Life advice from Hannah: A back to school guide

Coming back to school can be rough, trust me, I’ve been there a few times. But it can also be fun and exciting. UVU is a great campus that helps you feel included. I’m here to give you some personal tips on coming back to school that I have learned the hard way.

First off, picking your classes. I never just take the classes with a lot of empty seats; there is a reason they are open. Be sure to research your professors. Always look them up on Rate My Professor before actually picking their class. If you don’t, you’ll be stuck with a bunch of professors that you and your classmates hate. Be sure to take a fun class. Fill your schedule with the classes you need but also take one fun class. I took a rock climbing class that was such a blast and I’ll never regret it. I also took a jewelry making class that was fun. Yeah, college is for learning about your degree, but also take classes that interest you.

When picking your major look at the classes, not the major. I had the hardest time picking a major at first until a friend told me to stop looking at the majors and just “star” all the classes that I wanted to take. After I looked at all the starred classes I realized that most of those were in communication.

I know people say this all the time but get involved. Join a club and get involved with campus activities. It’s the best and easiest way to make friends. Join the MAWL because you will always have people to go to the games with, and you’ll have a great time with them. UVU is a great place to make friends and have fun. I promise if you just get out there it’s going to be a blast.
Now academics, never buy your books at the bookstore. You can get them for a fifth of the price online. Also, don’t buy your books before you’ve gone to class. At least half of your professors will say they don’t use the book.

All around, college is really about time management. You’re constantly trying to figure out who you are and what you want to do with the rest of your life while also trying to be social and make lifelong friends.

Whenever I get stressed out and feel like my life is falling apart my mom always says, “You can have it all, you just can’t have it all at once.” Keep that with you. Most the time it will feel like you’re crumbling or that you’re doing terrible. Just know that every student feels that way and that you’re not alone.

If you have a question about life, feel free to email Hannah at [email protected]