College Advice
Health:
Don't eat disgustingly good food. It's more disgusting than good.
Go into the city at least once a month.
Go to class.
Exercise regularly, at least three hours a week of vigorous exercise, without fail. Nothing else you do will pay such big dividends in your overall happiness.
If you feel tired, rather than increasing your caffeine intake, make an effort to get more sleep.
Studying:
If you are struggling with something, teach it. Nothing is so effective for real learning as having to explain it to someone else.
Don't ask a question if you already know the answer.
Do all of the recommended preparation.
Friendship:
Volunteer regularly, right from the start. You will enjoy life far more, make more and better friends, and make better-informed life decisions, if you are constantly making a real contribution to something more important than yourself.
Listen 80% of the time, talk 20%.
You can be friendly without being friends. Be friendly to all - but pick your friends wisely. Don't let friends just "happen." Notice who you admire, who is interesting, who has a good attitude - and seek that person out. Spend time with people worth spending time with, people who make you feel re-energized and positive.
Some people do not treat others with respect. Try to avoid these people, rather than talking/confronting them. It's not worth your energy.
Drinking:
If you drink a little bit and feel good, drinking more will not make you feel better.
Watch out for each other. Notice if a friend isn't feeling well or if someone is trying to take advantage of how many drinks s/he has had. Ask your friends to watch out for you.
Pre-partying with your closest friends is generally more fun than the actual party. Make a music playlist, play a racy board game, get ready to go out together, be silly and uninhibited - those are the weekend times you'll remember and cherish most. (And the times you'll talk about at reunions and at each others' weddings.)
Dating:
Be brave but don't be pushy. Don't hesitate to ask someone out on a date, but if s/he says no - shrug, smile, and change the subject. S/he will respect you for having the self-confidence to ask, and also the self-confidence to maintain your sense of self-worth despite rejection.
Only one relationship is meant to "work out." Allow yourself to experience what does and doesn't work for you.
Once you realize that a romantic relationship isn't going to work out, it is kinder and more respectful to be up-front with your feelings. It's tough to end a relationship, but everyone deserves a partner who reciprocates romantic feelings. It also leaves you open to the possibility of meeting a person who is right for you.
Acknowledge that romance doesn't make any sense. Unlike friendships, romance has a nonsensical, irrational element. Remember that a person can (and should) respect you, like you, admire you, and believe that you're worthy of love - and simply not feel the romance. Rejection of a romantic relationship should never be a rejection of a person as a human being.
Remember that when someone does not follow the above rules (and treats you as a less worthy person because s/he is not interested in romance) - that reflects poorly on that person. Don't ever let romantic rejection influence your own sense of self-worth, and make it clear that this is how you operate and how you treat others.
General:
Whether studying, hanging out with friends, or dating someone - have fun. Indulge in your enthusiasm. That said, self-denial is under-rated. There's something to be said for restricted exposure to unhealthy pleasures (and all pleasures are unhealthy when unlimited), and focusing on others rather than self-absorbed self-indulgence.
Stick your neck out. Challenge yourself to try new things - a new sport, new activity. Be as involved as you can!
Lock your bike.
