Throughout my freshman year, I've learned a lot. Sometimes, I had to learn things the hard way. Here are fifteen things I wish I knew before starting my first year of college.
1. Always carry around $20 in cash.
And I don't mean a twenty dollar bill. Take a few fives, a couple tens, or some singles - especially if you go out.
2. If you go to parties, don’t go with just one other person. Groups of three or more (the more, the better) are safer.
You never know how long your best friend will end up “talking” to that cute boy, but always know where she is before you leave. That’s important.
3. Physically go to your classes, even lectures.
You learn so much more by actually attending classes, no matter how well you learn information from simply reading a textbook.
4. Get involved in something.
You’ll actually have some spare time, so use it! Especially if you live on-campus – everything is right at your fingertips! Have fun with it!
5. Living with people is never easy, but you’ll learn a lot.
Even if you are blessed with a wonderful roommate, you’ll find yourself wishing you could just have a room to yourself from time to time. Get used to this though, living with someone teaches you a few life lessons.
6. If a boy asks you to come over and watch a movie, he probably doesn’t want to watch a movie.
“Netflix and chill” rarely means “Let’s binge watch 'Friends' together.”
7. Get to know those around you.
In classes, in your hall, in your organizations; it’s simply more fun if you have someone to share the experiences with.
8. Do not spend every Saturday night tucked away in your bed, but don’t go out every Saturday night, either.
Find the perfect balance between Netflix and Tumblr Saturdays, movie nights with friends Saturdays and Saturdays spent in a frat house basement.
9. Don’t buy all your textbooks.
Renting is almost always the best option. That common core history book? Yep. You’ll barely touch it. Trying to sell textbooks can also be a pain. Also, you can likely rent your books from the library whenever you need them.
10. Don’t get stuck in a rut.
It’s easy to go to the same dining hall for lunch each day or have the same after-class routine. Mix things up a bit. Take a different route to class or sit with someone else in your lecture. Variety can be the spice of life.
11. Take pictures.
You’ll be making some of the most interesting memories of your life right now. You’re going to want to remember it.
12. If you’re going to eat fries and Taco Bell every day, you’re going to have to do something about it.
The “freshman 15” is very real. Work it out at the gym.
13. Go to study sessions.
This is a great way to study! You will have TA’s and other students right there, and you’ll learn more from an hour study session than three hours of studying on your own.
14. Try to manage your money.
It’s hard, especially when you want to order midnight pizza, but don’t be too careless with your cash unless you’ve got a stable job with weekly paychecks.
15. Call home.
Your mom misses you. Your grandparents miss you. Your dog misses you. Let them know that you still love them and remember to never lose your roots or those who made you who you are.
