It is hard to believe that it has already been two years since I was a freshman. I would like to think that I have grown up a lot over the past couple of years, or maybe at least my hairstyle has changed a little? Anyways, here are some things I wish I had realized when I was a freshman.
1. You are going to mess up.
A lot. One of the toughest lessons I had to learn when I came to college was that everything does not work out as planned, and that it is human nature to fail regularly. Some of our failures are more trivial than others, but no matter how bad you mess up, you must remember 1) screwing up is inevitable and 2) you now have the choice to pick yourself up and keep going or let it keep you down. Make the choice to get back up and it will make all the difference.
2. You are more capable than you think.
It is easy to think you cannot do something, especially if you have not done it before. The good thing about college is it will definitely push you out of your comfort zone. So believe in yourself because if you don't, then who else will?
3. Do not ever walk more than one mile to a party, bar, social gathering, etc.
Repeat after me: "Not worth it." Your non-blistered feet will thank you as well.
4. Get active.
The Freshman 15 may not be real for everyone, but that does not mean you should not exercise still. Freshman year is especially stressful because it is usually the first time you are dealing with such a heavy workload. One of the best ways to combat stress is working out. So, go for a run, do some yoga, dance around your room—just get up and get moving.
5. You will not be the same jean size you were in high school forever.
Going off of No. 4, never work out obsessively. Work out to stay healthy, have fun, and feel confident. Try to avoid the mindset that you can't gain any weight freshman year, or that you have to look a certain way to feel good about yourself. Strive to get your confidence from qualities like your intelligence and your kindness, and not from the number on the scale.
6. Take your makeup off before you go to bed—every night.
Just do it, your pores will thank you.
7. Call your family and friends.
Don't lose touch with the important people in your life just because you are at school. It is easy to get caught up in being busy with schoolwork and your new friends; however, taking the time to call people from back home is so worth it. You'll be surprised how happy you are to hear your mom or your best friend from home's voice.
8. Your first semester at school (good or bad) will not determine your entire college experience.
This is your first of eight (give or take) semesters. Don't let one dictate your entire attitude about college. Believe me, things will change over the next couple of years. So, if things are bad chances are they will get better, and if things are good, enjoy it.
9. Avoid floorcest.
Floorcest (noun): a term for hooking up with someone who lives on your floor. Just avoid it, unless you enjoy seeing this person when you're fresh out of the shower on the reg.
10. Develop a positive relationship with Netflix.
Netflix should be treated as your side chick that you only use for your own personal satisfaction when you’re bored. Do not get in a committed relationship with that bitch or you will be doomed to a life of procrastination and regret.
11. Do the reading for class and stay on top of the syllabus.
You may think that reading for class takes up too much time or that it's pointless, but try keep up with the reading and stay aware of what is going on. It will make a huge difference when you just have to review five chapters for your exam, instead of learning five chapters of material three days before the test.
12. Go to the library.
Going off of No. 11, go study somewhere. It isn't always easy to focus in your dorm when you have roommates and friends on your floor. So, find somewhere they you enjoy studying. The library is probably the most obvious choice, but there are definitely other places on campus if you don't dig the ~study vibes~ there.
13. That guy is not worth your tears.
This is not just a freshman year lesson, it's a life lesson. Whether he's the boy from high school or someone you meet at college, the guy who doesn't treat you right is not worth your tears. Someone who is worth your time and emotional investment will be worth it because he does treat you right and values you. You are allowed to cry (sparingly) over this guy, but not the other type.
14. Staying in once in a while is necessary, but you should go out as often as you would like.
Believe it or not, you will have your most free time freshmen year. So, spend this time how you would like. Find a balance between staying in and going out. Movie nights help keep your sanity, but the nights you have to go out in college are numbered (although there are plenty). If you feel up to going out and don't have an upcoming exam—do it! This is the one time in your life no one will judge you for going out on a weeknight, so take advantage.
15. Home is a lot closer than you think, no matter how far away you are.
When I was a freshman, I experienced a huge disconnect between my life at school and my life at home. I struggled a bit between going home and coming back to school. It was like suddenly, I had this double life and somehow had to manage it. My best advice is to remember that home is much closer than you think. The people from home are a text message, a phone call, or maybe even a day's worth of travel away. But, they are always there for you, and that doesn't change when you go away to school.
16. Embrace moderation when it comes to late night food.
Say yes to one slice of Domino's at 2 a.m. because chances are you just burnt plenty of calories getting down on the dance floor, but say no to the whole pizza. You see what I did there? Moderation! Your body will thank you, too.
17. It is okay to not know what you want to do with your life.
It is normal to question what you want to do career-wise or with your life in general. College is the best time to explore and attempt to figure this out. Take advantage of opportunities, talk to those around you who love what they do, meet professors and other students, and you may just figure it out.
18. Cherish every moment.
Although cliché, it is so true. College flies by. I feel like yesterday, I was chilling in the dining hall with my freshman floor, and all of the sudden I'm a junior with real-world responsibilities knocking at my door. Take the time to look around at where you are. It may not seem like it every day, but college is a good time in your life. You will grow, cry, smile, laugh, and learn. And supposedly, you figure out the person you would like to be. I'll keep you posted because I'm not quite sure I've accomplished this yet, but don't worry I have another year and a half to figure it out.
For more advice and stories about college life from upperclassmen, check out http://www.freshmanflashback.wordpress.com, a website created by students at UD for freshman.
