Now that I'm almost done with college, sometimes I look back at my freshman year and all the things that I wish I would have known.
1. Go to class
Seems east right? It is so appealing at first that your teachers do not take attendance but don't take advantage of that. Go to class, take notes, ask questions just be there. You only meet twice a week so unless you have a good reason do not skip.
2. Get to know your professors
You never know when you will need a letter of recommendation, whether that be for a class, a program, or anything else you will need it someday. And you will want them to have as many nice things to say as possible. Also get to know them because they are a lot more accommodating when they can put a face to the email. Professors are people to so they will be understanding to students, especially those who show up and care about the class.
3. Do the extra credit
When it's getting down the the last little bit of the semester and you have 5 other research paper do a quiz and countless exams you never know when you'll be needing those extra points. And anyways doing a little extra work to have a great grade is never a bad thing.
4. Netflix can wait
I know hard to believe your new favorite show can wait. Take the time you have in between classes to study or get ahead on homework. Use those hours during the day so you can binge watch at night, don't procrastinate!
5. It's okay if you fall behind
Every major is different and some take more requirements and work than others. So if you take more than four years it's okay, don't feel like your behind or doing poorly. College doesn't need to be rushed especially since it is preparing you for your future. Take your time and do well.
6. Use the resources at the university
You pay for things like the writing and math center in your tuition, so use them! It's a free tutor to look over your work, or help you with your homework you mine as well use it. If anything maybe they can just give you tips to help you succeed with whatever you're doing next.
7. Do not avoid your hard classes
Take them as soon as possible actually. I know college can be scary and you want to ease into things but don't! Take it head on and make sure you have a balanced schedule. Take a few hard classes and a few easy ones and start chipping away at those requirements. The worst thing ever is finals time that semester you thought you should take your four hardest classes at once.
8. Check all your pre recs
Before planning out what classes you want to take what semesters, double check if there is any pre recs for your classes and what they are. You don't want to have to end up taking less credits because you didn't look at what you needed before hand.
9. Don't put yourself into a studying coma
Plan ahead and don't procrastinate. Give your self time to let the material sink in and even get help if you need it. And if you are understanding the material don't second guess yourself and study for endless hours, just keep refreshing yourself. Most importantly take breaks, leave your room and give your brain time to decompress.
10. Everything goes by quick
College goes by in the blink of an eye. Enjoy it. Don't get too stressed about the future and miss all the fun things happening around you. Go to a football game, or a party, join a club or whatever it is that makes you happy. Even when classes are super hard don't wish for everything to be over these are years you cannot get back. Live in the moment.
Now that i'm going into my senior year I have learned and experienced so much. I'm thankful for all the experiences I've had and all that I have yet to. Even through the hiccups along the way there's nothing I would have changed about my college experience.
