College is scary, intimidating, new, and overwhelming. Not everyone knows what to expect or how anything will work out. Don't be afraid to ask for help and to explore the new, big world. There are so many new lessons to learn and things to discover. Some can be told to you ahead of time, while others you just need to learn by experiencing them on your own. College will be intimidating, but it's the time of your life.
1. You Will Miss Home
It may not be the first night, week, or month, but you will miss home. You'll want your own bed, house, family, and room. Bring your favorite stuffed animal, blankie, pillow, or object you loved as a kid. No one will make fun of you; we all do it. What makes you happy and comfortable is no one's business and if anyone makes a comment, it's going to be about how cute they are.
Don't go home to stay overnight before Columbus Day weekend; it will make adjusting to school much more difficult. But don't be afraid to call home. Call home as much as you can. Always text your parents good morning and goodnight. Remember, they miss you, all of this is new to them as well. Hearing from you like that regularly will put their minds at ease, they do love you. Also, while you're doing big things away at school, don't forget where you came from. Your home was what made you who you are and got you where you are; it's forever a
part of you. Talk to your old friends and extended family, they will want to know how you're doing too.
2. Boys Will Want Casual Sex
There's a difference between a "boy" and a "man." College is full of boys. They want to "slay" so they can brag. You do whatever is right for you, but be careful. You don't know where he's been or what he wants. The last thing you need while transitioning into college is a broken heart, STD, or child. Don't ever forget, "better safe than sorry." There are always those drunken hookups. It's okay, no one's perfect. Almost all of us have had one of those nights.
Some men are looking for relationships or someone special, while other boys just want to "raise their body count." Before you get very involved with someone, talk. It may seem scary, but know what you're getting yourself into. College relationships are great, but if he doesn't see the same thing as you, you can't force it, and you will end up hurt. If you both want to be friends with benefits, then do your thing and live your life. If he doesn't want the relationship, but you do, it won't end in your favor. College a tricky place when it comes to relationships: so many options. But it can't be said enough, "better safe than sorry."
3. You're At College For A Reason
If you fail, you can't party or, more importantly, graduate. I am a freshman, I know the pressure to party every weekend and ignore responsibilities. The thinking process of most freshmen is Thirsty Thursday, Friday classes, party all Friday night, be hung over all Saturday, party all Saturday night, and then do all your homework on Sunday. But the reality is you'll either skip or drop your Friday classes and you'll get no homework done on Sunday because you're too hung over. It's a never-ending cycle that will hurt your grades. You don't need to be intoxicated all the time. Also, no one will care if you take a night, or even a week off from drinking and partying. Go home for a weekend, or stay in and watch Netflix. You will need to give your body a break.
4. Meet People On Your Floor
Your floor-mates will drive you insane, but you will love them. Use the first few weeks to get to know them personally. They will also be a great source of study buddies when you don't want to go far for a study group. They will also be close by when you need a friend to dine with. The most important thing that can be said is: you live there, they live there. If you aren't friends, your dorm will feel lonely. Make them friends so you can bend the rules together and love the new place you call home.
5. Meet People In Your Classes
They're as lost as you, maybe less, maybe more. You need each other. Get their numbers and set up study groups so you can help each other out. Teaching something to someone reinforces it in your mind. Also, they can explain something to you that the professor couldn't.
6. Get Involved
Meet new people and make connections. College is all about learning and making connections. Even in your freshmen year, meeting business representatives, making connections with professors, and friends. Join clubs, or even create them. Doing so will build your resume and allow you to meet many people. Don't forget to go to sporting and fun events because those will allow you to relax and have fun while meeting people.
7. The Food Will Always Be There
The infamous "Freshman 15." For some it's a negative number, for others it's a positive number. The best advice I was ever told was, "The food will always be there." Remember that. I know it's an all-you-can-eat-buffet, but really, do you need all of the food in the dining hall? It's an all-you-can-eat-buffet 24/7, you won't miss anything if you leave the fries or third course to your snack till later or tomorrow. Also, there are always healthy options and portions offered. Be cautious of how much you're eating, you want to be able to walk, not roll, to class.
Along with that, make sure you eat enough. While there is a lot of pressure on both men and women to look a certain way, starving yourself will lower your energy and hurt your grades. Stay energized and fed. If you're being very cautious, eat salad with chicken or eggs, but you need to eat. There is also the gym; it's a great way to relieve stress and burn calories. Don't skip class to work out -- very bad idea. Eat healthy and (or don't) work out regularly and you won't gain the "Freshman 15" and can tone up, if you desire to.
8. Protect Yourself
The world can be a wonderful place, but can have some horrific events. The buddy system is a magical thing. Your safety comes first, no one wants to read about any tragic event that occurs for you, and you don't want to have to live with it for the rest of your life, or not live at all. It's hard to think about and swallow, while many of us have the "it won't ever happen to me" attitude. That's not reality. Be careful and always have a way back home planned ahead, while always making sure you're with someone you can truly trust, especially at night.
9. Plan Ahead
You will never understand the importance of time management until college. You have to balance schoolwork, social life, sleeping, eating, clubs, work, and so much more. Make a To-Do list and plan when you will complete each part. Your time will catch up with you and the last thing you want is stress with too much work. Be organized.
10. Get All The Free Stuff You Can
I promise you, you will be at least a little broke. Don't doubt it at all. Even if you go into school with a few thousand dollars and have a job, you will blow through it between going-out money, gas money, snacks, sports games, events with friends, and fundraisers. You will be spending money, even if you're trying your absolute best not to. Try to set a limit, look for all the deals that are specified for college students (they are everywhere). Save money and get free stuff. Your campus will be giving away clothes, cups, food, and fun toys all the time. Take advantage of it!
As with free products, look for scholarships. Nothing is better than a free education. Your parents will push you to look for them, but really listen to them. When you are out of school and drowning in debt, you will wish that you applied for more scholarships. They are free money you get for your smarts, volunteering, ethnicity, clubs, activities and sports. There are scholarships for everything, just apply for them!
