So you're about to start your freshman year at (insert institution of higher education here). Well, having gone through a year at Pitt, I know everything there is to know about college life all around the globe. That's how that works right, one year in and I know everything? Oh well, before you go into this year there are a couple of things that you should know regardless of where you are attending school.
1. Have fun.
Literally just have fun, people say that your college years are the best of your life, don't risk it in case they might be right.
2. It's OK to not be OK.
Sometimes college can be stressful and it is hard, it is not like high school. Things will get stressful and its ok for it to be that way for a little while. Just keep persevering and get through it, there's always the light at the other side of the tunnel.
3. Sometimes you don't get an A.
In high school you could get straight A's without even trying. In college that will NOT fly. You actually have to study and do your homework. Don't walk into a class for the first time on exam day and expect to ace it, you will not.
4. Cherish your friends.
Your friends can be your study buddies, they can save you from eating alone in the cafeteria and they can make life more fun so remember to thank them for being amazing because they really are.
5. You can change your major.
If you go into school with an idea of what you want to do and be in life it might get changed. You might take an elective and love it while hating your majors classes. Talk to people and advisors if you're starting to feel this way, don't just try to get through four years of chemistry if you hate it.
6. Look around when buying books.
The on-campus bookstore might not be the cheapest option there is. Check other places either physical or online. Textbooks do not need to be brand new, and don't be afraid to get used books or rent them. Money is precious especially in college, and you don't want to waste it on something you will never open again.
7. The Freshman 15 is real, but avoidable.
When you are finally out on your own there is no one to tell you not to eat that fifth doughnut. Sometimes things are not always the most healthy to eat on campus and stress eating is a thing that can happen which can lead to a little weight gain and there is nothing wrong with that. If you feel those jeans getting a little too tight for your liking try and hit up a gym or take a walk once a week or something to that effect.
8. Late nights are real.
Sometimes you will have to pull all-nighters. Just try not to do it the night of an exam. Some wise upperclassmen told me once, "Exam? Sleep. Project? There is always coffee."
9. Laundry sucks.
Sometimes things will not be dry the whole way and sometimes machines don't work and then sometimes they work too well and flood everything. Ive got nothing for this one. Just try not to throw things at the washer and dryer.
10. Coffee is life.
Enough said.
Just try to remember some of these things and have the best time you can, have fun and drink up that beautiful dark roast.
