Dear high school seniors,
I remember that this time last year I was looking up tips on college or what to bring to my dorm room. I've just passed the halfway point of my freshman year and, with the help of some peers, I've decided to collect some advice that we believe you should know. It may not have everything you need, but it'll give you a better understanding of what to expect in your first year.
1. “If you have younger friends who are still in high school, you’re going to laugh when they freak out over a final that’s, at most, 20% of their grade.”–Anonymous
Oh, and is that final not on a curve either? Let’s talk after I finish this essay that’s worth 35% of my grade.
2. “To all high school girls: You will graduate college with at least ONE stalker story. Boys in college can be thirsty AF.”–S. O’Connor
Okay, so it most likely won’t be a stalker story. Keep in mind, though, that you should be aware of your surroundings regardless of your gender, your location on campus, or the time of the day.
3. “The ‘Freshmen 15’ is no joke.”–J. Kim
Don’t be afraid to eat unhealthy foods, of course, because college is a time to indulge and try new things! But don’t delude yourself into thinking that you can eat pizza, ice cream, fries, and cookies often and not have any effects on your health.
4. “Use resources like security escorts if you feel unsafe”–C. Hardison
This is especially important for walking around at night! Your safety should be your school’s priority, after all!
5. “Bring air freshener because everyone will say your room is nice (even if it’s messy).”–N. Oei
People can sit on your unmade bed without a problem, but they can’t easily ignore the odors wafting about the room.
6. “Be friends with your RA because your RA is cool.”–M. Naudi
Your RA really isn’t there to breathe down your neck and give you citations for every minor misdemeanor. The university picked them specifically to be there for you if you need them, and it’s a lot easier to go ask for help if you’ve at least talked to them once before.
7. “Don’t procrastinate; you don’t have time.”–N. Bailey
When you stay up until the sun rises to finish an essay that’s due by noon, you’ll understand exactly what we mean.
8. “You have three options for avoiding people who are in booths or are handing out flyers: put on some sunglasses, walk fast so it looks like you’re running late to class, or hand them a flyer instead.”–M. Dhillon
There are many, many more ways to do this, but you get the gist.
9. “You’re not the top student anymore, but don’t let that fact get the best of you.”–A. Le
Being part of a student body of people just like you can be both scary and an exciting challenge. You might be a little discouraged when you no longer stand out as much amongst your peers, and that’s normal. However, that should only serve as motivation to always work hard for your success.
10. “Don’t be the person who shouts out how to solve the problem in the middle of lecture when it’s just about to be taught. You’re not the professor, and frankly no one really cares how smart you think you are.”–Anonymous
This happens more than you would expect. Stuff like this impedes the learning process of others, interrupts a lecture that the professor spent time in arranging, and wastes everyone’s time. Unless the professor asks for students to speak, just keep it to yourself.
11. “Find something fun to do outside of class!”–A. Perry
Classes shouldn’t take up your entire life! If you don’t take breaks every now and then, you’re going to burn yourself out very quickly.
12. “If you don’t wear flip flops in the shower, then you can’t be trusted.”–K. Colada
Basic hygiene. Enough said.
