You hear all kinds of advice if you're an incoming college freshman, and it can be overwhelming to figure out what advice to take. If you're looking for a few tips before starting your new life at college look no further. Here are 18 things I wish I knew before starting college, from a former college freshman to an incoming college freshman
1. Rent or Buy Your Textbooks Online
From someone who's made this mistake before, buyer beware. If you can prevent it never buy books from your campus bookstore, it's definitely a scam and you can get the same model for half if not more than half the price online. Chegg and Amazon will become your newer and cheaper textbook suppliers.
2. Avoid Early Morning Classes
If you are especially not a morning person take this into consideration, and avoid 8 a.m. classes whenever possible. Trust me, Calculus at 8 in the morning is not pretty for anyone. You'll thank yourself later in the semester for this decision.
3. Everyone Is Just As Nervous As You Are
It's okay to be nervous! For a lot of students, this is their first time ever being away from home and this can be a scary experience as you would expect. If you ever feel nervous remember that everyone is in the same boat and you're here to meet new people and create new experiences.
4. Don't Be Afraid To Step Outside Of Your Comfort Zone
Putting yourself out there and feeling a bit uncomfortable is all part of the college experience! Remember this is the time to find yourself as an individual and grow.
5. Focus On Self-Confidence
Building confidence is hard work, but going through life with low self-esteem, constantly doubting yourself and not believing you're worthy of quality relationships and opportunities is infinitely harder. If you have confidence, it is so much easier to get to know yourself and others. Start building your confidence now by putting yourself out there.
6. Eliminate Toxic People
GiphyIf you think you get to stop dealing with toxic people after high school you'll be in for a shocking surprise. It is so easy to get swept up in the social scene in college and to rationalize spending time with people who don't treat you and others well because they're part of a certain social circle. If people are unkind to you or talk about you behind your back, they are bad for you.
7. Find A Supportive Friend Group
Finding the right friend group can really make or break your college experience. Surround yourself with good people who want the best for you and make you feel good about yourself. Find friends who share your interests and ambitions, and who support you through the ups, the downs, and the plateaus in your life.
8. Remember To Take Care Of Yourself
Although you have priorities and deadlines as a college student it's also important to make self-care one of your priorities. Make sure you're exercising regularly and eating mindfully, it will help sharpen your focus and build your self-confidence.
9. Manage Your Screen Time
Be present in your own life, and spend less time on your phone. Monitor your screen time so it's not interfering with your personal life. Take advantage of your college experience by getting to know as many people as you can and socializing. It will never be easier to spend time with your friends than it is right now.
10. Make Sure You're Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep is a necessity as a college student. Make sure you are winding down properly before bed and hitting the hay at a reasonable hour. Caffeine is only a temporary fix and your body can only take so many all-nighters. You will be thanking yourself the next morning after a great night of sleep.
11. Be Spontaneous
Hang out with your friends no matter what day it is. Talk to a stranger that seems intimidating. Put yourself out there and you'll be surprised how much the world gives back.
12. Go To Office Hours
Whether you have a serious question about a lecture or even to say hi, making an effort really allows you to stand out and begin building your professional network with your professors. You never know where the connections you have in college will lead you and someday your professors may become your co-workers.
13. Seek Out Student Discounts
You will soon discover the budgeting problems you will encounter as a college student. There is no shame in using your student ID to save money, and chances are there are tons of opportunities to get discounts in your area. Keep your student ID handy and find your favorite businesses and restaurants in your area.
14. Pick A Major You Love
Pick a major that interests you and get as much intern/work experience as you can. If you go into college not knowing what you want to do that is perfectly okay too because college is the time to discover who you are and what you want to pursue.
15. Utilize Your School's Gym
Use the resources your tuition is paying for! Not only is it the only time ever you'll have a free membership, but you will gain the 'Freshman 15' no matter how fit you were in high school.
16. Eat Healthy
Just because there's ice-cream in the dining hall covered by your food plan doesn't mean you need to eat it every day. The occasional dessert won't kill you but remember to nourish and take care of your body.
17. Don't Forget To Check In
Make sure you don't forget to call home, they worry about you more than you know!
18. Aim To Accomplish Your Dreams From Day One
The intellectual and moral standards you are free to set for yourself in college will be the ones you will carry with you all of your life. Take the time to sit down and establish your long term goals and set priorities for yourself in order to reach those goals. With the right mindset, you'll make it far!
