Student Success: Keeping Yourself Clean

This might seem basic, but with many new freshman being out on their own for the first time, it needs to be covered as a fundamental part of success in a school environment. Keep yourself clean.

Keep Your Self Clean!

There's a lot of stress associated with being in a new environment, be it educational or professional. In order to present the best possible image to potential colleagues and professors, students should regularly clean.

By Miguel Andrade (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons


Shower: if you find yourself particularly busy in your first quarter in your new school environment, shower at the end of the day to make mornings easier. Not only will your bedding remain cleaner, but you can wake up, wash your face, brush your teeth, put on deodorant and be out the door. Which brings us to the second point

Russell Lee [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Face-washing: Each morning, use a mild face cleanser to clear away accumulated dirt and refresh yourself for the day ahead. Products by Clearasil or Neutrogena are easy to find and reasonably priced, or many of Target's generic products will also do the trick for less.

By Mennonite Church USA Archives (Flickr: Kindergarten, Stanfield AZ) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Brushing: Your breath is ripe in the morning, brushing your teeth helps take care of this. It is best not to brush right after you eat, as the natural saliva created while eating can actually help protect your teeth. If desired, one can also follow brushing with a mouthwash, although it may require you not eat for about fifteen minutes after.

By Loico (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Deodorant: This is not optional. During the day, you're going to sweat and your fellow students will appreciate this step. Ditch the Axe Body Spray of your high school youth and go for a scent more appropriate for a college student (Old Spice is one of my favorites for musky, traditional aromas, Dove or another mildly scented stick also works)

While this list is certainly not exhaustive, doing these few fundamental things will do wonders not only for your demeanor when attending class, but for your general well-being and mental health. This is a new chapter in your professional and academic career, make the most of it by taking care of the basics. Keep yourself clean and sharp!