In 2005, I will be graduating as a 23-year-old fifth-year college architecture student.

Wow. Just thinking about that makes me realize life goes even faster than the saying leads you to believe. It feels like such a cliche until you’re at your last year in college. I wish I would have realized that on the first day I stepped out of the car at Pearson Scholarship Hall and gazed unknowingly at where I would be living for the next five years of my life — and what those five years would mean.

That is the only thing I wish I would have known. Opportunity has been the foundation of my life at college. I’ve had many and taken most of those opportunities. I’ve been involved in many activities, university events, hall events, organizations, leadership opportunities, ceremonies, intramural sports, parties and all the little everyday things that make college what it is. My first piece of advice to new students: Get involved with anything and everything, and have fun doing it. Expand your limits, but also know them. I did just that, and it made my time in college much more exciting and fun.

I’ve also spent a couple of years spreading myself too thin trying to do anything and everything, which usually burnt me out. Balancing everything is the most difficult thing for a college student. I never fully mastered it, and I don’t think anyone ever will.

However, I received the best advice for that this year from my special lady: Be decisive. Make a decision and stick with it. It’s the best way to know what you like, and you’ll be happier in the long run. I’ve definitely stuck with my academic interest of architecture, and because academics is said to be the most important part of college, I know I will be happier in the long run.

I have found studying effectively does wonders for your grades and your health. I found when I study effectively I’m less frantic for a test, I sleep better from lack of cramming, I have my time balanced better to do other things, and I don’t have to worry about “studying extra hard” for the next test.

College sometimes feels like Las Vegas. The most important thing to realize come test time is that there aren’t any flashy lights, exotic drinks or high rollers. It’s just you and whatever time you put into studying.

Matt Unger, a fifth-year senior in architecture from St. louis, advises students to not take anything for granted. Above, Unger is passed around in front of Wescoe Hall after Kansas University beat Marquette in the semifinals of the 2003 NCAA Tournament.

Getting to know your professors is another good way to ease your academic frustration. I have developed good relationships with several of my studio professors. I have been able to look at college as more of a learning experience than a test of grades. That has been an extremely important influence on my college outlook.

My final piece of advice: Don’t take anything for granted — time, love interests, friends, family or academics. I’ve spent the past four years experiencing so many things. In those years I’ve had six roommates and would do anything for them in a heartbeat. I’ve learned that moving farther from your family enables you to be closer to them than ever before. I’ve realized some nights are worth giving up sleep to spend four hours talking to your closest friends about what would seem like nothing. In those four hours of what would seem like nothing, you can get to know someone more than you had in the entirety of a year. Understanding is essential in a relationship. I know that mistakes can be a good thing, but only if you learn from them.

Finally, I’ve learned that there are times to be upset, angry or mad at the world. But that time adds up, and time is the most valuable aspect of college. I’m grateful I realized that before it was too late.