As the school year is rolling back around, a whole new set of fresh faces will soon present themselves on our beloved college campuses. These poor college freshman probably have no idea what they're about to get into. As much as I loved my freshman year of college, I wish someone would have given me tips and tricks for how to really enjoy my first year of college with little to no mistakes. So here is the list of things I wish someone would have told me before I started school.
1. Sleep is your friend, so spend time together.
It's very tempting to stay up late every night and just skip class or sleep through class. Do not fall into this trap! It turns out you need sleep to be successful, which leads me to my next point.
2. Don't skip class.
I can understand if every once in awhile you skip class, but after a while you won't do well in a class if you never show up.
3. Don't sleep through class no matter how boring the professor is.
Been here, dealt with this. Even if art appreciation is the most boring class you've ever had in your life, resist the temptation to sleep through it. It's very hard to retain information when you're sleeping through it.
4. Attempt to go to the gym.
I get that everyone isn't a gym junkie, but going to the gym a couple times a week will make you feel better and focus better. Also, it can keep off the freshman 15.
5. Unless you're an absolute morning person, do not take 8 a.m. classes your first semester.
You will regret it, you just will. First semester is when you are most likely to stay up later and procrastinate more. If you have a class at 8 a.m. a couple of mornings a week, you will regret it.
6. Don't be stupid.
I realize this doesn't make much sense, but just don't be stupid. Use your brain and think through your decisions. Don't act too impulsively.
7. Aim for As.
Yes, Cs get degrees, but they don't keep their scholarships or gain new ones. Besides the more A's you make the more confident you'll feel in yourself and your abilities.
8. Be careful about who you choose as friends.
Really get to know someone before you put stock in that relationship. You don't want your best friend first semester to be the person that stabs you in the back second semester.
9. Alcohol can be fun if you're safe.
Don't be the person that drinks and drives and don't be the person that gets sloppy every time they go out. No one will have any respect for you, and quite frankly won't want to go out with you.
10. Rate my Professor is wonderful.
It's a website that you can go and look up virtually every professor and see what other students had to say. However, take all reviews with a grain of salt. Don't forget to go back and write your own review once you've had the professor.
11. It's about quality, not quantity.
Whether this is friends, naps or what you chose to eat, be sure that you're making quality decisions.
12. Don't let Netflix run your life.
This comes from a true Netflix lover: be careful. It's really easy to get deep into a show and not do your homework and study when you should.
13. Do your work!
This may be online assignments or chapters to read or studying for a test, but make sure you do it. You can't get through college without putting any effort in.
14. Don't be procrastination nation.
No one wants to do the tough stuff in college, so just do it and get it over with. Better you do it sooner than later. The longer you wait the worse it gets.
15. Don't forget to have fun.
I know this seems silly, but it's really easy to do. Don't get so stressed out about a class or grades that you forget to enjoy the experience of college. It can be the best years of your life if you let it.
College is a new adventure for everyone. Take the time and the effort to make it the best year you can. Good luck!
