WHEN THE PARTY'S OVER PART 1

By Elle Reese Barnett

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For me, it's always hard to decide when the party is over. Literally.

The school and social life dynamics are difficult to balance in college, and in today I dive into the two, and how to maintain a balance.

We talk about all things college from reading the syllabus to unspoken party rules.

College is such an interesting endeavor.

You go from having no freedom to complete freedom in just a few hours.

Who came up with this? Like, let's just throw all these kids together, who have never been on their own before, and let's have them live together with no parental supervision whatsoever. I mean, kinda crazy.

You are thrown into a town where everyone seems to know what they are doing besides you which can be extremely nerve-wracking.

College seemed so big and was so out of my comfort zone at first.

The feeling of being dropped off at college is like no other. Saying goodbye to your hometown friends, saying goodbye to your parents. There is a lot of emotion when moving in general, especially your first move into college.

Without a doubt, in a few weeks, you will be in the groove and loving where you are at.

You don't have to go to college!

This isn't a new idea, that college is not for everyone, but I just wanted to restate that it is not a necessity in life.

Social standards expect you to go to college right out of high school, get a degree, and then get a job.

This just is not for everyone.

Some of the most successful people did not go to college! Oprah Winfrey, EMMA CHAMBERLAIN, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg never went to college and so many more.

Pursue your dreams, and if college isn't a part of those dreams, don't go!

If you do attend college, make sure you do your research and visit campus to choose the right one.

Obviously, for me, my choice wasn't necessarily "right" because I ended up leaving and coming to Purdue. But I don't regret my decision to attend IU last year, because it got me where I am today. I would have never met Mary Rose or any of my IU friends. I would've missed out on so much fun at that school and so many memories.

It changed me as a person, made me stronger, and for that I am grateful.

Picking a school is difficult, especially if you have many options.

Consider everything - do you want a big or small school? what is the school's reputation? do they have my major or minor available? Is it close to home? All of these things should contribute to your decision.

Don't follow your friends and or boyfriend to college.

Choose what feels right for you.

I am in love with college life.

The academics, the games, the parties, and the people. Everything about it is so fun to me.

As much as I love college life, dealing with mental health in college can be a struggle.

College is a very fast-paced environment. Social and academic standards are higher than ever, and it seems like there is so much weight on your shoulders at all times. Courses are rigorous, and parties are crazy, so how do you balance the two? How do you balance the two AND your mental health?

Today I'm gonna give you some college 101 tips!

Starting with mental health in college.

Stick to healthy coping skills, even though unhealthy ones may seem much quicker and easier. Using good coping skills will help you in the long run so much more.

College kids are notorious for bad coping skills, so let's try to break the stereotype.

Stay active, and walk to class or around campus. Find a nearby gym, yoga studio, park, or anything for you to have an outlet to move your body.

Classes and studying can be so draining. Sitting at a desk for multiple hours, sitting in class for multiple hours. It can't be good for our mental or physical health. Get movin'!!!

Get your alone time!

With roommates and classes, especially if you live in a sorority or fraternity, it can be hard to find time for yourself.

Make sure you are spending enough time independently, so you have time and space to grow.

Maybe this is when you go to the gym, on a run, or do something mindful like journaling or reading.

Make sure you have something that feels like "you" time.

Implement moments of peace during your day.

College can be very chaotic and fast-paced. Find moments for breathwork, journaling, or meditation, or anything that helps you calm down.

On the flip side of that, you also wanna make sure you're not hibernating in your dorm or apartment.

Colleges have so many crazy opportunities that could bring you joy.

Stay active! Walk to class and say yes to going out every now and then. Join clubs or get a job on campus, there is so much opportunity.

Make sure you're independent, not isolated.

Now into what everyone loves talking about... school!

Keeping up with your studies and not getting behind will greatly help your mental health. This is so much easier said than done, but whenever I am behind and drowning in schoolwork, it almost makes me feel like I am behind and drowning in life. This is not true, but It's how I feel.

Make sure you don't even give yourself the chance to get behind and remind yourself how amazing you feel when that assignment, paper, or test is done.

If I can stay on top of things at the beginning, I know it will motivate me to finish even stronger.

Read the Syllabus! and Get to know your professor! Go to Class!

What if at the beginning of the school year, your teacher gave you a packet outlining the entire class from start to finish, how to contact them, their extra hours, all the assignments, and test dates? Well, they do! It's called the syllabus, yeah the one you usually ignore.

Study that thing! Know what's coming next in class and you won't be blindsided by big projects or papers. The class goes much smoother when you can see it from the big picture. The class will also feel much easier when you can look at all the assignments as a whole.

Introduce yourself to your professor, go to their office hours if you are behind, and be honest with them about your work. A good relationship with a professor is not only crucial for an all-star grade, but it can also help you in the long run if you ever need recommendations or someone who can attest to your character.

Go! To! Class!

I said it, and I will say it again. Go. To. Class. You are paying so much money per class you take, and missing for dumb reasons is not going to help you succeed in the class. Take it from personal experience.. just go to class.

There's no secret magic trick to going, you just have to go! Discipline over motivation.

You have to study in college. You have to. If studying isn't for you, I truly don't recommend college. You cannot wing these exams, and they make or break your final grade.

The biggest thing to get me motivated to study is to play "college girl studious girl simulator".

I put on my cute outfit, do my hair and makeup, and go to a cute coffee shop or library and romanticize the entire thing.

Find what works for you and stick with it.

Alright, enough about school

Onto unspoken party rules...

Don't be sloppy.

Okay... try not to be sloppy, okay?

Most people don't mean to get blackout drunk, but some do.

Let me just tell you, this is not a cute look. It's annoying, someone has to babysit, and bad things always happen. Keep it classy ladies and gents. ;)

Don't leave your girlfriends!

Don't be that friend who loses their friends or leaves the party before saying anything and freaking the whole group out. Stick with the people you came with, and communicate or else things get dangerous!

Watch your drink, and watch your friend's drinks. Stay safe, some people are horrible out there.

Don't drive drunk. ever.

Uber exists you, idiot.

Not you... I am talking to those of you who drive after drinking.

Lastly

Have fun! Don't be a party pooper and get off your phone!

Live in the moment and cherish these years you have been surrounded by people your age!

Dance at parties, converse in hangouts, and engage with people you might not know.

College is such a crazy and fun time in life, as long as you keep things balanced and maintain your mental health as best as possible. I am blessed to be where I am today at Purdue, and wouldn't want it any other way.

Love you all!

- Elle

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