Three years ago, I got off the L at the Fullerton stop for the first time, clutching my phone and hoping no one would notice the DePaul campus map on my home screen. As a senior now, I can look back and laugh at the silly thoughts that consumed me as a first-year student.
I felt a newfound sense of independence in my first month at DePaul. The streets of Chicago beckoned and the world was my oyster. But with that freedom came some hard lessons. I did not realize how quickly my money was slipping away until I got that dreaded notification from my bank. Embarrassed, almost to the point of asking my parents to fund my late-night study cravings, I quietly took up more shifts at my part-time job. And while I may have missed out on some shopping sprees in Wicker Park, I am proud that I managed to reverse my wrongdoings on my own. I gained a stronger sense of independence when it came to financial responsibility.
My advice on this front? Indulge in the free activities Chicago has to offer and the discounted student prices provided at DePaul. It is easy to get caught up in FOMO and overspend on overpriced lattes or surge-priced Ubers, but there are so many affordable options if you budget wisely.
Another challenge I faced, and one I see many students share, regardless of their year, is making friends. I remember feeling completely out of the loop, wearing a band and movie T-shirt, hoping someone would recognize my amazing taste and start a conversation.
After a few days of this failed approach, I had a realization: What if I just approached someone instead? As a proud introvert, asking someone to lunch felt like the ultimate test of bravery. But it paid off. The girl I sheepishly invited out to lunch that day has become one of my longest-lasting friendships at DePaul. And it happened without the help of a vintage band tee.
As a freshman, time management was not one of my strong suits. Even now, I struggle with juggling deadlines. It can be overwhelming trying to manage friends, finances, classes, work, and family. I went through almost three stress balls before the end of my first Fall Quarter.
While I have never been much of a planner, I found that a whiteboard calendar worked best for me. I hung one up on my wall and read over all my syllabi. I wrote down due dates and scheduled my time accordingly. While I do not claim to be perfect, this system has been a game-changer for me, helping me not only academically but also professionally.
Ultimately, the goal is to put yourself out there. College is about learning to navigate it all: independence, finances, friendships and yes, even the deadlines. Embrace the city, take control of your budget, own your calendar and make your presence known. You will go further than you think.
Header Image by Erika Berumen
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