College Survival Guide: 7-Days To Become the Ultimate “It Girl” 

Walking onto campus for the first time can be intimidating. As a freshman, there are so many unknowns. Everyone seems nervous, uncomfortable, and out of place, except for the “It Girl”. 

There’s always one girl who comes to mind who appears to have her life together. She always wears a cute outfit, eats and breathes a healthy lifestyle, and is confident in herself. Everyone desires to be more like her. 

This 7-step college survival guide will help you become the best version of yourself so YOU can be the “It Girl” on your college campus.

Mindful Monday : Time to Reset

To start this college survival guide, be present in the moment. Amidst the chaos on a college campus, finding moments of peace can be grounding. Mindfulness is an excellent tactic for resetting and becoming the best version of yourself.

You can achieve mindfulness in many different ways, and the best part is that it all depends on what you prefer! There are various ways to practice mindfulness, such as yoga, meditation, and journaling. Even something as simple as building a strong routine and staying organized can help you stay mindful.

Manifestation is another source of mindfulness. Manifestation is the practice of visualization and affirmations to align your mind with your goals. Podcasts like Marketing Girly’s episode #157 with Camille Zingoni, Nissan’s influencer marketing lead, explore real practices of mindfulness in marketing! 

Textbook Tuesday : Time to Hit the Books

Let's be honest– most of you saw the title and were ready to scroll. It sounds boring, maybe even intimidating, but every “It Girl” values her schoolwork. Romanticizes it, even. But studying doesn’t have to be boring!! 

Here's the secret: go to your favorite coffee shop or find a new location to explore, and spend an hour or two there. Combining your passions with a new change of scenery will help you feel more motivated to open your books. It all makes a difference, and starting is the hardest part!! 

Learning doesn’t have to be boring. Whether it is school work or not, find something you’re passionate about and take time to grow. Workshops and coffee chats can be some of the most beneficial ways to learn. 

Online platforms such as Sky Society, an online marketing community for girls, offer many resources for high-quality experience-based learning to help you build your resume. These opportunities are all around, and it just takes a little bit of time to look. 

Workout Wednesday : Move Your Body

Another college survival guide tip is to move!! As simple as it sounds, adding movement to your day benefits both your mind and body. With a busy schedule, it’s easy to push exercise to the bottom of your to-do list, but small habits can make a big difference!  

Walking 10,000 steps a day is a very beneficial form of movement. Instead of taking the bus or Ubering to class, plan time to walk, and you’ll easily achieve 10,000 steps! 

But fitness doesn’t have to be a task you cross off your checklist. Find a type of movement that you genuinely enjoy and build your own routine. Incorporating movement into your routine will increase your energy, improve your mood, and boost metabolism. 

Tasty Thursday : Get in the Kitchen

Oh, wait, you don’t have a kitchen, do you?

One of the biggest mistakes when getting to college is losing track of healthy eating habits. Not only does movement help you become the best version of yourself, but nutrition continues your progress. 

On a college campus, it is so easy to fall into unhealthy eating habits. Ramen and Mac & Cheese are the most common meal alternatives when living in a dorm. They’re convenient and cheap, attracting lazy college students. But beginning to incorporate healthy eating practices can make a huge difference. 

Meal prepping in the dorm can be difficult, but it’s still possible! Many recipes can be achieved with an air fryer and a refrigerator. The following article, Best Dorm-Friendly Recipes, offers many healthy (and easy) meal ideas for students living in the dorm. 

Future Friday : Saving is Hot!

Your college survival guide doesn’t just start now; it also means making a plan for your future. Post graduation, it is so easy to feel lost because you are finally on your own. So becoming an “It Girl” means planning to achieve your goals! 

Financially, one of the most important lessons as a college student is budgeting. It is so easy to lose track of money when you're at the bar with your friends or going to get dinner for the 3rd time that week. It all adds up fast!!

As for your career, graduation is coming up fast, even if it doesn’t feel like it. Attending career workshops, building your resume, and networking are keys to your success when searching for a job post-grad.

Sky Society offers an Accelerator Program designated for marketing girls seeking hands-on experience in the industry. Through workshops, campaign projects, and certifications, the program is designed to build experience. Focusing on your career now will help pay off in the future!!

Socializing Saturday : Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

You’ve officially made it to Saturday in this 7-day college survival guide! Let’s be real– Saturday is the best! No classes, just time to relax and hang out with friends.

College is one of the biggest opportunities to meet new people and build real connections. Your next friend could be the girl sitting next to you in class or your dorm neighbor.

It’s time to put yourself out there. Join a club, meet someone new for a coffee chat, become a sorority member, or sit next to someone new at lunch. There are so many possibilities, and just be yourself!!

The hardest part about college is being comfortable with being uncomfortable! Some of the best friendships stem from the most unexpected moments. 

Maybe you miss the bus home and have to walk with a random girl from your math class, but then you become best friends!!! You really never know what can happen! 

Self-Care Sunday : Sit Back and Relax

Amidst a hectic week on campus, finding moments for self-care is important. Treat yourself to your favorite ice cream shop or put on a face mask and watch your favorite show. The beauty of self-care is that it comes in many forms, and you can find what works best for you. 

Inspiration is all around us! Find your favorite influencer and see how they include self-care into their daily routine, whether it's cooking, cleaning, or doing skincare. It can be something little, but over time, it makes a big difference! 

CONGRATS! You just completed this college survival guide!! Another great resource to check out is The College Girl’s Survival Guide to answer any more questions you may have!

Navigating life in college can be complicated and stressful. But it is also a period of time to become who YOU really want to be. 

Finding moments to reflect, build a routine, and incorporate self-care will help you become the “It Girl” you’ve always dreamed of being. Everyone will build a different routine, and that is the most unique part! You can be who you want to be!! 

✍️ Written by Leila Lanier