Freshman year: The beginning of the rest of your life and the first step on your path as a real adult. The entire point of college is to learn, but some of the most valuable lessons take place outside of the classroom. Here's a list of the 16 most important lessons I've learned in the three years since orientation.
1. It’s OK if you don’t want to party.
College has become synonymous with an endless flow of alcohol, parties and hookups. Nevertheless, it’s perfectly OK if you’d prefer to stay home and binge-watch "Orange is the New Black." I promise you aren’t the only one.
2. It’s OK if you want to party.
College has become synonymous with parties for a reason. Going out can be fun. Enjoy. You should never feel judged for having a good time.
3. Get out of your comfort zone.
Take that class on ceramics. Get to know people with different backgrounds from your own. Date a guy who you’ve never considered your type. Go to a restaurant you’ve never tried before. Some of the most significant learning you’ll do in college is entirely unrelated to your major.
4. Get involved.
College is the perfect time to broaden your horizons. Getting involved is an amazing way to make friends with similar interests. Plus, the more involved you are, the better it looks on your future resume.
5. Know your limits.
Whether it’s your ability to take on leadership roles or your liver’s ability to process that cup of jungle juice, the sad thing about the real world is that everything is limited. It’s important to know how much you can take on at a time before you end up in a bad situation.
6. Prioritize your time.
You may have seen the meme above before. I’m sorry to report that this meme can be accurate in many cases – but it doesn’t have to be. Make the most of your time and put every second to good use. It will help you to choose all three of the points on the triangle.
7. Make time for self-care.
There was one point, last semester, where my self-care came down to simply washing my face, because I didn’t have time for anything else. In response, I ordered the nicest face wash I could find from Lush and made it a treat. It was enough to help endlessly!
I know your time is valuable and every second should be put to good use. But you should never forget to make time to treat yourself. Whether it’s a yoga class, adult coloring, or even taking an extra-long luxurious shower, make time for it. It’s easy to lose yourself and your motivation when you expect yourself to be an ultra productive robot instead of a human being. Remember to treat yourself like a person.
8. Get out of your dorm.
This is vital. Especially in the first few weeks of school. How can you expect to make friends if you spend every day locked behind your door?
9. Ask for help.
Everyone needs a little help now and then. This is especially true during your first semester away from home. Having some trouble with a particularly challenging class? Make an appointment with a tutor or meet with your professor during their office hours. Trying to figure out your future career? That's what advisers are for. Feeling a little blue? It might be a good idea to see the school councilor. Colleges know that freshmen year can be challenging, so they build amazing networks to help you work though any problems.
10. Write it down.
Fashion tip: Agendas are kind of a big deal in college. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve made new friends after getting a compliment on my weekly schedule. It's the perfect conversation starter. If that wasn’t enough, an agenda doubles as more than an accessory. They can ensure that you never forget that quiz your professor mentions at the end of the class, as you're running out the door, or the paper she brings up once and doesn’t mention again until it’s due.
Don’t be afraid to invest in the planner of your dreams. You’ll be using it every day for the next year, so you really should be in love with it, plus the more excited you are about it, the more likely you'll be to use it regularly.
11. Accept your faults.
Speaking as someone who started crying after getting a B, I certainly understand the struggle of trying to be perfect. Trust me, it’s an easy trap to fall into. It’s important to remember that no one in the world is perfect, and that mistakes are part of what it means to be a person.
12. Get to know your professors.
(Note: I can't promise you'll have Professor McGonagall at your school,
but I have had professors who come close to her level of cool.)
(Note: I can't promise you'll have Professor McGonagall at your school,Make a point of introducing yourself to your professors, especially if you’re in a large lecture. Many times they’re incredible people who can help you significantly in the future. Plus, it helps to have some sort of relationship when you’re right on the line between an A- and a B+.
13. Remember: you can always say no.
At this point, you probably already know that your time is limited. With this in mind, know that it’s okay to say no to somethings. You know your availability better than anyone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t feel bad for turning down that role on the school paper, or for staying in your bed instead of going to that party.
14. Always do the extra credit.
15. College doesn't always have to be the best four years of your life.
I said it. I know that college is supposed to be the best four years of your life, but it can be stressful, overwhelming and expensive. There are a number of challenges that come with your undergraduate years. That's OK. Many people have incredible college experiences, it's not necessarily the peak for all people. That's OK. Enjoy the place you're at while you're here and remember that this doesn't have to be the best time of your life.
16. It’s OK to change your mind.
Not every college is the best fit for every student. Speaking as a transfer student I can assure you that it’s perfectly OK to transfer. If you aren’t happy reevaluate where you’re at and don’t be afraid to switch things up. I promise, it’s worth it.
