It's been ten weeks since I've moved to the wonderful place I get to call home, otherwise known as the infamous Indiana University. Now it hasn't been smooth sailing adjusting from my life in Chicago, IL to my life here in Bloomington. In fact, although I've made some great memories, I have also faced my fair share of challenges. If there is anything I've learned it is that everything is a learning experience. So ladies and gents, I present to you the top ten things I've learned in my past ten weeks at IU.
Moving out, I never had the thought that it was going to be a really difficult experience being away from home. After a few weeks I realize how completely wrong I was. I missed everything about Chicago, from the pizza to my own shower. It's really important to not forget where you came from because it will always be a part of you, but you cannot let it keep you from enjoying wherever you are right now. So Chicago, I really miss and love you, but Bloomington has earned a special place in my heart too.
2. Don't be afraid to seek out help if you need it.Like I said adjusting can be very difficult and feel very overwhelming. I'm still trying to get used to everything and adjust myself to being here. If you're like me and you need help adjusting do not be afraid to ask for it. Remember you have two free counseling sessions at CAPS (counseling and psychology services) located on the fourth floor of the IU Health center. If you need to use them, please do.
3. It's okay if your plans change -- You ARE NOT a failure!I came to Indiana University with the wonderful dream of being a successful business woman. I thought the Kelley School of Business was the right place for me to be. After my first 8 weeks I've realized maybe there were certain aspects of business I liked, but it wasn't for me. So here I am halfway through my first semester and I am changing my major. No matter what your major and what your plans were you need to do what seems best for you. I for one am so excited to call myself a Public Relations and Advertising major through IU's wonderful Ernie Pyle School of Journalism.
4. I am so proud to call myself a Hoosier!"This is Indiana, yeah we do it big." Traditions and Spirits here are so unbelievably important and it is wonderful being able to share all this love and pride for my school with 40,000+ people. Fewer things are better than Indiana Basketball, IU Academics, Cream and Crimson, and candy stripes. Nothing tops being able to belt out the lyrics to "This is Indiana" and chanting "Hoo-hoo-hoo-HOOSIERS" with all the people that know and love this school as much as I do. So if "you're an Indiana Hoosier put your hands up."
Finding places like a favorite coffee shops, or a favorite ice cream parlor helped me feel more at home. I liked being able to recommend places to people as well as having places to take my family when they come and visit. Doing things like this will also help you discover campus! Trust me when I say that Kirkwood has endless amounts of things to offer if you're willing to go find them. Personally I recommend Soma Coffee and Hartzell's Ice Cream.
If you are feeling completely stressed and overwhelmed by academics, then it might not be the right major for you. That's okay! The saying "love what you do and you won't work a day in your life" applies as much now as it will in the future. You should love your studies in a weird nerdy way, not hate your life completely while doing them. That being said when you are stressed....
7. Take advantage of the two gyms!WIC and the SRSC are great places to go to run off some steam when you're feeling stressed. They are completely free to any IU student and you'll feel great about yourself after finishing a workout. Besides I'm sure we've all eaten one too many slices of Pizza X at this point.
8. Life is what you make of it, and so are the dorms.Don't get me wrong I was a little disappointed when I found out I was living in the southeast neighborhood in the Read dorms instead of McNutt in Northwest like I had hoped originally. After these two months though, I've met some great people and learned to love my dorm. You always get what you put into things, so be sure to give your dorm a chance.
Don't lose your GPA either. Be sure to give as much TLC to your homework and classes just as much to your dedication to your social life on the weekend. A social life is healthy, but it won't last to long if you forget about the real reason you're at college...to study.
10. Find yourself.During orientation my dad wrote me a letter and told me that the thing he hoped for me the most during my journey at Indiana University is that I find myself. I realize how important that goal actually is. It's okay to change and be a different person from who you were when you left home just be sure you're finding yourself not losing yourself.
Indiana has already taught me so many things, and I cannot wait to see what else it has in store for me.
For more things learned at IU, check out these posts: