The college transition was tougher than I had expected.
I realized this after I got lost during the first week of school, even after I told myself I wouldn't get lost. I was reminded of it when I felt wonderful after getting ahead on work, only to feel nervous a few weeks later when I began falling behind.
I learned first-hand that time management is key to success in college. It took me a while to learn this, but I think everyone should take time to get accustomed to college. As much as your friends might brag about being comfortable from the get-go, being away from family and old friends for over half a year at a time can be taxing, and healthy study habits definitely don’t come overnight!
Quite frankly, there’s an infinite number of things to do in college, and it’s tempting to try everything. However, I think the most important thing to do is to take care of yourself. I realized after my freshman year just how important it is to eat healthily, sleep, exercise, and relax. When there are so many productive ways to spend your time, sometimes what’s most necessary is stepping away from exactly those things!
In the spirit of self-care, I’d like to share with you 10 ideas to take care of yourself in college, informed by my experience!
10. Keep a Journal (whether on paper or on the computer)
Whether you’ve been keeping a journal all your life or have never written in a journal before, I think you should journal! Journaling provides an outlet not only to rant about life’s troubles but also to work through your thoughts. Sometimes, I feel like I just need to say things to get them out of my head, and I often end up doing that in my journal. It’s a private space where you can reflect on life at the convenience of your time.
It’s great to write in a physical journal, but writing on a computer is often equally if not more helpful—especially when you’re busy. The best thing is, it doubles as a time capsule. Trust me when I say you won’t regret it years later when you read about your freshman troubles!
9. Give Family and Old Friends a Phone Call
Your family and friends care about you, and it would mean so much to them if you gave them even a quick phone call. When I get the chance, I like to give my family and friends a call to check up on them and chat with them about how I’m doing. Chatting with them sometimes is enough to lift my spirits—that’s the power of human connection!
Plus, wouldn’t it be great to know all the cool stuff everyone’s up to? They sure would like to know what’s all going on in your life, even if that’s an essay that’s been keeping you up all night!
8. Go for a Nature Walk or Bike Ride
Nature is calming, and that’s a fact. It’s no wonder why so many people love going out for a walk or bike ride on a nice day! Going out on a walk can give you an important change in scenery that will get your mind out of school mode. It’s important to take time away from school and enjoy the wonderful things nature has to offer!
Ducks!
Once, I found this waddling of ducks!
Luckily, Harvard has surrounding green spaces like Cambridge Commons and the Charles River that you can visit. Every weekend, the road that runs along the Harvard side of the Charles River is closed off for walkers, runners, bikers, and even rollerbladers! I, for one, am a proponent of biking on weekends—especially when the fall leaves start coming in!
A Walk by the Charles River
Every weekend, the road beside the Charles River is closed off for recreational activities!
7. Grab a Snack or Coffee at Brain Break
Brain Break is one of my favorite little activities at Harvard! Every weekday evening, all of Harvard’s dining halls host a Brain Break from 9 pm-11 pm with awesome snacks like chips, cookies, brownies, cheese and crackers, cheesecake, and more! For a period of time, I went to Brain Break with my freshman roommate almost every night.
Harvard's Desserts Rock!
Here's a double-fudge chocolate cake they had one night in Currier House (best house).
Every house dining hall also hosts its own Brain Break, so as an upperclassman, you can grab a snack just down- or upstairs! There’s also coffee and tea, as well as fruits, cereal, bagels, bread, and more!
6. Attend a Social Mixer, Club Event, or Performance
When you’ve been sitting in a library all day, it’s sometimes a relief to go out and do something fun! From my experience, there is almost always something going on around campus, whether it’s a social mixer, a club event, or a performance! Participating in one of these clubs or performance groups can also be a great way to fit something fun and relaxing into your schedule. I, for example, sing with the Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum, and it’s always a blast to take some time in the evening to make some awesome music with awesome people!
Did someone say cupcakes?
Some cool-looking cupcakes at a Collegium retreat!
The Office of Wellness and Health Promotion also hosts some super cool events like succulent giveaways, mindfulness workshops, and other cool classes! There’s almost always something to do.
5. Eat Out at (or Order Takeout from) a Restaurant
One of the best advantages of being in Cambridge is the wonderful variety of restaurants and cafés that surround Harvard’s campus! Harvard College is nestled inside Harvard Square, which has everything from Thai and Mexican food to creamy ice cream (there are actually many amazing ice cream places at the doorstep of Harvard’s campus).
Nine Tastes
The drunken noodles at Nine Tastes is delicious!
Tip: I like to use Snackpass, which allows you to order your food ahead of time! Snackpass is huge at Harvard, and most of the restaurants in the Square are on Snackpass. With friends, you might even be able to get a discount. Bon appétit!
Playa Bowls
The açaí bowls from Playa Bowls both taste amazing and are easy to order off Snackpass!
4. Explore Cambridge and Boston
Besides eating out at restaurants, there are so many other things to do around campus! There’s certainly no lack of shopping “Squares” to visit, including Kendall Square, Inman Square, Central Square, Porter Square, Brattle Square, and—of course—Harvard Square! Here is a list of things to do near Cambridge:
- Go thrift shopping at Boomerang’s in Central Square
- Visit the Raven Used Books
- Check out the statues and memorials in Cambridge Commons
- Visit the Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site
- Visit Harvard’s many cool museums!
Civil War Monument
Cambridge Commons is full of cool monuments to check out, like the Civil War Monument!
In Boston, there are even more things to do!
- Sailing or kayaking on the Charles River
- Going to karaoke at Station KTV in Boston
- Check out Boston Chinatown
- Visit Boston Common and Public Garden
- Visit the Boston Public Library
- Go to the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and other famous museums in the Boston area
- Visit Faneuil Hall
- Take a trip to one of the many islands right off the coast of Boston
- Visit Frog Pond in the winter to go ice-skating
Welcome to Georges Island!
One of the many islands off the Boston coast, Georges Island boasts towering fortresses and old relics.
3. Take Some “Alone Time”
One of the most helpful things for me has been taking some time alone and doing some things I enjoy. Painting? Cooking? Throwing a frisbee? Chatting with friends? Playing a few video games? Those are some of my favorite hobbies, and they’re my go-to’s for when I need some alone time!
Do something you enjoy!
Or, as I'd like to do, make some sushi!
It’s important to do the things you enjoy doing, especially when you’re busy and feel burnt out. If anything, it will help you go the extra mile in the end!
2. Take Some Time to Be Grateful
There are so many wonderful people and opportunities that surround us every day. I often don’t notice them because I don’t care to look! Taking a moment to thank the people in my life and to simply reflect on where I am at has been one of the most helpful techniques I’ve used to keep myself grounded and to feel happy.
Give your friend a gift! Check on your old friend! They’ll appreciate it, maybe more than you know.
The Art of Gratitude
Tell someone you're grateful for thank you—even if you don't know them!
1. Sleep
Last semester, I learned from Professor Charles Czeisler in his general education class called “Sleep” the importance of sleep not only for students but also for just about anyone. If possible, everyone should aim to get around 8-10 hours of sleep a night, and taking some time to nap or sleep in can be one of the most helpful things you can do to take care of yourself!
In addition to making it harder to focus, sleep deprivation can also hinder memory consolidation (which is the process of turning short-term memory into long-term memory) and can make it harder for you to live in the present. Worse, it can even increase the risks of hypertension, obesity, and other medical conditions!
As a student, I would say, get some more sleep!
Conclusion
When life gets busy, self-care becomes even more important. Whether or not you’re a student, I hope you can take some time to reflect and care for yourself and others. It is so important to make sure you don’t burn out. Go out and find some things you enjoy doing! Schedule free time if you have to! Do something on the weekends—or, do nothing at all. Whatever works for you, do it!
A photo of the 2026 Summer Recruitment Ambassadors on the Weeks Bridge
Weeks Bridge has one of the best views of the Cambridge skyline, especially at sunset.
The inside of The Coop from the second floor view
Drawing can be a leisure activity or a great way to relax. A sketch book and pen often accompanied me at the park in my free moments.
A photo of the Harvard Art Museums
A hand holding a card featuring a Harvard ID with the Harvard crest
The Garment District is a thrift and costume shop just outside of Harvard's campus.
My Philosophy banner
My Siblings and I When we were Younger
Here I posed with my new team to celebrate our victory in my first game of flag football. I even taught the team how to sign "K" for Kirkland House in ASL
My daily walk during the winter
During the Cultural Rhythms, Caitlyn showcased her beautiful Vesido De Flores dress from Mexico and I showcased South Sudanese Lawa. Later only to find out she is in Pforzheimer House, the best house. We become friends ever since. An amazing woman
FUP Silent Disco
Me and my friends showcase similar styles
First-year students gather to commemorate a successful alumni networking event at the historically exclusive Harvard Club of Boston
Nearly 200 students across 20+ high schools attended Harvard's first High School Ethics Bowl (HCHSEB)
A picture of some of my blocking group members and I on Housing Day!
Harvard Yard
Lizbeth and friends at the Latinx Senior Thesis Forum, where they presented on their year-long projects.
Mollie and Kai during the interview at Currier House!
A sign welcoming new Quincy house residents on Housing Day!
The Barker Center, home to the Harvard College Writing Center
2026 LEAD Board
During my internship at the Harvard Admissions Office, I met great people who continue to be my close friends.
This is the opening page of Harvard's Office of International Education, where you can find plenty of resources in your study abroad journey.
Quinn Ewanchyna '26 stands with platoon members during a training exercise in the Mojave Desert, 2020
Secquoia and her fiancé after running the Cambridge Half Marathon
Secquoia with her mom and sister at a family weekend event!
Pforzheimer House at night with its beautifully lit belltower.
Some friends and I took a coach bus from Boston to New York City and visited Times Square as a part of this trip!
CS50 Hackathon IHOP Breakfas
A view with my food from my first year, eating in the famous Annenberg Hall.
My friends from my entryway and I pose for a picture together before we go kayaking!
Philip Brooks House, the locus of public service on campus, located in Harvard Yard.
Every September, the College holds an Extracurricular Fair in Harvard Yard. This is one of the first opportunities for many to learn about GAASA.
Captured around sunset as we hiked the Watchman Trail.
A selfie with six of my block mates, two of which performed in this dance show!
My friends and I celebrating our last first day of classes this semester.
Ana's Harvard (Friends)
The view from one of the peaks in Mount Mansfield State Forest, Vermont!
A picture of many runners (including the author, Ricky) running during the Cambridge Half Marathon.
Various colorful flower bouquets which were given to first-gen/low-income student on the kick of of FGLI Visibility Week.
A picture of Harvard College students who attended RAZA's first event of the semester in the fall of 2024.
A photo of me with the first two other students who were hired as freshman student workers last fall
One of my favorite photos of TCS. Small Island, Big Family!
View from the hotel in Sidi Bou Said, Tunis
Intermediate Filipino Class
A picture taken of me during Harvard vs. University of New Hampshire.
Samia Afrose with friends at Luxor Cafe
Samia Afrose and Hana Rehman at South Asian Convocation
A photo taken in my last class at Harvard with one of my closest friends my senior year.
Hana Rehman in Gloucester
My Sister and I on NSA's Executive Board in 2023
Hana Rehman at Mock Mehndi
Hana Rehman at Sur Sagar
Harvard College students host Chaand Raat.
A photo of myself looking at the Zanzibari waters
My blocking group and I after being dorm stormed
Cheering you on in your scholarship application journey!
Harvard Foundation interns in the spring of 2024, dressed up before the event of Cultural Rhythms.
My friends and I before our last Eliot Fall Formal
My room in the wonderful Stoughton Hall!
A group photo on the last day of class!
Grupo Frontera with those who attended RAZA’s Trailblazer Award ceremony
My view from atop a hill near a mining camp.
Eliot First day of class BBQ
Our first day we were taken on a city tour to explore!
My bookshelf in my dorm!
Malika Umar and Samia Afrose Celebrating Eid-al-Fitr
Seniors at the Harvard Islamic Society Send Off
16th St Baptist Church Birmingham, AL
RAZA's Board on the last Mesa (social event) of the 2023 spring semester.
Some of the many great friends I made during my first-year!
Dining with the Harvard Muslim community, my junior year
Seeing the Lotus Temple in Delhi, India was only one of the many great experiences I've had thanks to Harvard Model Congress
Me with the director of FOP, the wonderful Lesedi Graveline
My mom and I at Junior Parents Weekend
I passed through Cañar on my trip to my hometown, where I got to visit the Ingapirca Ruins!
MEDLife volunteers posing for picture with MEDLife Logo
Display of butterflies at the Harvard Natural History Museum.
Food provided by Harvard University Dining Service Workers on Thanksgiving Day
My fellow HFAI coordinators and I at Sufra!
After a warm ride aboard the ferry, we made it to Georges Island!
My friends and our Thanksgiving dinner.
Harvard's course search page allows you to browse the 3,500+ courses offered each semester
The SCC
After weeks of preparation, my hard work paid off when I was elected as the queen of my tribal organization in the US, SarUSA (Saraguro Residents in the USA).
Sunrise during our first morning at sea.
The 2022 summer American Repertory Theater (from left to right): Chinyere Obasi '24, Caron Kim '24, Sophie Kim '24, Diana Chen '25, Sophie Garrigus '25.
I officially declared Sociology as my concentration this fall!
My friends and I love attending the socials that are hosted by the affinity groups!
I love catching the crisp morning breeze every Saturday morning!
The sunrise on the morning of Housing Day this year.
My first cookout at Harvard was successful!
My First Harvard Yale Game
An empty room? More like a clean canvas!
The Fall 2021 HFAI Student Coordinator Team!
Adding as thumbnail for blog
The brochure given to us on Convocation, a day before the start of classes
A picture of a white poster with "Adams House is the Best House" written on it.
Sitting in front of Widener with my first friends at Harvard in fall 2018. None of us could have predicted that we would end up taking a leave of absence together two years later.
So grateful to have worked with these amazing student leaders this past year!
hey, what's that--a liminal space?
My one of my Floridian roommates in the snow last year looking warm in a coat and jeans!
My fellow singers and I singing “Lay Me Low,” our closing number, by Addah Z. Potter and arranged by Kevin Siegfried, at Reunion: A Fall Concert.
Here's some friends and I at Acadia National Park over an extended weekend!
The front of Claverly Hall on Mt. Auburn Street.
This is our entryway ready for their convocation!
A snapshot of my room in the afternoon
A picture of the Charles River overlooking Harvard's River Houses
One of my favorite parts of Cambridge summers is how beautiful the sky gets as the sun starts to set. I've dubbed them "cotton candy skies" due to the vibrant pinks, blues, and purples that the sky takes on during this time.
This was during our first few weeks at Harvard!
A group of PAFs after an evening of games during orientation.
I got to take photos with my thesis (or at least the first 25 pages of it) on the steps of Widener Library!
Me and a teammate sailing the first double handed sail of the year.
Cherry Blossom outside Lowell
Here's Harpreet and I with our best friends back in high school!
The finale act of the 2020 show!
Mt. Auburn Street Side of Harvard University Health Services/Smith Center
Here is a picture of my family, including my mom, brothers, grandma, uncle and aunt, and cousins.
The SEF is just one way for low-income students to receive extra support towards the cost of attendance at Harvard
trips into Boston are worth it!
Photo of side of Apley Court
My blockmates and I at Winthrop House on our Housing Day!
I have very specific playlists for every mood.
Here are some of the books I've been reading for fun lately!
Kuumba had a winter concert last year that focused on the importance of Black Love; this photo, which captures the power of intimacy, was taken during the dance section of the concert.
My family and I during my move in.
Pictured with me (on the left) are Louisa (student at the Center for Research and Interdisciplinarity in Paris), TJ (Harvard Class of 2020), and Gabi (Harvard Class of 2021) from left to right.
Here is the full cast (and some of our crew) for the Hyperion Shakespeare Company's production of Macbeth!
Walking to Class
Here's a collage of all the outfits I'll be featuring in this blog.
Here's a group photo of the Radcliffe Choral Society on the steps of Stella Maris Church in San Juan! We sang here several times, for rehearsals, church services, and our finale concert the night before we flew back to Boston.
Here's the new Sunflower sign we just put up with our students as community service.
Harvard Yard, where many first-year students live.
A Zoom Picture from my FYRE Family!
I miss doing reading for my English and creative writing classes on my Winthrop House dorm room!
A list of just some of the possible concentrations offered at Harvard
Weld Hall, the first-year dorm where I am a PAF!
A snap of an empty Tercentenary theater as I worked on my homework
My friends and I love hanging out in the roof-top common room in Winthrop House!
I found myself this summer sitting at my laptop a lot more than I had originally planned
I make the most of my Zoom-ed reality by taking calls outside!
Here I am teaching a government class from last summer!
During the last days of first-year, I organized an outdoor picnic in Harvard Yard for the Black Class of 2022. There was pizza, music, and an entertaining, but yet chaotic game of musical chairs.
Performing at the Peabody Museum's Day of the Dead celebration and exhibit.
The view of the Charles River from Leveret House, which is right next to Winthrop House!
My Harvard Journal Project notebook, with its (not so successful) attempt to color the Harvard logo on the front.
Selfie in the Seattle Airport.
My friends and I decided to have a group photo session the day before leaving campus!
Me giving out homemade awards to my MFP students!
I've gotten to make some incredible friendships during my time here, and these lovely people are some of my closest friends.
My view out the window as I flew to Europe for the first time
Lowellians ready to welcome first years to our home!
Snow falling outside Wigglesworth Hall, one of 17 first-year dorms.
I took this photo of the Boston skyline while running by the Charles River.
The office threw me a mini goodbye party to thank me for my work during the summer!
A photo of me and friends in front of the Carpenter Center my freshman year
Veritaffle
Kirkland House Opening Days 2018
Another spot to rest with great views of New Hampshire!
A view of the city of Boston from Harvard's campus.
Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich
Harvard's dining hall for first-year students.
Harvard Undergraduate UNICEF Club
Nigerian Students Association Executive Board at our 9th Annual Independence Day Gala
My favorite place to read at the Public Garden is in the shade by one of the ponds!
My mom and I in a lecture hall for the Junior One Ring Ceremony.
Dining in at By Chloe in Fenway
Me and my friends at Fenway during this year's game
Photograph of Dan Lobo
Annenberg or The Berg or The Great Hall of Hogwarts
