Freshman year of college is like your first day of high school all over again. You think that you are the "top dog" now because you are out of high school. You have spent the whole summer wearing your school's appeal and dorm room shopping. But don't to forget that you are a freshman again... this time it's not high school though. Your are surrounded by people that are OLD! That hoy guy you walk past could be in his late twenties and you're only eighteen. A little advice for you- smile and just keep walking. I think that is a good motto for the first week of school- Smile and keep walking, smile and keep walking, smile and *oh cute guy approaching me* keep walking! Enjoy a somewhat sarcastic list of things I wish people told me going into my freshman year of college.
1. Don’t judge anyone by their looks or attitude on move-in day.
Why you might ask? While some people have been waiting all summer to go back to school (and drive past the college 20 times a day)... some students are driving halfway across the County and have been jammed in a humid car all day and can no longer feel their legs due to the full-body mirror that your mom told you not to bring. So… just remember the kids who have no facial expression that have you low-key praying they aren't your roommate… might be the kid who was in the car for fifteen hours that day and now has to practically unpack his/her life out of the car.
2. Find a Starbucks (or Dunkin) ASAP!
This might not seem like a necessity to some, but to all of the caffeine addicts out there (myself included) if their is not a Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks in sight you might of picked the wrong school.
3. Try not to be "that kid" crying when your parents leave.
4. During the first month of school you wonder why you’re paying 50k to be (literally) on FIRE!?
Yes, I said on FIRE! The first month of school I kept asking myself, “If I am paying 50k for this school, why the heck don’t they have air conditioning in the dorms?” I can guarantee you will ask yourself the same thing when you wake up in a sweat that feels like you just ran five miles in a sauna, but in reality you’re just laying in your bed staring at the clock that now reads 4 a.m. The showers will become your best friend (quickly) because you will be showering almost three times a day. This might sound crazy now, but trust me there's nothing worse than going to bed clean and waking up all sweaty for your 8 a.m.
5. Before classes start do a "campus walk through" of you schedule.
I am sure the last thing you want to do is go get all sweaty in the one hundred degree weather, but you will save yourself a lot of embarrassment when you know where your nine AM lecture hall is… in other words you won't be “that person” who walks in late the first day. Total freshman move! It helps to download your school’s app. Usually the app will have a digital map of your school and all of the lecture halls. Don’t be that person who walks around with one of those paper maps they have you at freshman orientation… Just don’t!
6. Find the cool orientation leaders from the summer.
They will know everything fun on campus. From all the parties that are going on the weekend before class starts to the best places to study. Personally, my orientation leader was super cool and fun. She actually knew my neighbor from back home (instant connection)! I happened to “run into her” at the dining hall and instantly befriended her and the other upperclassmen sitting with her. So, yes I was that freshman sitting with (super HOT) junior and senior guys! The next thing I know she’s inviting me to my first ever frat party…which was interesting.
7. If you are a female you will get into parties regardless if you are invited or not.
I am sure you are asking yourself, “really ANY party?” The answer is… YES! Well almost any party besides the sports teams party. They literally have a list (LAME)! Anyways, frat parties if you are a female… you will get in. Guys on the other hand will NOT get in without some sort of connection to the frat. Sorry guys! Unlike high school you no longer have to be invited to parties. College is different, everyone is welcome.
8. Buy your books after the first day of your class once you know what books the prof REALLY thinks you need- go at a time to avoid the other students trying to buy books.
This is not high school anymore. Teachers are not going to hold your hand and tell you exactly what you need for class. You have to figure it out yourself. Look on the syllabus and see what you need before it’s too late. Buying books can be super stressful, especially once you see how much they cost. Every student is trying to buy books at the same time, so my advice would be to go right when the bookstore opens to avoid breaking a sweat again and more importantly actually getting the book before it sells out! Good luck buying books and say goodbye to all that money you (should have) saved up over the summer.
9. Locate the gym and find a gym buddy.
Gym? You are probably thinking that I am crazy, but find the gym before it is too late. The freshman 15 can be avoided if you are proactive with exercise and (somewhat) healthy eating. If you find the gym and go every so often you will thank yourself later- later as in when you have to be in a bikini during spring break. Also, you will be surprised by how many people actually go to the gym and do classes! Who knows you might find some awesome people at the gym. I know I did!
10. College is HARD, but you still need to make time for fun.
Yep, I said it… have fun! Freshman year is scary no doubt, but also the year where you meet so many amazing people. It’s a year of personal growth, independence, hard work, and learning what you want in life. Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone, ask questions, or even join a club that you would of never joined in high school. This is the real world- your grades DO matter (more than high school in my opinion) so stay on top of your class work. College is extremely hard, you will notice how hard once you get there. The teachers are no longer holding your hands, but are super passionate about what they are teaching so don’t be afraid to ask questions! Change is hard, but at the end of the day you will look at yourself in the mirror and be able to picture your future- you just have to work for it.
