Lessons Learned During College

One week of school left... Two weeks until graduation. Yes, it's true! The end of my five-year* design program is near! So, I thought I'd make a list of things I've learned through the years. No particular order.

*Yes, it is a real five year program. I'm not behind—I actually finished all my elective requirements year four. Six internship quarters stretch a four year program out to five. :-P

1. You don't spend thousands of dollars and five years of your life to become "official" at doing something you already know how to do—you do it to learn.
2. State schools do not offer the MRS degree program. Go to Christian college for that.
3. If you're a design major... your GPA is really not that important. Your portfolio is.
4. It's okay to take advantage of ALL the free stuff—don't feel guilty. And thanks to television, you can probably pass for a freshman all 4, 5, 6... etc years.
5. AppleCare... is worth the money.
6. Mac users and PC users will never get along. Or, they can, as long as they don't discuss computers.
7. Back up your files often. Best case scenario... you'll be reminded to when your classmate's laptop starts smoking during class... Worst case scenario... your laptop with start smoking during class.
8. If you're not a night owl, don't rent an apartment near the frat houses.
9. Living on campus freshman year is worth the money.
10. UC[incinnati]'s campus is like the city of San Francisco: two places might not look far from each other on a map, but then you realize that somehow, it actually is uphill both ways.
11. It is possible to stay up multiple nights in a row. Just keep drinking caffeine.
12. ...but beware of cheap, sketchy off-brand energy drinks...
13. If you're headed to campus around 11 pm to work on a project... bring a toothbrush and change of clothing.
14. X-acto blades are really sharp.
15. You will probably see more manparts graffiti'd on campus than in art history class slides.
16. The worst place to live is under a room occupied by football players. And don't think you're safe if they're not directly above you... I lived on the 2nd floor and would be bothered by noise coming from the 5th floor football players.
17. College should not feel like high school. If it does, you're hanging out with the wrong people.
18. Ratemyprofessors.com is your friend. Use it when signing up for classes. Write reviews to help those who come after you out.
19. No matter how awesome you were in high school, you probably won't get straight A's every quarter in college. Some professors just grade hard.

and finally... since I am running out of ideas... I'll end at 20:
20. Cincinnati natives... People from out of town have no idea what you're talking about when you mention playing cornhole or eating a 3-way. They will think dirty things.