How to make the most of college when you dislike the school, can’t transfer, don’t get along with the people, and have just one year left
how to make the most of college when you hate the campus
hi love, okay first off, i just want to say it is totally valid to feel stuck and frustrated when you're in a place that doesn't feel like home, especially with college being such a HUGEEE part of life. but since you've got just one year left, i completely understand.
college doesn't have to be the perfect "find your people and best years of your life" montage, most of the times it's just a place you pass through. and that's okay. one year left isn't a sentence!!!
just think of this last year less like "college life" and more like a residency program for your future self. you're literally there to build, father and QUIETLY leave stronger than you arrived.
✦ focus on what you can control. you might not love the school or the people, but you CANNNN control how you spend your time and energy. find classes, clubs or projects that actually interest you.
✦ just note in your head: YOU ARE NOT THERE FOR COMMUNITY! you're there for leverage. classes professors, libraries, career services, education, internships, alumni networks etc. these are all TOOLS! use the institution without emotionally/socially investing in it. i hope that makes sense.
✦ if the existing social scene is NOT your vibe, i recommend just trying to connect with the people OUTSIDE your immediate circle. online groups, study buddies, OR even people from different departments!
✦ STOP MAKING THE CAMPUS YOUR WORLD!!! it's super important to create a life that exists beside school. like routines at cafes OFF campus. a gym, park, or walking route, online communities related to your interests or field. a personal project that has NOTHING to do with grades.
✦ since you can't transfer, use this time to reflect and plan. just think about what you want after college and use this year to build a roadmap for your next steps.
✦ GOOD TIPS: find one professor who respects you, one class you ACTUALLY engage with, one quiet place that feels neutral or safe, and one habit that structure your week.
✦ when you don't fit somewhere, the instinct is to resist or take it personally. just observe people, observe dynamics, observe how institutions function. just observe.
✦ a year is plenty of time to shift trajectory, if you focus outward. think of things like: internships, portfolio building, informational interviews, skill certifications, writing, research, or creative work tied to what you want after graduation.
you don't have to bloom where you're planted!!!!! finishing something you didn't love without letting it shrink you is a HUGGEEEE strength!
izzy806
germansingergirl
andulkaphoto
snowghoul
baratheonpilled
areudirty
