Have you ever wondered how to survive your first year of college? Maybe how to not be a nuisance to upperclassmen? It is really quite easy. All you have to do is follow the rule of the college campus land. I was a freshman once too, and yes, it was nerve-wracking. I didn't want to get in the way of other people, and I did not want to be "that freshman" that wears that dreadful lanyard...you'll know what I mean in a bit. But if you want a plan to survive freshman year with ease...follow these guidelines and you'll be golden.
1. Again, do not wear that dreadful lanyard.
Yes, you will be subject to the college lanyard—the one that has the name of your college on it. You'll want to wear it around your neck through the year. That screams freshman, and people will point you out. Put your dorm key and ID on that lanyard. I did. But try not to wear it around your neck...just saying.
2. Try to branch out to other people.
When you are first starting out, it is easy to just stick to the people that live in your dorm and your roommate. That is great and all, but it is best to branch out to other people as well. Branching out gives you the opportunity to make new friends and have a good time.
3. Join, join, join.
Joining organizations and clubs is very important your first year of college. There is no better way to meet new people. During freshman year, so many people join clubs, and that's the best way to come out of your shell and get involved with the campus life. Also, the more clubs you join, the more merit points you earn, which means a better housing lottery number. I think yes.
4. You'll hear this time and time again. Do not procrastinate.
We've all done it. We all want to procrastinate. You think to yourself, "Oh, I have time." Trust me, you don't. Procrastination will be terrible. Staying up till 2 a.m. is not a cool thing. In fact, you'll hate yourself for it. When your professors tell you to get it done ahead of time, don't take that lightly. That work will pile up, and before you know it, you'll have 10 papers due in one week and it won't be pretty.
5. Do not use a tray in the dining hall.
If we see you carrying a tray around the dining hall, it screams either freshman or professor. Not much more I can say about that. Just remember that for future reference.
6. Take challenging courses.
It may sound scary, but when you challenge yourself and see the outcomes with the hard work you put into it, you'll feel great about yourself. Taking the easy way out through college will not help you out in the real world. Not to mention, taking challenging courses will look good on your transcript and resumes. It will only help you in the future. Who knows, maybe you'll find a class really interesting that you had always believed to be dreadful!
7. Go out on the weekend.
It's a great way to meet new people. Socializing with different people is key in college. Also, its a great way to unwind after a stressful week of classes, assignments, and projects. Great way to forget about it and have fun with all your friends!
8. Call your parents.
We all do it. You love them. They miss you, and I am sure you miss them at times, too. It's always a good thing to call them and remind them you love them. They won't mind. And it only takes a few minutes, even if it's just a couple times a week, you'll make their day.
9. Make friends with your professors.
It sounds weird, I know. But in the long run, it'll be the best decision you can make. You can ask them for reference letters in the future and maybe they will help you out a little extra on that test you crammed for the night before. Believe me, you'll want that.
10. Try new things.
The most important thing to do your first year is try new things. Come out of that shell. Talk to people you wouldn't normally talk to. Everyone is in the same boat as you starting out. Everyone wants to meet a lot of different people and people join clubs they wouldn't normally join. Whatever it may be just think to yourself, "I'm fabulous and I can do anything I set my mind to."
