Who says you can’t learn anything from TV? I’ve personally learned tons of lessons about college from my favorite TV shows, and now that most of them are on Netflix or some other streaming option – I can learn those lessons over, and over, and over. (I find time to study, I promise.) Regardless, let’s explore some of these college lessons together:
1. Make Friends Wherever You Can
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College can be a lonely place. With all of the new experiences we’re going through, it’s important to have a strong support system. As much as your mom loves hearing from you, calling her every day isn’t going to get you through this one. Try to make friends in every class because those folks are the people that are going to help you study. Especially in the classes for your major, try to create a group of friends you can depend on because these are the people that you’re going to be with until the bitter end. Bernadette from The Big Bang Theory shows just how real it is to try and make a few pals.
2. College Ain’t Easy
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Not every day is going to perfect. Although college can be super fun, there are going to be days that are really hard. Believe me, I’ve had plenty of mornings where I wake up and just want to watch Netflix all day. We’re all in this together, though, so let’s make the most of it. Part of the fun of college is growing with the folks around you, so pull up your big person pants and let’s keep on trucking. Kenzi from Lost Girl knows what’s up
3. Don’t Look Back
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4. Dating Is Hard
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Sure, Tinder, Bumble, Friendsy, Grindr, Her, and all the other dating apps out there are making it easier and easier to find and connect with potential partners or friends. Let’s be real, just because you can find those people, doesn’t mean it works out. Everyone seems to have their own ideas about what dating, hooking up, or being in a relationship means. That makes this whole trying to date in college thing is SUPER MESSY. Alas, stay strong my friends and remember the wise words of Adam from Workaholics.
5. Make the Most of This Time
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College shouldn’t be totally consumed with dating, though. That’s why we should all listen to Chloe from Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, and remember to make our own fun. She never waits around for the right text because she’s out there making her own party. You are a strong, fantastic human, and you can make your own party. There are obviously tons of ways to make that happen, so embrace this time as a newly free adult and enjoy the heck out of it.
6. You Are A Survivor
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Whether a relationship with your boo just ended, or you just got in a fight with your BFF, college is a time of lots of change. Maybe it’s just me, but I learned how to count on myself more than I ever had before. Blaire from Gossip Girl always knows how to get sh*t done and look good doing it. You are stronger than you think, I promise.
7. It’s Okay to Not Know What’s Next
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5 year plan? 10 year plan? I don’t even know what I’m going to have for dinner let alone “what I want to be when I grow up.” Rory is spot on in Gilmore Girls with how much uncertainty is out there for all of us. I’d like to say it’s going to get easier, but I don’t want to make promises that I can’t keep. *spoiler alert* It all works out for Rory eventually, but like it will for most of us, it might not be what we envisioned on graduation day from high school. That was so long ago, right?
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No, really! Chris from Parks and Recreation will reiterate for us how uncertainty doesn’t stop when you choose a major in college. This is real life, folks. Well, the TV shows aren’t, but you’re living it.
8. Classes Aren’t the Only Places You’re Going Learn Something
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Yes, the point of college is to go to class and get the education that will set you up for the rest of your life. That’s all well and good, but there’s way more that happens in college. Jesse from Breaking Bad usually says it like it is, but this time he’s definitely spot on. You’re going to learn a lot about yourself, other people, and what it’s like to grow up a little.
8. Be Fierce and It Will All Be Okay
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The struggle is real, but you’re going to get through it. Some of the fiercest ladies on TV (in my opinion) are Cookie from Empire and Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones, and these women want you to know that the only real choice is survival. You’ve got this, I promise. Midterms, finals, long nights studying, and growing up are all a part of the process – just take a deep breath and channel your inner fierce human.
