Dear College Self, I have so many things that I’d like to tell you. I think now is a great time since most will be busy and here are some college tips.

Dear College Self | Things I wanted to say to myself some years ago

It was 2009 when I first stepped inside a university to study for the tertiary level. At first, I felt almost every emotion that existed in the world. From happiness to sadness, it was there! I also remember the first year, first month and especially the first day. How I wish I had siblings who would have taught me back then the basics when it comes to the first few days of college.

Now, as I share some of the things I would’ve told myself back then, I hope that this would be helpful to all senior high school students in the world. Even if I’m from the Philippines, I guess our present educational system is also the same as the other countries in the world.

Yet, even if there were lonely parts in college, I would have to say that I had a great time during those years!

Here are the things that I would say to myself before and even during those collegiate years.

#1 How I wish you knew how to read people better

Back then, I did not know how to read other people. Let’s say that even before, I would always see the best in people even if they are really not that good people. There were times that I had been too trusting with many people and some ended up disappointing me. I’d like to tell myself back then that just choose a friend or two and you’ll be good. Or even by yourself, it’s not that bad.

Actually, it’s the safest thing. To be with yourself and just a friend or two.

P.S. Another look here would be:

Choose your friends wisely.

#2 I wish I could tell myself back then to never stop trusting yourself

There were those days that I have lost faith in myself and in what I can do. It was the time that almost everyone was better than me but I know that I’m good at something too.

A little drive or support was also necessary since my spirits were down back then and there were also insecurities that drove me a little crazy as well.

#3 Experience is one of the best teachers ever

Whenever school is mentioned, we would cringe usually because of the early hours or the amount of school work we have to do. On the contrary, not everything is taught in school.

No matter how long we stay in school or study, we never learn how to recover from a hangover or how to smoke a cigarette. We learn those kinds of things from our friends, some through cousins. Yet, experiencing those at an early stage will be significant in the latter part of our lives.

#4 Saving is not starving

Back then, when I wanted to buy something for myself, I will not eat for how many days. I’d use the money or my allowance to just save up for a new pair of shoes or clothes. Ultimately, I got sick with ulcer.

It was both a nightmare and an eye-opener. Since before, I would skip meals just to save. I realized that it was not how to take care of my body properly. That even if it was for something that could benefit me, the execution was totally wrong.

To my dear old self back then, I wish you knew how eating or food can be truly valuable in one’s life. Now, I don’t stop myself from spending on food. I’d always spend money on food because now, I know it’s an essential need for survival. Deep inside, I learned the true worth of saving. Even if my parents sent me to school, I’ve saved somehow in order to lessen their expenses when it comes to my needs.

Some would wonder about financial aid for uni. Universities and colleges have certain programs that may fit your needs but if it doesn’t, feel free to search the world wide web for links or information about getting financial aid for your studies.

#5 Don’t take things for granted

You may be blessed or born with a silver spoon in your mouth but remember that you are spending your parents’ money.

Especially to those living away from their parents, budgeting is a tough thing to do. You are given a certain amount of allowance that is supposed to last for a month. Don’t spend it overnight because the consequences will be quite hard.

There are a lot of options to ease financial stress. If student loans are overwhelming look into refinancing or consolidation. Earnest has a ton of great information on how they can help you here.

Last but definitely not the least!

#6 Your biggest enemy is yourself.

This is a lesson from a movie that I just recently watched and it’s applicable even in high school or elementary not just in uni.

You may ask why?

Nobody else other than ourselves would hinder us from reaching the best versions of ourselves.

Now that I’m pursuing my post-grad degree, I’ve been feeling a lot lately. Some were regrets back in uni during my undergrad days. Things that I wished I knew and things I wish I didn’t know.

Most of these are the top things I’d like to tell my uni self. Yet, time doesn’t move backward but forwards. Let this be known that these may not be applicable to all of you. Maybe to some, yes.

Nevertheless, enjoy your university life while it lasts!