As a rising sophomore, here are some things I saw and experienced my freshman year of college that you, incoming or current college freshman, might want to keep in mind! Good luck!
1. Not everyone is like the people you meet on the Facebook page.
No offense to anyone who has posted there—I know I got a little scared at how super outgoing and excited everyone seemed to be—but you find your niche and your group of people.
2. College is what you make it.
This goes for lots of things. Parties, schoolwork, friends, etc. You can be a partier if you want. You can be a slacker. It's up to you to put in the effort or not.
3. Friends come with time.
Don't be freaked out if you haven't immediately found your new BFFAE. It takes time. People you meet at the beginning could be friends for life or someone you never see again. Don't stress about this.
4. You will miss your parents.
Very few people I know did not get homesick at some point during the school year. This is totally normal, and nothing to be ashamed of. There were tons of times I just picked up the phone and called my parents out of the blue because I missed them so much. Don't be afraid to talk to people about this, especially upperclassmen. It happens to everyone.
5. Ask questions.
About the social scene, classes, everything. Upperclassmen will honestly jump for joy that you are asking their opinions on something and need their help. It's so much better to just ask about something than to go through it alone and confused.
6. College is harder than high school.
This should be a no-brainer, but some students take this for granted. In college, you'll get involved in a ton of activities at the beginning, and you'll be immersed into this new, constantly busy, constantly changing lifestyle with no rules and (gasp!) no parents. You can do whatever you want! But this is no time to slack off. Academics are rigorous and fast paced, so don't get too comfortable and don't take your newfound freedom to mean that you don't need to study. Hopefully this won't be a problem for any of you lovely, intelligent freshmen.
7. You can't go to every event.
I have total FOMO or fear of missing out, so I get this. It's hard to turn down a fun event because you have to study or go to a meeting. But that event will happen again, or another just like it will come along. You're at college to get an education—keep that in mind. School comes first. Go to as many events as you can, but don't feel horrible if you can't attend them all.
8. Your interests may change.
Don't be concerned if your interests change during your first year at college, or if you find yourself not wanting to do things that you did in high school. College is a time of growth and change, and a time to try new things. Go for it!
9. You don't have to reinvent yourself.
Some people take going off to college to mean "become a new person." It can mean whatever you want it to mean. I feel like I didn't change at all. You don't have to suddenly become a super outgoing person or scale back your optimism. Just be who you want to be, and be genuine. People will be able to tell.
10. College is fun.
This list wouldn't be complete without this. Although it is hard and stressful and kinda scary, your freshman year is awesome. It's a time to meet new people, discover yourself and learn things you never thought you would've. Enjoy it; it goes by too quickly!
