COLLEGE DURING A PANDEMIC AND ADVICE FOR FRESHMAN
Well this is my second time typing this. I went to post it earlier tonight and all of a sudden it just all deleted. So yeah. I am a little angry - because this was a super long post and I had lots of cool pictures and everything. So sorry if it doesn't live up to your expectations.
Where was I....
Going back to school no matter what is stressful, but going back to school during a pandemic, now that's a little crazy. I truly have no idea how this school year is going to go. I constantly find myself stuck between "I want to go into this semester with an open mind and with the mindset that we will stay on campus" vs. "I don't want to get my hopes up and be let down". I really hope we get to stay until Thanksgiving but I think I am overestimating the responsibilities of my fellow classmates. I am about to wrap up my packing for my apartment this semester. So I wanted to include some tips and tricks that saved me last school year.
Socially:
obviously my advice will be a bit different from what incoming freshman are going to need to understand but I will still try my best.
1. Everyone is scared to make new friends, it's not just you.
2. Don't be afraid to leave your door open (once again circumstances will differ with COVID)
3. Be nice to your RA and Hall Director - they train for a whole week or a few before you get there just to be the perfect person that you can rely on. They want to help you, if you only know your RA and hall director because they have written you up - CHIGGITY CHECK YA SELF SISTER
4. Say hi to people in the bathrooms and meet people on your floor. (I promise that they will be the coolest people ever.
5. Parties are fun but honestly, they aren't that great. Especially during a pandemic. Don't be the dumbass that gets everyone sent back home ( that would be so embarrassing )
Here is a quick summary of a college party - "ahem... imagine you are crammed in a basement with 100 people and the walls are literally so wet with sweat, that when you walk up the stairs you realize what it feels like to breathe again because there was no breathable air in the basement. In regards to music, if you want to experience a crappy "rugby basement party" just play Post Malone's top 2 songs over and over, and then mix in UCLA at least 3 times in the hour and random rap songs that only the guy with the aux knows. Then imagine that some random guy who lives in the house comes down stairs and tells everyone to get out, so you all leave and there are about 75 people just standing on the sidewalk waiting for the 6 Ubers Eau Claire has to offer. Oh and did I mention that it's 40º?"
Packing:
- Pack light - if you are second guessing if you are going to wear those pants or not, you probably aren't. and trust me you want all the space you can have in your drawers. You can always have someone mail you a care package if you forget to pack your favorite t-shirt or something.
- Pack smart - this may sound like a silly one but you don't want to have to make a ton of trips to your car and then your dorm and then your car and yada yada yada. Make sure that you don't make any one box too heavy, try and distribute the weight evenly
How to make your room feel like home:
1. Soft lighting
2 Essential oil diffuser
3. LOWER YOUR BED - not lofted, not half loft, not step stool, I mean LOWER.
4. bring something to cover your walls, and I promise you you will get pretty tired of an entire wall of pictures, bring some art or a tapestry, something that makes it yours.
Something that I valued so much was the feeling I got when other people said they felt safe and comfortable in my room. I tried so hard to make my room the best it could be and I think I succeeded. I loved that room with every part of my being.
Pro roommate tip:
- Set boundaries with your roommate pretty soon after getting to know them.
- Be vocal, if there is an issue - bring it up and talk about it right away. Don't let problems build up.
- Respect their alone time and make sure to advocate for your own alone time.
How to advocate for yourself and make time for self care:
1. Speak up. If something your roommate does bothers you, make sure that you let them know. Don't be aggressive but also don't be passive aggressive. Just make sure that you aren't compromising something that you value.
2. Don't go on your phone right away in the morning. It is so easy to just grab your phone once your alarm goes off and scroll. Challenge yourself to chug some water first. Try and get yourself to do some stretches in bed. One of my favorites is to go into child's pose right when my alarm goes off. It is comfortable, but not comfy enough that you will fall back asleep.
3. JOURNAL. Even if you aren't good at articulating your feelings just write and write. It is so important for us to process our thoughts somewhere that isn't just in our heads. Seeing your feelings written down can open your mind a lot.
4. If you don't feel like doing something or going somewhere with friends, DON'T. Some of my best nights were nights that I stayed in and watched Love Island, did a face mask and worked on some art.
5. Stand up for what you believe in.
Things I packed that you will need (and might forget about):
1. Fan - those freshman dorms get so hot, you will need a big old box fan.
2. Body pillow - comfort
3. Extra charger
4. A big nice mattress pad - it is worth it to spend an extra few $$ or so. Because a good night of sleep is your best friend.
5. A pair of slippers!!! So nice to have something warm and cozy.
6. A shoe mat - salty snowy boots are not the move
7. A door mat - super easy way to make your room a little bit more inviting and so its not cold when you step in.
COVID GO BAG
Something that my mom told me about that I am packing this semester in particular, is a COVID go bag. This is a small duffel bag with some cozy clothes, extra toiletries, and extra charger. This is important because if you find out that you have COVID and you have to be sent to the quarantine dorms. It is an easy thing for your roommate to grab and bring to you. Rather than them going through all your clothes and trying to find your toothbrush. It is just easier if you can call them and say "Hey grab the blue bag under my bed." Encourage your roommates to do this too so you can have an easier time if they test positive.
It is no surprise that this semester will be one for the history books. Remember to take care of yourself, advocate for yourself and what you need, and be open to all the new possibilities.
First semester is so tough. But I know you can get through it. I thought about dropping out so often it was scary, but here I am going into my second year with the most amazing group of friends and a new found wave of confidence.
If you have four minutes of your day and you want to watch a video I made in honor of my freshman year, I will include the link
here.
Lots of love, stay healthy & never stop creating art,
MADS♡ she/her/hers
contact: madisondier@yahoo.com
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