In high school, we worked our butts off to ensure acceptance into a top college or university. Parents, teachers and guidance counselors all said the same thing: “If you want to be successful you need to work hard and get into a good college.” So just as good kids do, we listened. We studied until 2 a.m., became overly involved in high school activities, got a part-time job and spent countless hours on academics to make sure we secured a spot in the college of our dreams.
For those who have super-strict parents, you know exactly how important academics are because mom and dad never fail to remind you. Once you get to college, you get that first taste of freedom. Good ol’ mom and dad can’t yell at you for not studying enough, there’s no curfew, and you can really do whatever you want to on a daily basis. The feeling of independence is new and exciting, and before you know it, the college rebel has emerged from the depths of your soul. You are free to rule your own little world of academics and mischief, and nobody can stop you.
Except reality, that is. Living an independent lifestyle involves some responsibility, whether you like it or not. Sure, you can eat ice cream for breakfast and stay out until 5 a.m. the night before you have an 8 a.m. class, but there are consequences to those actions.
This isn’t to suggest that your only options are to either have fun or to only focus on academics. The secret to taming the college rebel who’s trying to peek through is to balance your life with both fun and fundamentals. College is one of the most exciting times of your life, and you should enjoy every minute of it to truly get the most out of your experience.
Sex
Let’s talk about sex, baby. Whether you’re a first-timer or you already know what you want, there are always precautions to take. Probably one of the most important things to remember is that the Centers for Disease Control declared Florida as one of the most at-risk states for HIV. If you plan on having sex, make sure to use protection, and know your partner a little more in-depth than just his or her first name. If you don’t plan on having sex, don’t feel pressured into it because, believe it or not, not everyone in college is sexually active.
There are a lot of places on campus to go to for more information about staying safe if you choose to be sexually active. The Office of Student Activities and the residence halls provide free condoms, and the
Student Medical Center provides STD testing and other services.
Drugs
Let’s be real, you’re in college now, and that means you’re in a new world that consists of more than going to a movie or shopping at the mall on the weekend. Drug and alcohol offers will arise, and temptations will ensue, but safety needs to be your top priority. College is the time to go out and have fun. After a long week, who doesn’t want some time to just forget about life’s numerous stresses?
Keep in mind that despite what your fake ID from some random town in Oklahoma says, the drinking age is 21. Whether you plan on drinking or not, a night out should also be a night of safety. Do not accept drinks from strangers, never take the latest pill one of your friends offers you, and always stick to your gut. These are the years to try new things and have new experiences, but you want to be able to live to tell the tales and have fun making the memories.
Morning class stroll
Ah, the hated 8 a.m. class. Sorry kids, but mom and dad aren’t there to wake you up when you’re running late. Ideally, you should go to every class you have, but if something comes up, or it’s one of those days where seeing any signs of life will push you over the edge, take a day off. It’s okay to have time to revitalize—just make sure that you get your notes and meet with your professor during office hours to find out what was missed. Revitalization does not mean slacking.
Your undergraduate career is supposed to be the best four years of your life, and by all means, make the most of it. Such a new and different experience is exciting, but don’t let all that excitement cloud your judgment. The best way to have a good time is to be smart about it and make wise decisions. It’s not about being perfect, but it is about keeping yourself on track with your goals.
As tough as it is to remember sometimes, you are in college for an education. To be successful in your careers and to make the most out of your experience, you have to know the right times to study and the right times to take a breather. Tame yourself, little rebels, the semester has just begun.
