By the time this is published, I'll be a college graduate--a tried and true adult to Sallie Mae and Uncle Sam but a grade-A chicken when it comes to crossing the threshold into..."the real world." There are a million things I wish I could tell my freshman self, but here are the ones that really would have saved me a load of stress, confusion and time binging on Netflix and ice cream.
1. You'll feel out of place when you're not in a "group."
But that's okay. Everyone feels out of place at some point in college. It's part of the experience. In a group, you have camaraderie, but out of one, you have the chance to become independent. Find out what makes you tick when you don't have your friends directly influencing you. Start knitting or running or even binge a new Netflix show no one else knows about. Whatever you do, enjoy time with yourself--it's the only person you gotta spend forever with.
2. Professors can make or break a class.
Something like 17th Century Literature can actually be a worthwhile class if your professor's genuinely excited about the subject--and goes on rants about the King's sex life. Something like Humor in Film can be as dull as Calc 1 with this guy as your professor:
3. Some professors can just make it all worth it.
There are some professors who teach because it's a living and some who genuinely care about imparting their knowledge--both academic and life experiences--and really make a difference in their students' lives. Only a few will be willing to help you weigh life decisions, but really, take advantage of the time you have to learn from them.
4. Not all of your "friends" are really your friends.
One of the hardest things is learning how to separate yourself. But really, what's more valuable, twenty "friends" or three friends who will make just as much of an effort as you do?
5. "Being healthy" may not be easy, but neither is dreading what you see in the mirror.
I'm all for self-love and appreciating the body you have, but I also know it's much more easily said than done. I love my body, but "treating yoself" doesn't have to mean sabotaging your health. You want a chocolate bar? Eat some Hershey's, just not five of 'em. Maybe have an apple with it. Everything in moderation. Don't want to run a 5K? Go for a walk around your neighborhood. Every bit counts, and you'll feel better inside and out.
6. Always dress for the job that you want.
A good deal of college is spent overtired and overworked, which often results in giant sweatpants, maybe a smudge of toothpaste (if you even had time to brush your teeth) and frizzy hair. We all have those days, and it's normal. But you never know when you'll run into someone who might just be the best friend of the uncle of the guy who runs the company you've had on your dream board since the sixth grade.
7. Keep your commitments.
Everyone has a crazy schedule in college, but if you're committing to something, stick to it. You have a deadline you know you have to meet every Monday? Set aside the time to do so. In the real world, your boss won't care about that mixer you just had to go to or the fact that it slipped your mind. They'll just let you go.
8. Be on time.
Really, how many of us have that friend? The one who always makes plans for noon, only to push them back an hour, because sleeping in sounded better...and you're the one left sitting alone at a restaurant waiting. You'd hate if it was done to you, don't do it to someone else.
9. The most important relationships aren't the romantic ones.
At least in college. Is it possible you'll meet the love of your life in your freshman Psych class? Sure, anything is. But college is the time to explore your different tastes rather than tying yourself down to the first person you meet. After all, when else are you going to have the opportunity to meet so many different types of people in one condensed place?
10. No one, I repeat, no one is worth losing yourself over.
Doesn't matter if you really did meet your soulmate in that Psych class. You want to be a doctor or live in Texas when you grow up? Don't become a salesperson and move to Maine just because your significant other is. Not only will you resent them one day for it, but you'll resent yourself for not fighting for your own dreams.
11. Dream bigger than you're comfortable with, and go for it.
There will always be people who try to tell you that your dream is too big or too unrealistic. A) Ignore them. B) Do everything you can to prove them wrong. Nothing worth having comes easily. If you work hard and give it your all, despite any detours, you'll get there someday.
Have anything you wish you could tell your freshman self? Leave them below!
