A Day in My Life as a College Student
The city wakes before I do.
By the time I open my eyes, Washington, D.C. is already alive — the hum of traffic, the low whistle of buses, and the chatter of people hustling to their next destination. It’s chaotic, yes, but it’s also rhythmic — a kind of poetry that makes me feel both small and infinite all at once.
I take a deep breath and let the morning light spill across my dorm room — soft, golden, and familiar. My mornings start slowly, on purpose. In a world that’s always rushing, I like to begin my day at half-speed.
Morning: Caffeine & Clarity
The first thing I do is make coffee — my favorite part of the morning.
I use my Nespresso machine, the one thing I swear by. There’s something oddly comforting about the sound of it brewing — the low hum, the steam curling up like a sigh. I add a generous pour of caramel macchiato creamer, watching it swirl through the espresso until it turns the color of warmth itself.
That first sip is my peace — a small ritual that reminds me I can still find calm in the midst of chaos.
After I get dressed (something neutral and cozy — usually a blazer or soft sweater layered just right), I glance at my planner. I’m a mass communications major with a focus in journalism, so most of my mornings are packed with lectures, writing assignments, and media projects. I’ve always been drawn to stories — not just the kind that make headlines, but the quiet ones hidden between everyday moments.
Some mornings I walk to class with headphones in, listening to a mix of R&B and jazz. The city has a pulse — steady, quick, intentional — and I’ve learned to move with it.
Afternoon: Classes, Coffee Shops, & Controlled Chaos
By afternoon, I’m usually tucked away in one of my favorite D.C. coffee shops — laptop open, playlist humming softly in the background, latte half-finished beside me. The energy of public spaces keeps me grounded. There’s something comforting about being surrounded by people who are also chasing dreams in their own quiet ways.
Between journalism lectures and creative writing sessions, my afternoons are full — but in the best way. I spend hours writing articles, blog drafts, and reflections for SincerelyMocha. Storytelling is my anchor; it’s how I process the world and my place in it.
Sometimes, after class, I take the long way back to campus. The city feels alive — murals splashed across walls, monuments catching the light just right, the occasional protest echoing in the distance. Living in D.C. as a young Black woman studying journalism feels layered — like I’m both documenting history and standing inside of it.
Evening: Showers, Stillness, & Soft Distractions
When the day winds down, I head back to my dorm — my little sanctuary above the noise. I plug in my AirPods, play something mellow, and start my evening reset routine.
The shower is my favorite part. It’s where I wash off the day — both literally and emotionally. I use my favorite products: a rich vanilla-shea body wash, my go-to exfoliating scrub, and a whipped body butter that smells like calm. The scent fills the tiny space, sweet and grounding, wrapping around me like peace.
Afterward, I slip into my oversized T-shirt, fuzzy socks, and let the lights dim low. Sometimes I’ll make a cup of tea and scroll through TikTok or Pinterest, saving recipes I’ll never make, quotes that feel like they were written just for me, and outfit ideas for the version of myself I’m still growing into.
Other nights, I’ll journal — just to untangle my thoughts. College has taught me that growth doesn’t always look loud or linear; sometimes it’s slow, gentle, and hidden in routines like these.
By the time I climb into bed, the city outside is still buzzing — Metro cars rattling in the distance, laughter floating up from the street — but my world feels still. There’s a quiet comfort in knowing I’m carving out a life here, one day, one coffee, one story at a time.
