1. Your roommates become your lifeline, thank them.
They have no choice but to listen to your rants at 3 a.m., deal with your mental breakdowns about homework and open the door when you’ve lost your key card (for the 29434th time). You need them more than you think.
2. One test grade doesn’t define you.
Sometimes, you’ll regret going to that party when you look at your exam and don’t know a thing on it. But that’s okay. Don’t forget that. Seriously, one of the most important things I’ve learned. The one F you scored on your math test isn’t going to stop you from getting your degree, so don’t let it kill your confidence. I mean honestly, don’t even let it ruin your day.
3. School IS important.
Although you have the ability to nap through your entire week of classes, don’t do it. Think about how much money your parents sacrifice and pay, don’t take advantage of them with your new freedom. At least try your best, for them.
4. It’s OK to go out and post a million snap stories if you want to.
Don’t worry about if your Snapchat friends from home are judging you.
5. It’s okay if you want to stay in, too.
If you want to watch the entire season of "Orange Is The New Black" while your friends are drinking jungle juice at Sig Ep, go ahead. No one is going to judge you for that either. Don't worry about missing out, yeah college is fun, but every night isn't Project X, so don't stress about one night in. Enjoy it.
6. Sleep is SO important.
Spread out your schedule to take naps in between, or go to bed early when you can. When you’re falling asleep at your keyboard hours before your essay is due, or getting caught snoozing by your professor, you’ll be wishing you napped earlier.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Don’t forget about all of the learning opportunities the school offers you. I know your school may have the best dining hall food (which I doubt), but let’s not forget about the tutors and extra help they offer. Professors may seem like it, but they aren’t out to get you or make you fail, you just have to utilize their help. One of the biggest mistakes I made is being afraid to ask, but everyone struggles.
8. Make new friends in different places.
Join a sorority/frat, a committee, become an RA, volunteer, do something. Make a friend in your hall, in your class, on the quad. Put yourself out there and don’t be in a bubble like you were in high school.
9. Use your freedom to learn about yourself.
Stay up all night studying to see if cramming is your learning style, or study for an hour and then watch an episode of Friends. Stay out all night with your new friends and don’t think about school work for a whole night, do it. Kiss that boy you’ve been talking to all night, why not? Drunk call your best friends from home. You have all this freedom that you’ve never gotten to play with, and now is your chance.
10. Stay in touch with your friends/family.
Don’t forget this one. Ever. Your family has been there every step of the way and although you’re so busy all day and night, text them “I love you” at least once a day. Chances are they’re worried sick about how you’re settling in, what you’re up to, and that one text will put them at ease. They miss you 100 times more than they let on, you know. Oh, and your new friends don’t know about your awkward quirks/fears or what makes you truly upset, so don’t forget to call your hometown BFF when you need someone to really talk to. Just don’t take for granted the people that you have to come home to.
Freshman year is filled with fears, anxiety, sleepless nights, your first real blackout and new experiences. It is full of tests, experiences to learn from and things to take with you for life.
So with that said, text your freshman year roommates and tell them thank you for holding your hair. Rip up that test grade that haunts you. Post a million snap stories, take a day-long nap, ask for help. Hug your parents extra tight and most importantly, look back on your freshman year and be thankful for a crazy year of lessons learned and memories made.
