Hey, doe-eyed college-bound newbies! College isn’t everything you’ve been led to believe from movies and tv, but Felicia Westerfeld is here to help you make the most of your transition to new-found independence.
(Aw, so sweet. So clueless. So much denim. At least they haven't started wearing pajamas as clothes. Seriously, girls. Pajamas are not clothes.)
Love Yourself
Don’t forget to take care of yourself! First of all, pack smart. I recommend a high-quality noise-cancelling headset and a comfy eye mask to block light from inconsiderate roommates blowing things up on their computers all night. Once you’ve packed the necessities, focus the rest of your luggage space on clothes. Be prepared with everything from your sparkliest formal for an impromptu costume party to your comfiest pajamas for midnight mani-pedis with your new college BFF’s. When you look your best, you’ll feel your best.
(The right accessories make the perfect statement for any occasion!)
Love Your Space
A dorm is a great place to meet sisters you never knew you had, but it’s also a space full of smelly boys and people in the room above you playing Radiohead over and over and over because they think it’s the 60’s or something. Are they even alive anymore? At least change it up to Nirvana once in a while or something.
(Seriously, everybody. Get a good headset. You'll thank me.)
Anyway, where was I? Right. Create a relaxing space for yourself in the midst of the chaos--your own little oasis of you. Dorms are impersonal. Think of them like a blank, miniature canvas to fill with your personal style. Go crazy and change things up. College is a time to be who you’ve always wanted to be! Be that you. Oh, and definitely bring in your own mirrors and natural lighting. Tiny mirrors and fluorescent lights are the worst.
(Nothing's more inspiring than an affirmation word wall!)
Love Coffee
(Right?)
Love Your Time
Pack your schedule to stave off homesickness and friend-sickness. The more events you can get yourself invited to, the less time you’ll have to stress over the fact that your classes are at different times and days of the week and that upperclassmen are smearing your name because you had the audacity to break up their cheating ring where they were extorting money out of poor, dumb students who didn’t know any better. Be nice to everyone, and try new things. By that I mean try new activities, obviously. Stick to what looks like recognizable food in the cafeteria.
This:
Not This:
(Are they fries? Are they chips? If you have to ask, just say no.)
Anyway, I feel like I lost focus here. You never know where you’re going to find friends, so don’t limit your options. You may be able to survive college without your favorite pair of Louboutins, but you’re not going to survive it on your own.
(Outdoor class is good, because with the freedom to not bathe, freshmen boys smell rank. No joke.)
I hope those tips are helpful! I know you’ll do great, because you’re the best at being you. (You should probably write that on a card and tape it to one of your mirrors so you don’t forget. Or maybe write something like “Don’t forget to be awesome!” or “I’ve got this." Except you know what? Don’t worry about it. I think I need to do a separate blog on generating a personal mantra for success and peace of mind. For now, just do all the other things, and you’re set.)
<3 <3 <3 Felicia
Next week (or next week-ish, depending on how much I have to nag her to stay on schedule), stay tuned for my BFF Emily to give her own college advice for anti-establishment independent thinkers, or whatever she’s calling herself nowadays. If your goal in life is to end up alone with a house full of cats, this will be the blog for you. I’m kidding! I’m kidding! (I’m totally not kidding. Stop skipping all the cool parties, Em.)
(Em, practicing for the future.)