This past year has been one for the books. What started out as a new chapter has now become my favorite! Here are 15 things I wish I knew before beginning freshman year.
1. Caffeine Becomes Your New BFF
There’s literally never be a bad time for coffee. Whether you get it hot or iced, it will always be there for you during those early morning 8 a.m.s and late-night assignments. Honestly with the amount of caffeine I drink I should be immune to it by now.
2. Do Not Let a Bad First Semester Discourage You
It’s OK! It’s only one part of your college career. Take a deep breath and reflect on how you’ve already made it this far. That is something to be proud of. You’re in a new environment and still getting adjusted, you’ll get the hang of it soon enough.
3. You’ll Find Some Life-Long Friends
Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean your high school friends mean any less to you. Friendships form fast in the college environment, and before you know it the year will be over and you’ll just be learning your college best friend isn’t an only child.
4. Go to Sporting Events
Don't just go to the popular ones, but cheer on all sports your school has to offer! You may grow to like them more than you thought you would.
5. Take Advantage of Your School’s Gym
The freshman 15 is very real and will sneak up on you if you’re not prepared for it! Trying to maintain a healthy diet and stable workout plan are very important.
6. You’ll Find Yourself Calling Your Parents at Odd Times
Trust me, when they say you will call your mom just to tell her you ate a bagel, they aren’t kidding. You’ll realize you haven't talked to your parents in a couple days, so you'll come up with any excuse to give them a call.
7. Live in the Now
Appreciate the little moments you have, because let me tell you freshman year is a once in a lifetime experience. The year goes by SO much faster than you think it will though, and before you know it, it’ll be over.
8. But, Also Take Chances
There’s no better time than now to step outside of your comfort zone. Better an oops than a what if, now is the time to live with no regrets.
9. You Will Make Mistakes
With taking chances comes making mistakes and trust me you will make plenty. That is COMPLETELY OK! As long as you learn something from them.
10. Get Involved Around Campus
Join clubs and organizations! Not only is it a way to show what you are passionate about, but also a great way to meet people similar to yourself. I’ve met some of my best friends through joining a sorority, and now I can’t imagine what life would be like without them.
11. Give People the Benefit of the Doubt
Never judge a book by its cover or based off of preconceived notions. People can turn out to be very different than you’d expect them to be.
12. Make Friends in Your Classes
Not only is this very helpful for when you have to miss class, but also an easy way to get study buddies. Also, *disclaimer*, your contacts will indeed fill up quickly with names such as “blonde girl in my Spanish class.”
13. There are More Important Things in Life Than Impressing That Cute Frat Boy
I wish I could shout this from the rooftops! Focus on yourself and less on impressing other people in general. Take care of YOU first and then everything else will fall into line. You should never feel bad about doing what is right for you.
14. Prioritize
Know when you need to buckle down on getting work done and DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. There will always be another party, but professors are not very understanding with extending deadlines. Get your work done and then feel free to go out and have a good time.
15. It’s OK if You Miss Home… It’s Also OK if You Don’t
The first couple months will be weird, that’s the only word I could ever use to describe the experience. You may get homesick, you may not. But, before you know it, the small 13' by 15' little box you’ll be living in, and the people you'll be living with, will feel like home.
