No one knows what to expect going into college. Before starting school, I was that kid who Googled "The Do's and Don't's of College," but still I definitely have said more than once, "Man, I wish someone told me that before coming here." And so here are a few things I learned my freshman year of college.
1. To keep an open mind
College is a place where you will meet people who come from different places and were raised differently. Keep an open mind and listen to their opinion, even if it differs from your own.
2. It’s OK to be scared
Everyone is scared their freshman year of college, and it is okay for you to be too. But don’t let it hinder your experience or else you will end up not enjoying yourself.
3. But try new things
New opportunities and experiences exist outside of your comfort zone. Remember, you don’t have to experience things alone. Bring a friend or someone new you just met… chances are you both wanted to but didn’t want to alone.
4. Stand up for yourself
Mom and Dad are not there to back you up. Stand up for yourself, if you have a different from everyone else so what? Voice your opinion, you’ll find people to support you. No one will judge. It is a new chapter in your life. A new beginning.
5. You have to be an adult
You have to pay for things and fold your laundry (no it’s not magic that puts clothes away for you) and talk to a lot of people in order to get things moving. I can’t tell you how many times I have said “I adulted today” after doing two weeks’ worth of laundry and then emailing professors to set up a meeting.
6. However, it is okay to act like a child sometimes
Sometimes being an adult is hard, serious work. You need a break, be goofy, have a Disney movie marathon and have a dance party with friends. You deserve it.
7. Stay fit, stay healthy
You can slip into bad eating habits quickly (mac and cheese as a midnight snack?) because you don’t have parents there to nag you. Go to the gym, you’re paying for it might as well use it, eat a salad at least three times a week. You’ll thank me for this.
8. Change is good
Whether you go to school 10 miles away from home or 10 hours away from home, things are going to change. Friend groups are different, school work gets harder, routines change and that is okay… it’s for the better.
9. Don’t procrastinate
It may have worked senior year (senioritis ring a bell to anyone?) but it won’t cut it for college. Work piles up, you might get overwhelmed but you can avoid it. Do your homework as soon as possible.
10. Take advantage of sleep
If naps aren’t already your best friend… they will be. You’ll learn to appreciate 10 minute naps and you’ll want to go to bed at 10:30.
11. Organize. Organize. Organize.
Make sure you keep your things organized. Nothing is worse than loosing that paper you pulled an all-nighter for… five minutes before class.
12. Have fun!
You meet new friends, are on your own for the first time and for the first time in your life you are in complete and total control of every single aspect of your life. Make your freshman year something you’ll look back on and say “Man, I had fun.”
