High school didn't really prepare us for this...but we made the most of the situation we were given.
1. You're going to make new friends.
The biggest fear of many incoming freshman is leaving the town they grew up in and entering a completely new setting. The most important thing to remember is that everyone feels this way. Everyone feels alone the first few weeks and everyone is looking to make new friends. So be yourself and friends will come!
2. You're going to lose some friends back home.
As much as you wish it won't happen, you're going to lose touch with some of your friends back home; it happens. You got so used to seeing each other every day for the past four years and now everyone's in a totally new situation. You're going to grow apart, but the most important thing to remember is that everything happens for a reason.
3. College is a lot harder than high school.
As much as we wish this wasn't true, college is a lot harder than high school. You can't just do your work ten minutes before class and hope for an A like you could get away with in high school. College demands a lot of commitment, planning, and energy to keep up with the workloads for each course.
4. Get involved on campus.
There's no excuse to be bored if you live on campus. There are endless clubs and organizations to get involved with. Even if clubs or sports aren't your thing, there are a ton of events on campus that you can attend...and most of the time events mean free stuff.
5. It's okay to fail.
You're definitely not going to succeed at everything you try, and a big part of freshman year is learning that. Whether it's a challenging class or your first job interview, you're not going to win them all; but what you have to remember is to pick your head up and keep going, other doors will be opened and other opportunities will come.
6. There's no excuse for the 'Freshman 15'.
It's the phrase we've heard ever since we were old enough to even know what college was, but the freshman 15 is honestly nothing more than a myth. A lot of students don't realize that you're essentially paying for a gym membership in your tuition, so you might as well take a break from that research paper and take a run on a treadmill to clear your head.
7. Organization is key.
This may be the most important thing you realize freshman year, that staying organized is the way to success. We all had those planners they gave to us in high school to write down our homework but really never touched after the first day. However, in college, you literally need to write down everything. It's important to know when meetings are, when exams are, and when that huge paper is due too. If you have everything mapped out for the week ahead, it can take a huge weight off of your shoulders.
8. Call your family.
It may seem cheesy, but you're going to call home as much as possible your first semester. Your parents are going to miss you a lot, even if they won't admit it. Calling only takes a second and it's a great way to let those who care about you know you're doing well.
9. Take advantage of your student discounts.
Student discounts are everywhere and a lot of people don't take advantage of them. There are usually a ton in the town surrounding the campus, but big brand name stores also offer discounts if you show your student ID. Who knew that little card could do so much.
10. Time flies.
You really need to make the most out of every second of college because before you know it a semester's over, and then another one. The most important thing is to take the time to make your college experience memorable, because who really wants to remember the time they pulled an all nighter to study for a final.
