My freshman year is officially over! It is definitely bittersweet. This past year was rough for me and I did not adjust well to the many changes. It feels like I just moved into my dorm room last week but it also feels like I have been there forever. College is an eye opening experience. Some people are affected by it more than others. Here are a few things I learned in my first year of college!
1. It is okay to transfer
I went out of state this year and realized that the school was not for me. Sometimes you can’t see a school for what it truly is on a college tour. Don’t be ashamed if you want to transfer. I am going to a college closer to home in the fall and I can not be more excited. Don’t spend all 4+ years at a school that you are miserable at.
2. It is okay to switch majors
Although I have not thought about switching my major, I know many people who have. College is a lot different from high school and you have many new experiences. If the major you were dead set on in high school is not what you thought it would be, change it! It is better to switch majors earlier in your college career rather than later.
3. You will probably not meet your best friends within the first week
There are a lot of different people at college. You likely grew up around all of the same people your whole life. Now you are at a school where you don’t know anyone at all. It takes time to find the people that you really click with.
4. Show up to class
I can not express this enough. Showing up to class shows your professors that you care and even if you aren’t paying that much attention, something your professor says might just stick in your head for the test.
5. It is also okay to skip one or two classes if you need to
College is tough, exhausting and stressful. If you are sick or really just need a mental health day, one or two missed classes each semester is okay. Just make sure you email your professor.
6. Do your homework
This is so important. Even if your class does not require you to do the homework, do it anyway. You will be glad you did it when it is time for the test.
7. Study
College is not high school. You can not get away with studying for five minutes before a test. When you know you have an exam coming up, do everything you can to get through all of the material that was discussed. There are not many tests in college so every grade counts.
8. Befriend your professors
They are some of your best resources in college. If you befriend them, they are more likely to help you succeed. These are awesome people who can also lead you towards jobs after you graduate.
9. Go home if you want to/are able to
Going home on the weekends was how I kept my sanity my freshman year. Even though I had to drive three hours home every weekend, it was a nice refreshing break before the new week. I enjoyed being home, spending time with my family and friends and just being able to go to my favorite spots in the town I grew up in.
10. Take advantage of extra credit
This does not come along often in college. Don’t be expecting it either. If your professor offers extra credit, do it. Even if your grade is fine now, you will be thankful you did it when you get an F on that test in three weeks.
