10 Things I Wish I Knew as a College Freshman
Looking back on my 3 years of college as a senior, graduating in the spring, I feel a bit nostalgic. Of course I’m excited for what my future holds, but leaving the college life behind will not be easy. From the numerous friendships I’ve made, to the success I’ve had, to those memories I will cherish forever, these have easily been the best 4 years of my life. To those underclassmen and those future college ungrads, listen up!
- This is not high school anymore. Long gone are the days of studying one night in advance and not touching your backpack over the weekend. Welcome to the place where your homework assignments and exams are all you think about. Say hello to self-taught lessons, endless nights in the library and a dangerous amount of caffeine. Be proactive, prepared and willing to seek extra help. In the end, education is the reason you are here.
- Get as involved as possible. Join as many clubs as you can and expand your horizons. College is a time to try new things, meet new people, and discover new interests. This is the perfect time to be the person you were always afraid to be in high school. Find out what clubs and activities your school offers and don’t be afraid to be different!
- This is the time to do something new. Whether it be joining a new club, picking up random classes, or doing different things on the weekend, try something new! You never know what you’re missing out on until you experience something new.
- The freshman 15 is a REAL thing! (Technically, we could even say the Freshman 50) No longer do you have parents preparing and monitoring meals. Instead, you enter an all-you-can-eat buffet filled with ice cream, endless pizza and that awesome new soda machine on a daily basis. Know what you’re putting into your body, stay active, and limit the number of adult sodas you have on the weekends.
- You WILL have roommate issues. No matter if it’s someone you just met or a close friend from home, there will be issues. Someone will eat your food and you’ll probably stay up too late for their liking. Issues are inevitable; learn to communicate and be as courteous as possible.
- Quality > quantity. Remember in high school how it was so cool to have the most friends possible? Yeah, well in college that doesn’t matter so much. Find those friends who are loyal, fun to be around, and will only build you up. College, let alone life, is way too short to waste your time on negative people. Choose wisely!
- Freshmen grades will catch up to you. Through the large amount of adjusting to the college life, don’t leave your academics in the dust. Keep on top of things, seek out tutoring services, and talk to your professors. Graduate schools and future employers do not care that you were busy being homesick. Just stay focused on what you’re here for!
- Partying is not a necessity. We’ve all seen those movies that show the awesome college parties filled with keg stands, beer pong, and drugs. While it’s okay to try new things and have some fun on the weekends, partying will not make or break your college experience. Whatever you choose, be safe, be smart and do what makes you happy- not what you think will make you look “cool.”
- You will have a new found love for your family. Sure, you’re a teenager ready to have new experiences and do things on your own. However, being several hours away and missing out on the little things does make you realize how much your family means to you. Call your mom, visit often and never forget where you came from.
- College is the best 4 years of your life… SAVOR IT! College is everything you make it and it can be the best 4 years of your life if you try. Never wish the days away and savor the 4 years you have while you can still enjoy them. So study hard, try new things, and live in the moment.
