College was never a terrifying idea for me. In fact, I've been taking college classes since I was a sophomore in high school, so it couldn't be much different, right? Wrong. It is extremely different, and at some points, much more difficult and confusing than high school ever was. I have to admit that I still ask my mom stupid questions I should know the answer to. BUT, since orientation, I've definitely learned (or, at least, noticed) a thing or two about how to make freshman year easier.
1. Walking to class means preparing for the weather and managing time
My first week at college, I woke up really early (like at 6 AM) for my 8 o'clock class. BIG MISTAKE: sleep is precious. It took me only a day to realize I could walk to my farthest class in seven minutes without running. On other campuses, the dream of walkability is a far-fetched fantasy. Figuring out how long it takes to go from pace to place really helps, especially when you oversleep (speaking from personal experience).
And during that walk to class, there aren't hallways or lockers. There are people, there may be rain, and there are, without a doubt, bikes and longboards waiting to plow you over. Have no fear! Just cut through the grass or watch where you're going. And bring an umbrella.
2. You are not alone
I was one of six people in a Creative Writing group in my old school. Now, I am so blessed to have Honors Societies and clubs with people that love what I love.
And being a freshman... everyone has been there. And sucky days? Yup, that happens. Just by talking with some upperclassmen once, I've been offered rides to Target, Netflix passwords, and consoling hugs (which are well-needed). College is a journey we all are on at the same time; people don't really purposely try to be hurtful. We're a little more grown up now that we have to walk to get food.
3. The meal plan is your best friend (or nah... you decide)
Thank the Lord that my meal plan can feed a small family. Sometimes, you need to treat yo' self. But, not all schools offer a plethora of options, some quite stingy. So know how much money you are spending on food, even if you have tons of money to spend. Because being financially fiscal is smart, remember that your fro-yo is actually six dollars. Six dollars worth of fro-yo.
4. YOU WILL NEED COFFEE
(*Jazz hands* Starbucks is on my meal plan)
But honestly, if you never invested in coffee, or some kind of energy boosting supplement besides power naps, you will need to find one. ASAP. I recommend the Caffe Americano. Word of the wise: just don't drink anything caffeinated too close to midnight.
5. Wash it in cold water and invest in laundry pods
Yes, I did laundry at home. When I got to college, however, I was real confused on how to work such a different machine. Like, there's a coin slot that doesn't even use coins. So after talking to my room mate, I learned just to wash everything cold and hope for the best after sorting my colors. And pods filled with detergent? Total game-changer. Buy those without having to deal with the liquid stuff.
On a side note: when there is laundry, there are stains. Probably from coffee, but never mind that. Stain removal is a thing, and I can guarantee there will be stains.
Summary: cleaning is now a thing, so learn quickly, you filthy homo-sapien.
6. Communication is the key to having a better roommate experience
I met my room mate before we chose each other mutually. This was extremely helpful considering not everyone gets this chance. We met over summer, at a new student orientation, and clicked over feminism, Beyonce, and Netflix (we watch the exact same shows). After going over thousands of get-to-know-you questions, we didn't figure out the real important ones until they became a problem. Sleep schedules, cleaning, and what to judge each other on all were issues until we talked through it. Don't just say it's "TBD", because it's to be determined right now. Express the fact that there is a stench coming from somewhere, or that you don't want a random person in the room when you're sleeping. Things happen, so discuss.
7. You cannot do it all, so make time for yourself
Sounds contradictory: if you don't have time, make time for yourself. Listen here... you will explode if you don't take at least twenty minutes to watch something on YouTube or take a power nap. It's self-destructive to want to do everything and be in a good mindset yourself. I usually take a nap for an hour between my first two classes (yes, like between nine and ten in the morning) and then try to catch up on ANTM or Empire. Without ways to relax or distract myself, I would be a mess. Plus, it helps me get things done when I know I have something to look forward to.
On the topic of not doing it all: I was involved with so many things in high school and still was top of my class. I'm speaking to the overachievers here.... don't do it. It's better to be happy and do less than to be stressed and do everything. We're human. It's okay.
8. Making friends is easy if you want it to be
What if you're not very social? If you're shy? If you don't have any friends right now?
Well here are the tricks of the trade: get involved, leave your door open sometimes, and maybe make a study group for a tricky class.
The cool thing about being a freshman is that other people are in the same situation... it's normal to feel lonely sometimes, but know that you can fix that if you reach out. Give it time, and it will work.
Just don't be a jerk. That's the ultimate person-repellant.
9. Go to class! (and see related: actually study)
Now don't get me wrong, I love not trying in class. Not applying myself in one class means more free time and getting to actually try in classes I enjoy. But sometimes there are classes you will hate that you need to study for (like my current math class.... oh, MATH). Actually, I'm procrastinating my homework right now by writing this, but I assure you, I will study and it will get done. How? Time. Not by notecards or quirky-rhymes, but by not refreshing Twitter every five seconds and gluing your eyes to the textbook.
(And go to class! It's like studying, but everyone's together and you can ask questions.)
10. ORGANIZE EVERYTHING (including your life)
Post-its. Dry-erase boards. Calendars. They will help. Because inevitably, you will forget things. Including class. But that's why planning ahead is important, making sure priorities don't conflict. Also, coordinating your schedule with your roomie helps, especially if you just need time alone. Everyone does. Don't make your schedule your Bible, but rely on it as a good backbone. Because otherwise you will end up playing Tetris for two hours (or maybe that's just me).
On a related topic, make sure you have at least a general idea of what you want to do. Or just know what you don't want to do. This will make class selections easier. And more fun.
Because college can be fun, once you figure out the system and have friends to help you with the rest!
