It’s that time of year when the, now, incoming freshman are receiving schedules and rooming assignments. They are all making their way to their future home for orientation where they may meet their new best friend. This made me take a look back and think of all the things freshman year has taught me. Trust me, this list is full of the cliches everyones mom told them.
1. Being in a relationship is not as great as you think.
Freshman year is about exploring who you are and not being tied down. In a relationship you feel responsible for another person and you limit yourself. When in a relationship you stop yourself from experiencing college, worried about what you significant other will think.
2. If you find that special someone or are with them, make sure they treat you the best way possible.
Don’t settle for anything less. Anyone who won't give you the time of day or makes you feel guilty is not worth it. Don’t spend nights in your room crying because they kissed another girl. Go out and have fun because otherwise you are wasting what could be the best nights of your life.
3. Let go of insecurity.
No one in college cares, and if they do they are trying too hard. This is your chance to throw away the fake person you may have been in high school and let your freak flag fly. I can now proudly flaunt my love for horror movies, "Star Wars" and "Lord of the Rings."
4. Family relationships are everything.
I used to resent my mother in high school. Now, I realize just how cool she is, mainly because my floor mates say so. I have never been closer with her. She is one of my best friends and the first person I tell all the drama to. I also appreciate the gas factory I have as a teenage brother. We miss each other, now.
5. Nothing beats home food.
As a North Jersey girl, I miss the local bagel and pizza shop more than anything. My fellow New Jersey natives will understand. Even if you aren't from the land of the best food you still know the value of a home cooked meal after nine months of classic dining hall fare.
6. It’s OK to let go of friends.
When you get to college relationships change, don't try so hard to hold on to something if it isn't working. I learned this the hard way, but I finally let go and now I know who my great friends are at home. Plus college friends are always true! They’ve seen you on your best and worst days, especially my floor mates! Shout out to floor 12 Milly!
7. Take every opportunity.
In college, it is so beneficial to do everything that you can without overwhelming yourself. Going to school in Philly, I have so many opportunities on and off campus. Whether it is concerts, street fairs, or campus clubs, I try to do it all. You see what your likes and dislikes are, and you experience all sorts of new things.
8. Drives can be the best therapy.
I miss driving much more than I thought. My Mini Coop, Simon, and I have been through it all. He’s seen my best and my worst. When I go home I always take the long way, or just go for a drive. The road, me and whatever is blasting through the stereo are all I need, sometimes, and while on campus I don't have that.
9. “Seventy-five percent of everything is bullis**t”
The quote is credited to the head of my program. Not everything you come across in life is worth it. Stories people tell are most of the time exaggerations. Those party snaps aren't as fun as they look. That test you failed doesn't matter. Most importantly, no one has it together. That kid that has the five-year plan has no clue what he's doing. That girl that goes to all the parties doesn't have any real friends. Don’t take everything at face value.
10. College is about finding yourself.
I was pretty lost in high school, but I can proudly say I believe I have found myself in college. I now know what my strengths and weaknesses are. I know what I want to do with my life and I have so many plans for the future. I also know which relationships are worth my time and which aren’t. I have grown into myself and would like to think I am a mature adult, even if I still have my kid moments.
