Lesson #9: Don't study too much.

I'm a firm believer in the fact that at a certain point, you just can't learn anything else before an exam. Try as you might to cram all night or study your ass off, it just won't help. In looking back on my four college years, none of the top 10, 20, or 50 memories involved studying. If you can be responsible enough to learn what you need to during the semester, and to get a few good study sessions in before an exam, there is no need to lose your life to a textbook and notes. It's a balancing act, and while many people find themselves on the side of too much partying, there are just as many on the other side - not enjoying the company of friends, a nice day outside, a greasy college snack. Put the book down, and go make some memories.

Lesson #10: Clean your apartment/house/room regularly.

I just spent 5 hours scrubbing a fucking stovetop, that had it been maintained and cleaned regularly since August, would not have been such a pain in the ass. Same goes for the tub. And the walls. And all these other things that I freaked about about cleaning before my mom came into town for my graduation. I could have been frolicking outside, but no, here I was, cleaning like Cinderella. For the most part, I've always let my room go a bit during the week or during exams - I just don't have the time to clean! But, once a week at least, I'd always try to straighten and tidy up as best as I could. This year, I just never went all the way to really scrub and clean things that were new to me - an old kitchen, and an entire bathroom to myself. Long story short, keep it clean little by little, and you won't miss the magic ball when you're stuck scrubbing.

Lesson #11: Have enough underwear to last you a month.

I haven't done laundry since I got back from my cousin's wedding. It's been almost three weeks. I'm running low on my clothing reserves, especially since the several super-hot days have made me run through lots of sweaty clothing. I have a mountain of dirty shirts, socks, panties, pants, sheets, towels, and rand-o other things like dishtowels and tights. Luckily, I'm still going strong, down to my emergency reserves of granny-panties and sexy thongs. Neither of which are comfortable, neither of which are my first choice, but both of which will work until I finally get some laundry done.

Lesson #12: Attend at least one sporting event.

Some people live and die for sports. Others could care less. Regardless, all parties on both ends of the spectrum should attend at least one large sporting event at their school. My freshman year, I had season tickets for basketball and football games, and I had a blast. There's nothing quite like a sea of Orange Pride to overshadow a wicked ass-whooping (at least my first year). Sure, now I wouldn't be caught dead standing in a line to get into any game, regardless of its importance--but, years ago, I loved it, and it was worth the time. Even if you just spend your time realizing how not into sporting events you are, you can at least say you've gone.

I've just finished my last undergraduate exam ever. It was Communications Law, and it was horrible, but it's over now... it's over now...

I'm free!

A bittersweet time. A time to go party with the ladies and some Czecks at Chucks!

No more teachers, no more books
No more students' dirty looks!