Dear Freshmen,
College is a huge transition. Anyone who says it isn't, isn't doing it right. Here are some tips from upperclassmen to make this time easy breezy!
1. You'll learn how to live a whole week off $5. Trust me - it's possible.
If you have an on campus job, payday is most likely biweekly. If it's not, you're one of the lucky few. This will either teach you how to budget really well or teach you to stretch a dime further than ever imaginable. Both are great skills to have.
2. Actually go to class.
Being the student who only goes to class on test days does not work. I would know - I've tried it. I missed the tests because I wasn't in class to actually hear when they were going to happen.
3. Actually pay attention in class.
If you're going to daydream, you might as well have just stayed in bed. To avoid this, do the math on how much each lesson costs! Finals week you will thank you for it.
4. Laundry costs money.
Not only do you have to do it yourself but you also have to pay for it. Buy extra pairs of underwear and designate a weekly laundry day to avoid running out of clean options!
5. Going to the dining hall stag is okay!
There is no shame in not wanting to miss waffle time because all your friends have morning classes. Bring homework, a book, or your roommate's Netflix password to get you through without feeling so awkward.
6. Get to know your professors outside of class.
Seriously, make connections. If you ever find yourself in a tough place in the future, you'll be glad you did.
7. Whatever you do, do not buy your books from the campus bookstore unless it's 100% necessary.
On campus bookstores are SO overpriced. Use sites like Amazon and Chegg to snag your books for a whole lot less $$$. (Unless, of course, your professor wrote the book. Then you have no choice.)
8. There are really no "popular kids," so don't try to be someone else. Be yourself!
In college, there are all kinds of people. Join clubs and organizations that sound interesting to you and you will son find your crowd easier than in high school. Don't worry, you'll never be that weird kid!
9. Call your family every now and then.
Let them know you're alive and that you miss them! It may sound silly, but this is harder for them than it is for you. You are never too old or too cool to love your parents.
10. The first person you befriend will either be the maid of honor at your wedding or your worst enemy. Either one is acceptable.
Not everyone you meet will like you and you will not like everyone you meet. That's just a basic part of life. But when that friendship does spark - IT IS AWESOME.
11. Changing your major is okay but not as easy as schools make it sound.
I cannot stress this enough. Everyone tells you it's okay to change your mind - which is true - but it can also set you back quite a few credits and even semesters. Weigh all of your options before taking twenty courses in one specific major to avoid losing time.
12. Make friends in your classes!
If you're sick and miss a lecture, it really helps to have some form of communication with a peer. Don't worry, you don't have to hang out with them outside of class if you don't want to. Just help each other out every now and then!
13. Just because you started high school at 8am does not mean you can start college at 8am.
I know what you're thinking: "It's only been a few months, I couldn't have gotten that used to sleeping in. Right?" WRONG. Your body just won't wake up, not matter how many alarms you set or how early you go to bed. Schedule afternoon classes for the fist semester until you know what you can handle.
14. Finals week. It is real and it is terrifying.
There are any stages of finals week. This includes procrastination, panic, Redbull, and defeat. Some do these stages in different orders. It's just one of those things you need to experience for yourself to fully understand.
15. It will either be the greatest time of your life or a huge let down.
Some people love college. Some people hate college. It all depends on who you are. But the last advice I have is to not rush any of it. Enjoy and cherish all the long nights, parties, homesickness, and friendships. They are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and they will form you into the person you will be for the rest of your life.
Good luck freshmen.
