The first year of college is basically like the adult version of the first day of kindergarten, minus the naps. You're scared, you immediately miss your mom, and you have no idea what's going on. But within that first year, you learn some extremely valuable lessons through trial and error. These lessons will stick with you for the rest of your life.
1. It is ok to cry
Not only is it good for your mental health, but for your physical health as well. Crying relieves stress. It’s not a sign of weakness. In college, you're a lot more vulnerable than you're gonna want to admit to yourself so you might as well cry if you need to.
2. You are stronger than you think
The first year is going to test you in more ways than just in a lecture hall. But you better believe you can take it.
3. You are more fragile than you think
Of course the opposite of what you want to hear, but it's true. Yeah, you're strong but some things are gonna hit you funny and that's okay. It's okay to become upset and call your parents just because you have a cold and can't seem to get rid of it.
4. You need your parents more than you know
It's a common misconception of first-year college students that they're completely independent and know everything. Trust me, we don’t. Sure we’re adults, and I use that term very lightly, but we still need our mommies too when the going gets rough. Your parents are always going to be there for you. they know you better than your friends do. So give them a call.
5. Your little brother really does love you and miss you
He's gonna act like he doesn't care that you're gone and many miles away, but let me tell you he does. Pretty soon he's going to be calling you randomly just to complain about what recent annoyance your parents have caused him. He’ll be texting you funny pictures just to make your day because he knows what makes you smile. But oh gosh, he will NEVER admit that he misses you
6. You might not always talk to your good friends from home, but trust me the bond is still there
They were with you all through high school but keeping in as close of contact like before isn't easy. You're all in colleges across the country. You're all establishing yourselves away from one another. A simple “how are you” text or a thirty minute FaceTime conversation will sometimes have to suffice. You all still love each other, but when leading separate lives sometimes a lack of communication can occur.
7. Sometimes you're friends with people for only a few weeks
The girl you met at orientation may seem nice until you realize she's a raging lunatic. It happens to the best of us. It’s perfectly fine to cut out those who do not seem to fit well with you even if you've been “friends” for a few weeks. College is YOUR experience and is what you make of it. Don't let others ruin it for you.
8. Taking three classes only sounds like a breeze (if you're on the quarter system)
Two classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and then one on Tuesday and Thursday?! Sign me up! That'll be your attitude at the beginning of the year. But once you get halfway through winter quarter, you're not gonna know which paper is due when and for what class or which group project is about the sociology of food. Taking three classes sounds easy but keeping up with it becomes tougher.
9. You need sleep. no ifs, ands, or buts about it
Pulling all-nighters can be necessary when you realize you have a 2000 word essay due tomorrow that you completely forgot about. But don't make it a habit. Lack of sleep is only going to cause you to perform worse in your classes than not doing your homework because you were too tired. And for your sanity’s sake, just get more than 7 hours of sleep a night and watch your life change.
10. Spending a night in dancing with your best friend is more fun than house parties
Who wants to be with a bunch of drunk sweaty people shoved into a dark room when you can have your own personal space?! You'll learn quickly that house parties are all the same every weekend and missing them is only doing you a favor.
11. One meal a day is not cutting it
When we get busy, one of the things that seems to be the first to go is eating. You'll sleep in just so you won't pass out in class but then you'll skip breakfast. And then you'll run to your next class because you needed coffee and prioritized that over food. Next thing you know it’s about 8pm and you're just now having your first meal. This seems like an effective way to save time, but you're only hurting yourself. EAT PLEASE. Those dining dollars aren't going to spend themselves.
12. Respect. how to give it and how to receive it
This is self-explanatory. Whether it’s with friends or significant others or yourself, respect is absolutely necessary and should be mandatory. Respect yourself enough to know when it’s time to walk away from the situation in which you aren't receiving respect.
13. How to defend yourself
People will always want to tear you down. it'll happen in college too. some people you call “friends” will try to destroy everything you've built for yourself. It wasn’t until this year I began to speak up for myself and others. Don't let anyone bully you whether it's a peer or a manager at work.
14. A part-time job is a great idea but don't work 30 hours in a week
If you're like me, you think you can handle everything and anything. you'll take on a nearly 35 hour work week because heck yeah you can do it. It’s not until you're missing class and assignments because you're at work you'll realize that this is not possible and is an awful idea.
15. You are a vastly different person now than you were before you got to college
Your style, taste in music, personality, and maybe even your hair will change during your first year. Embrace it! This is the time to experiment with who you are as a person.
