University Diary by Rashi

Posts

HIGH SCHOOL VS COLLEGE

Now that freshman year is over, I can finally reflect on it thoroughly and have drawn some comparisons between high school and college. While I have enjoyed freshman year, learnt a lot and have definitely grown as a person, I miss high school. Life was definitely simpler and somehow everything I was working for and towards had a purpose that was more definitive. In high school, everyone was striving towards a common goal: college. However, in college, with the vast variety of concentrations and options of grad school, an internship, job or staying at home after college, everyone seems to have a different goal and purpose. Sometimes everything can seem confusing and like it has no purpose. In school, we needed good grades to get into a good college but there doesn’t seem any definitive reason to do well in college and it can be demotivating sometimes. In addition, there were more rules and regulations and expectations in school. Everyone knew what you could or couldn’t do and where

SURVIVING FRESHMAN YEAR

I would be lying if I said this year has been easy. From freshman 15 to late night studying for exams that greatly deflate grades to sleepless nights and unnecessary drama, it’s been an eventful year. I would also be lying if I said I had no regrets. It’s upsetting but I actually have quite a few. I regret going out and partying when I should instead be studying; not visiting the gym as often as I’d like and eating trash food and not speaking up in class as much as I should. Most of these things I practiced in my freshman year, however, and I believe I’ve come a long way since then. I realized the main reason I’m at college and my entire focus shifted. I started eating better, working out more often, studying more, communicating more and not going out as much. As time progressed, I also learnt how to handle money better and make wiser decisions. Of course my semester wasn’t perfect, I could have handled many things better but for me some progress is better than none. Some ta

BREAKING THE ICE

If you end up in the freezing hell of Boston or another city like it, much like me, please be prepared and don’t be like me. The first day back after winter break is never good, you’re homesick, you miss your domestic help and jet lag is at its peak so being unprepared is just going to make the situation a million times worse (no exaggeration). My first day back, I didn’t have snow boots so I slipped and fell in the ice and to make things worse, I had to walk super slowly to avoid falling again which led to me almost being hit by the train. So please, please buy snow boots in advance. I was also dressed very inappropriately for the weather so unlike me, remember to carry a big coat for when you get off the flight and do not rely on the temperature of the airport. Furthermore, if your hands are like mine and super sensitive to the cold, make gloves your best friends. Don’t be miserly when it comes to spending on gloves and get ones that are not only warm but also allow you to typ

AIRBORNE

Aside from the lack of room service, messy dorms and finals another awful part about college is travelling solo. I don’t know about you, but I hate travelling alone. I love having a travelling companion who will guide me as to where to go next at the airport and just someone to talk to and complain to on that long flight journey. I have never travelled such a long distance alone so safe to say, my parents were scared out of their wits. I couldn't exactly reassure them either because if anything, I was equally nervous. I knew next to nothing about the on goings of the airport because I never pay attention! However, I knew I had to do it. So first I watched an entire video about the various steps, then my dad messaged me an entire list of instructions (this is not a necessary step) and packed a lot of home food and fun stuff to keep myself entertained. Make sure your phone is fully charged and even carry a power bank, better to be safe than sorry. Reach the airpor

HELP, I’M OVERWHELMED!

College can be very demanding and can lead to stress and feelings of being overwhelmed. I, for one, find that sometimes in college we put more on our plate than we can manage. With balancing a social life, good grades, being to class on time, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and clubs, college can be stressful. It is important, however, to remember that you’re all in this together and to never ever panic. Ever heard of a midlife crisis? Only instead, I would have a midday crisis every day of the week and I’m just 18. I was new and terrible at managing my time. I learned the hard way though. Doesn't have to be the same for everyone. It is important to keep track of your assignments and deadlines. Doing six assignments with 4 cups of coffee in one night may seem like a good idea on Friday, but when it’s finally Sunday night, you’ll be too tired, the caffeine wouldn't kick in and you’ll probably end up forgetting to set your alarm. Not a great start to the week. Try to brea

THE ROOMMATE EFFECT

One of the most important things that can shape your college experience is your roommate. Provided you choose to have one, which I strongly suggest because it can get lonely all by yourself so far away but not everyone is lucky enough to have a compatible roommate. It’s almost like you’re a married couple, you eat together, decide on the décor of the room together, argue about who created the mess and spend a lot of time together. And no one wants to go through the pain of a divorce which equals the roommate contract which is just as tedious to alter. Hence, it is very important to have a good roommate. While the random roommate thing may seem like a good idea, it ends up as a disaster a lot of times. I chose someone I talked to over social media and we decided to room together. And I’m glad to say that we are the best roommates, we may not be the best of friends but we are amazing roommates. She’s not as clean but I love cleaning and she provides food and a good ear, we cou