This inside column is inspired by author and influencer Eli Rallo whose “rules” have helped me though the last four years. Between her rules for surviving a breakup, Tuesdays and hosting a pregame, these lists by a fellow journalist and Jersey girl have helped me reframe how I think about life and time at college.
I’ve learned a lot at Notre Dame. As a second semester senior, I can confidently say I have finally figured out how to do college, and just in time with only three months to go. Now that I am an expert, here are the rules I swear by.
1) Sleep, fun, high GPA
You can never have all three at the same time. You can have two of the three, but at some point, you will have to choose which two. Between late back shifts at The Observer Thursday nights and rallying for Newfs on Friday, I tend to favor fun over sleep. My physics II grade is proof that my GPA was never going to recover from the sophomore slump, so ideally you choose two, but sometimes you can only have one.
2) Break up with your high school boyfriend, girlfriend, situationship, whatever you want to call it
This may be a controversial take, but please, I’m begging you to break up with them. My college experience has improved immensely, and I guarantee yours will too. If not, you could probably “tis the damn season” your way back into their life when you go home for Christmas break.
3) Figure out your caffeine intake
If you take away anything from this list, let it be this. People who don’t drink caffeine amaze me (shoutout Shannon) because I literally can’t function without my morning iced latte or supply of diet coke to keep me going at The Observer. There are many options for caffeine on campus, but not all are created equally. Bottom tier: dining hall coffee, ABP coffee and grab and go Starbucks. Top tier: Starbucks iced shaken oat milk espresso, dining hall diet coke with the good ice and Keurigs in random lounges across campus.
4) Establish a go-to karaoke song
I was recently asked what my personal hell would be. Without a doubt: it’s karaoke. My biggest fear is everyone staring at me and feeling my face turn bright red and then even worse having to sing in front of them. That being said, everyone always wants to do karaoke, so I have to lean on my always trusted “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” (see rule number two).
5) Have a friend you can sit in silence with
You need that person who you can spend hours with just existing and not speaking, but it’s not awkward.
6) The third location is never the move
I love a good pregame. Honestly, sometimes the pregame with your closest friends is the move. I’m down to go out to the bars and love to dance, but once it hits 2 a.m. and someone starts inquiring “what’s the move?” that is your sign to start winding down the night.
The third location is never the move. Someone will either be crying, throwing up or sleeping. All should be avoided.
7) Have a rotation of study spots
We are creatures of habit, but you should not study for hours every night freshman year on the 10th floor of Hes to hide from your roommate. You will never be able to step foot in the library again without thinking of the orgo molecule kit and calc practice tests. Writing that sent a shudder down my spine.
Instead, find a few different spots and change it up. I’m partial to the Geddes coffeehouse because it was close to my dorm and because free coffee (see rule number three). My other favorites are the second floor of LaFun, if you can get a table, and the reading room in Jordan Hall because it has nice windows.
8) Be intentional about choosing a borg partner
Borging can make or break a friendship. That’s all I have to say on this.
9) Make a routine for getting out of a funk
Write in a journal, take a shower, listen to your favorite playlist or podcast and go for a walk. Sometimes all you need is some fresh air and space to change your perspective.
10) It’s never too early to start thinking about Halloween costumes
Halloweekend will always sneak up on you and you only have four years to perfect your niche pop culture reference costume. There is nothing worse than a haphazard costume thrown together at the last minute. A costume that will leave people talking takes a perfectly curated Pinterest board, multiple Amazon orders and some classic DIY.
11) Find something you are passionate about
To quote the College of Arts & Letters, “Study everything. Do anything.” Try everything you can — join a sports team, sign up to be a commissioner for your dorm, work an on-campus job, add your name to all the club email lists, join The Observer — you might just find something you love.
