College Reflection/Advice

Author

Connor Murphy
April 26, 2025

My Collegiate career is coming to an end very soon and I thought I would put together a list of some things I learned during this chapter of my life. It is a combination of general life advice and academic based advice that will hopefully serve whoever is reading this well.

  • befriend your professors

  • Join a social org

  • join a professional org

  • get into a position of leadership

  • Get things done early

  • bike or walk to class if possible

  • spend as much time out doors as you can

  • Eat clean regularly and meal prep when you can

  • career fairs, mock interviews. Start this as soon as possible even if they aren’t taking freshman

  • keep track of the people you meet

  • Try everything you can, explore your curiosities

  • make at least one friend in every class

  • keep an organized calendar and set it up during the first week of classes

  • if you are certain about a career, do a specialized program if it’s offered

  • Volunteer for presentations. Practice speaking any chance you can.

  • nurture relationships

  • Keep your study and relaxation spaces separate

  • journal/document your life

  • Read rate my professor and look at grade distributions

  • Get an internship

  • start today

  • Don’t do all your reading

  • Use Ai to help explain things. don’t let it do your HW

  • go to guest lectures

  • study at least a week early before test. Split the chapters up.

  • No need to pull all nighters

  • go to bed and wake up the at the same time best you can

  • check your emails

  • Limit your social media time

  • Start to explore career opportunities and the path to them early. Get in touch with people at a stage in life where you want to be

  • never pay for a text book

  • minimize breaks in between classes. Keep the momentum going until you final class for the day

College isn’t for everyone and honestly, it doesn’t have to be. There are so many different paths in life, and while college is one option, it doesn’t need to be yours. If you play your cards right, connect with the right people, and put yourself out there, you’ll still find that the experience could be just as worthwhile. I hope this list was of some benefit!