Surviving your first semester of college can be tricky, especially if you haven't had a brother or sister to teach you the ways. There's tons of new things happening and sometimes it can be a lot to deal with. With the flip of the switch you have to become independent, responsible, and have great time-management skills. Successfully completing my first semester, I've come up with a list of 10 things that helped me survive the first year, which now looking back, is my best year.
1. Get out
Don’t stay in your room 24/7. I understand that you don’t know anyone, but you’re not going to meet anyone in your room (unless it’s someone who doesn’t have a microwave and wants to make popcorn)! But seriously, the first month of college is the most crucial to get out and meet people. There will be tons of activities to help ease the process.
2. Get comfortable being uncomfortable
Just about everything about being a first year is awkward, so get over it now. Those corny icebreakers that you do in orientation really help in the long run. You can make some of your best life-long friends in those five days. Also, branch out and meet your professors one-on-one. They’re an easy way in the door to a possible job in the future. Make sure they remember you!
3. Do things with your roommate
An automatic friend is the person you’re living with, if you take advantage of it. Create a bond with your roommate so future problems aren’t as big of an issue. Get lunch, study, and take time to get to know your roommate. This could be a possible best friend, you don’t want to ruin it by being stand-offish.
4. Get involved
Whether it’s at orientation or just new clubs or something with your major, get involved. Not only will it get your foot in the door with professors or important people, it could also land you some new friends. It takes away from the awkwardness of going out and meeting people because you have a common interest already!
5. Be prepared
When I say this, I mean it. There’s no such thing as syllabus week. There will be a lesson the first class of the first week. Make sure you email your professor before classes start to see what you might need, so 1. you look like you’re ready and 2. you are ready when you get homework the first day.
6. Drink lots of water
Dining hall food is NOT good, no matter what they say. You’re going to get sick from it so you need to stay hydrated. Drinking water is imperative but often forgotten. Have a water bottle with you at all times and keep it refilled. It’s easy to pace yourself if you mark when you need to drink the water by on the bottle!
7. Stay off your phone
How are you supposed to make new friends when you’re always on your phone checking up on your old ones? Put the phone away and engage with the people in front of you. Most of the time, you’ll lose touch with your high school friends anyways so don’t be too worried about it. Snap chatting and following new people is totally acceptable, but don’t be constantly texting your group message from senior year.
8. Go to parties
Even if you don’t drink, go to the parties you’re invited to! It’s a great easy way to relieve some stress and meet new people. It’s hilarious to laugh at the people who are drunk, and the ones that aren’t will clique right away. Those are the memories you’ll never forget, not staying up till 2 a.m. for the three exams you had. So go out but be safe!
9. Don’t be afraid to speak up
All of my freshman classes were so awkward the first month. Don’t be afraid to speak, it eases the tension and soon everyone else will be talking also! Trust me, your teacher will appreciate you talking so they don’t feel like what they’re teaching is pointless.
10. Have fun
Most importantly, enjoy it. Don’t stress about your first couple tests, they won’t be as hard as you think. Hang out with the friends you make, try things you’ve never done, and explore the area your college is in.
Freshman year is the year with the least amount of stress so enjoy it while you can! It may seem hard, but you can do it! Stay focused and don't let the stress get you down. It goes faster than you think!
