As a freshman coming into West Chester University, I thought I had everything figured out right off the bat. As someone who’s always spent time with an older crowd, through their experiences I thought I knew exactly what to expect and how to enjoy my 4-years in college. Now, approaching the last two months of my college career as an undergrad, I find my 22-year-old, communication studies major, constant job searching self, looking back on my freshman self, Schmidt Hall, room 125, undeclared business major wishing I had known what I know now.
1.) It’s ok to be undecided as a freshman.
I remember applying to colleges during the fall of my senior year in high school and being so set on the idea that I had to go into school with a major in mind. Because of this, I chose many peoples ‘go-to’ and declared as a Business Major. Because of this, I found myself constantly struggling for two years trying to pass the ‘intro’ level courses to become accepted into the major. Because of how long it took me to realize that calc. and accounting weren’t for me, my GPA suffered greatly… and we all know how hard it is to bring up a GPA once it has dropped. Once I spent more time meeting with advisors and researching the different programs WCU had to offer, I found my passion – communications. If only I wasn’t so set on making a decision right away, I would have enjoyed those first two years more, academically that is.
2.) Play intramural sports.
3.) Join a sorority.
Though I finally made the best decision and joined Alpha Sigma Tau my sophomore year, I can’t help but kick myself about refusing to rush as a freshman. I come from a family where Greek Life is unheard of. Like, seriously – they know nothing about it. So, coming into school freshman year, all I knew of Greek life was movies and TV shows. Once I saw how great the organizations that all the friends on my floor had joined were, I couldn’t wait for the next recruitment season to be a part of it myself. The friends I have met through AST have helped my adjustment to college life tremendously and if I could go back, I would have joined right away.
4.) Get a job on campus.
Because I have been someone with a part time job since the day I turned 16, the transition to school was odd as I did not have a job. Some people might view this as a blessing, but for me, I was not content. I am the type of person who needs to keep extremely busy. My way to figure this issue out was that I was picking up shifts at my job back in New Jersey. Trying to balance school work and going home to NJ every weekend to work became too much. If I really wanted to have a part time job while living in the dorms, I wish I knew about the on-campus opportunities to make some money.
5.) Go to bed early during the week, stay up as late as you want on the weekends.
6.) Do not give into FOMO.
Everyone has it at some point or another. Good ole' 'fear of missing out'. Though I am a firm believer of living life to the fullest, I also am a firm believer of being content with your choices. I can recall plenty of Thursday or Saturday nights where I chose to stay in and get some work done and became distracted because I felt like I was missing out. Eventually, my FOMO was making decisions for me and my grades were suffering. If only I took a step back, looked at the big picture and realized that in the grand scheme of things – missing out on a night here or there to make my weeks easier for me, is ok, I can assure that I would have aced a few more exams
7.) Working out gives you energy. Naps make you more tired.
8.) Do not be quick to judge people.
9.) Study abroad.
10.) Apartment complexes are better than houses.
Sophomore year I made the smart choice to stay on campus in an apartment. This was the best living situation I chose for the years to come. I had my own room, a parking space and maintenance for when the refrigerator stopped working. It was affordable and a 30-second walk to campus. The following year, I thought it would be more ‘fun’ to lease an off-campus house. Though it was an awesome experience, I do not believe it was worth the hassle of never having a parking spot, freezing conditions or hundred dollar utility bills or even overpaying to share a room. Don’t get me wrong, this kind of living situation is perfect for some people. But, personally, I found myself happier in an apartment complex like College Arms sophomore year and The Edge senior year.
Though I have no regrets about how the time has gone and my four years at WCU have been everything I could ask for and more, there are a few things that I wish I had known would have made the years better along the way… But, not knowing all of these things wouldn’t have allowed me to learn all the lessons I have along the way. And for that, I am grateful.
