of alcohol the whole time.  

99.  Don’t let social media run your life.

100. Keep a strong GPA, especially if you plan on applying to graduate school.

101. Have fun… your time flies by quickly.

I'm proud to announce that I will be graduating magna cum laude from Northeastern University with a Bachelors of Science in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics and a minor in Women's Gender, and Sexuality Studies. After these past four years, I leave you with mindful tips to have an impactful university experience, expand your perspective and knowledge, and to enjoy yourself.

With gratitude,

Olivia