Before going away to college, many of us have no idea what to expect. While it seems desirable to not have anyone order you around, there's also nobody to advise you on how to be a functioning adult. These are some of the important lessons I learned that I wish I knew before my freshman year.
1. It's not easy to make time for everyone you care about.
From the moment you tell your parents goodbye on move-in day, it’s your job to keep up with your loved ones and friends from high school. As the semester goes on, and you become engulfed in an entirely new environment, staying in touch with everyone who signed your yearbook becomes increasingly more difficult. However, if it’s meant to be, your friendships will always fall back into place upon being reunited, but don’t be afraid to cut some ties, and always make sure to call your parents.
2. You’ll be surprised what you can accomplish by putting yourself out there.
Try everything! This is the perfect opportunity to try out for the sport you’ve always wanted to or play an instrument you’ve never tried, and don’t be afraid of failing because it happens to everyone (personally, I'll be staying far away from volleyballs for the rest of my life).
3. Sometimes, pulling all-nighters is necessary.
All hail coffee chains!
4. It’s important to take time to yourself.
Having down time is critical to your health — and sanity for that matter. During those precious moments when your roommate is away at class or home for the weekend, make it a priority to enjoy the time alone and relish in the quiet.
5. If someone doesn’t text you back, take the hint.
It took me all year to realize that if someone wants to talk to you, they will find a way. I have wasted hours upon hours double-texting people who just don’t want it or don’t feel the same way. Don’t waste your time on someone who only responds to you at 3 a.m. with “u up?” because trust me, they’re not worth it.
6. Be kind to everyone.
You never know who needs it, and one day that person could be you.
7. Just because you put everything into a friendship doesn’t mean they feel the same way.
Sometimes, people will disappoint you and come nowhere near your expectations. It’s important to realize that not everyone wants to be your best friend, so decide instead to put your time and energy into someone who does.
8. Don’t ever wear flip flops to a frat house.
I cannot emphasize this enough.
9. Be open to exploring new parts of yourself.
There is a lot to learn when you’re living on your own for the first time, and all you can do is exist without self-judgment and welcome any new additions to your life with grace.
10. Accept everything that happens, for it's either to benefit you or teach you a lesson.
There are constantly going to be obstacles thrown in your direction, straying you from your envisioned life path, but take those obstacles in stride and try to learn from them, because they’re happening for a reason.
11. Love yourself before anything else.
To be the best version of yourself, you have to be your own number one fan.
And finally…
12. This is a time for you!
College is a time for self-exploration and learning. These four years exist so that students like you can develop into functioning adults who are capable of not only their intended career, but of social relations too. So take every experience, whether it be a lifeless lecture or a karaoke night with friends, as something amazing that you will never get to do again.
While it's true that your first year away from home can be daunting and downright challenging, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. I learned a lot about myself, and also about how to live and interact with others. Hopefully some of these lessons will help you in your own freshman experiences.
