THE DON'TS:
1. Don't be that freshman that doesn't know how to do laundry.
You're gonna have to learn how to do it eventually, so you might want to start learning as soon as you can.
2. Don't be that freshman that never leaves their dorm room.
College for most people only lasts four to six years. Try to do some activities outside of your dorm room, because you're gonna be missing out on a lot of things if you stay inside all day.
3. Don't be that freshman that asks to go to the bathroom during the middle of a lecture class.
You're in college now, which means you are a young adult. If you need to use the bathroom, just go. No one will judge you.
4. Don't be that freshman that never goes to class.
You're paying so much money per credit hour, and you're deciding not to go? I don't know about you, but that sounds a little counterintuitive to me.
5. Don't be that freshman that buys their textbook from a college bookstore.
Unless you cannot find the book anywhere else, of course. There are plenty of websites and stores that have new and used textbooks that can be purchased and rented. My personal favorite? Amazon. Seriously, try looking up your textbook through Amazon—it's gonna save you a lot of money.
6. Don't be that freshman that allows the Freshman 15 to happen.
If you're wondering if the Freshman 15 is a myth or not, it is definitely not a myth. Please take care of your body because that metabolism will only last so long. Typically your college gym is included with your tuition, so why not use it?
7. Don't be that freshman that decides to throw dorm parties.
This one just baffles me because I have no idea how you can even throw a party in such a cramped dorm. And the risks outweigh the rewards. If you get caught drinking on campus, you'll get kicked out of student housing, and on top of all that, you just got caught for underage drinking. Besides, dorm parties aren't even cool. I promise.
8. Don't be that freshman that always locks themselves out of their room.
A good majority of you will lock yourself out multiple times during your freshman year, and some will do it more often than others. I challenge you to try and not do this because this is probably one of the hardest things to avoid on this list.
9. Don't be that freshman that always forgets to take a shower.
I have to mention this because some people need a reminder to clean themselves. PLEASE TAKE A SHOWER. Your roommate will hate you less for it and maybe that girl three doors down will actually want to talk to you.
10. Don't be that freshman that goes out every night.
I get it. You're in college, you're finally free from parental supervision, and you just want to have fun. That's great and all, but please get your priorities straight. Going out is fun, but partying yourself out of college is definitely not something you want to do. Try to be in class more than you're at the bar.
The Do's:
1. Do be that freshman that wants to get involved right away.
Universities have so many organizations that you can get involved with, so get involved with them right away! Being involved gives you a better overall chance to graduate and better opportunities to make connections. However, don't over involve yourself to the point where it's too much to handle. It's all about balance.
2. Do be that freshman that plays intramural sports.
In my opinion, IM sports are probably one of the greatest things a college campus can have. Anyone can play them, there is competition at all levels, you're making friends, and it is an excellent way to stay fit! Pick a sport you know well or even one you've never played. I guarantee that you'll have fun either way!
3. Do be that freshman that wants to go Greek.
I cannot stress this one enough. Going Greek is probably one of the greatest decisions you can make as a college student. Greek students tend to have higher GPAs than most, they are more connected to the college or university, and Greeks build more connections than anyone else. They do all this while having fun at the same time. What more could you want?
4. Do be that freshman that gets a high GPA in their first semester.
Your freshman year builds the foundation for your future years in college. If you have a high GPA to start, it's gonna be very hard to knock it down. Remember, it's hard to build up a GPA and easy to tear it down. Go for that 4.0!
5. Do be that freshman that builds connections everywhere he or she goes.
I am a big fan of building connections. In order to build connections, you've got to be social and get your name out there. You never know who can get you that awesome job or internship! Nothing is certain, but talking to people never hurts.
6. Do be that freshman that goes after an internship.
As a freshman, you will probably not want to get an internship because you'll think it doesn't really concern you at the moment. However, getting an internship this early in the game can open your career opportunities for years to come. Go after them—the worst thing an employer can say is no.
7. Do be that freshman that isn't afraid to ask for help.
If you're struggling in a class, never be afraid to ask for help. Some classes will have supplemental instruction classes, labs and peer tutoring that can help boost your grade. If those don't work, use your professor's office hours. Your professor can help you a lot more than you think.
8. Do be that freshman that goes to all the college home games.
College sports bring out the school spirit and pride in everyone! Whatever sport it may be, it's just fun cheering on your school and hoping they get that win!
9. Do be that freshman that saves money.
Try to save money in every little way possible. Whether it's not going out one night, or even just cooking for yourself at home, saving money in college is definitely the way to go. You'll thank yourself later for it.
10. Do be that freshman that has fun.
Freshman year is a learning experience. You'll learn what to do and what not to do all on your own. Yes, you need to go to class, but have fun every now and again. These are the golden years of your life, and they should not be wasted!
