*In no particular order of importance*
1. Life goes on.
At first, the thought of leaving your hometown (if you are) is scary. What if I don't make friends? What if I do embarrassing things, etc., etc. However, after going through orientation, and perhaps a mandatory intro college class and joining clubs, you begin to make friends. Maybe you have a great group of friends or really enjoy your classes. Maybe you don't make many friends, or just manage to get through your classes one day at a time. Either way, at the end of freshman year and the beginning of sophomore year, you realize that life goes on. There are always new classes to take, new friends to make and new clubs to join. It's a new year. Even if some days are hard, you realize that those are only days - and they won't last forever. Life goes on. So make the best of it.
2. PARTICIPATE.
In everything! Well, not everything, but do join clubs and intramurals. Go to events. Do talk to your professors and teachers. Say hi to the cafeteria workers and dorm janitors. This is the way you make friends and acquaintances. Freshman year can be incredibly lonely if you do not participate in events and clubs. So I highly encourage incoming college students to participate in class, clubs, school events, and to have fun with it! It will make college life more enjoyable and memorable.
3. Eat healthy and exercise.
Yes, the freshman 15 can happen. But you can combat this by eating healthy as much as possible and by exercising. If you don't like running, try the Erg (rowing machine). This machine incorporates abs, legs, shoulders and arms, as well as cardio. It's a great exercise machine, and eases wear and tear on joints like your knees and ankles! Otherwise, do you exercises, and eat as best as you can, considering your cafeteria food. Most colleges include salad bars, so take advantage of them!
4. Manage your time.
I cannot say this enough. College is busy. Yes, there can be tons of free time, if you plan it that way. However, the amount of homework you will have is a lot. Like a lot...especially in the subject of reading and writing. Colleges rely a lot of reading and writing, so be sure to plan accordingly to your reading and writing workload. Of course, there may be labs, jobs, clubs, sports, etc. So these will also minimize your free time, as well. Plan accordingly is all. Don't leave everything to the last minute.
5. Nobody cares if you don't drink or smoke - or do.
If they care, they shouldn't. If they pressure you, ignore them and don't give in. That's your business. And plan accordingly if you choose to partake. Don't let it take up your entire weekend.
6. Parties aren't mandatory.
Parties happen on nearly every college campus - and even off it. You don't have to go to these if you don't want to. Small hang-outs or get-togethers can be quite fun, actually. For big parties, be safe, go with a group, and always have a friend who is or can be the reliable, aware one for times of emergency.
7. Make friends with your roommate.
This is a big one. If you have a less-than-compatible or friendly roommate, your dorm life can suffer. Your roommate is your first friend - especially during freshman year. Treat them nicely and be respectful of their limits. If you and your roommate don't get along or are having issues, there are resources (RA's, Residential Life Offices, etc) that can help you. Invite you roommate to dinner, go to events together, and be kind to one another. It can make or break your dorm life, as you share one room and usually have to deal with each other for a year.
8. Go to class.
Trust me. While skipping is okay due to being sick, needing a mental day off, or a day off for a family event, attend as many classes as you can! By skipping lots of classes, you jeopardize your grade and your knowledge for future assignments, tests and even other classes. It's not worth it to just skip because you "don't feel like it." Yes there will be these days, but do your best to get out of bed, pause Netflix for an hour or two, and go to class. Also, college is expensive so don't let you or your parent's money go to waste.
9. Get a job on-campus or off.
This makes time go by faster. It also helps you manage your time and focus better. Not to mention, it can also help you meet new people and make new friends - especially if it's an on-campus job. Get one or all you will be doing is your studies, sleeping, and maybe participating in sports or clubs occasionally.
10. Use the college resources available to you, whether this be the career center, health center, professors, organizations, etc.
They are here to help you, no matter what. Many want to see you grow, in knowledge, and as a rational human being. It can be harder to get better from being sick, or get a job if you don't receive guidance or the necessary information.
11. Get the flu shot, or suffer.
Seriously. It is no fun being sick at college. Usually, if you're from out-of-state or in-state but several hours away, your parents are not there to take care of you and bring you hot soup or medicine. So plan accordingly and get that flu shot, regardless if you're afraid of needles. You'll avoid most flu-like symptoms and you can put your mind at ease, as well. College dorms and classrooms are germ-fests, so people can pass sickness pretty quickly.
12. Lock your bike up - if you bring one.
Use a U-lock! Not some crappy long wire lock. Having a stolen bike is not fun. Especially if it's your only mode of transportation.
13. Being home-sick is okay.
Everyone feels that way sometime or later. So call your parents and tell them you love them.
14. Be prepared every day.
A.k.a. -- do the readings and your homework. College professors WILL call on you, even if you're not prepared. Also, attend office hours.
15. Try to get your Gen. Ed requirements done early.
This leaves you time to explore more later on and focus on your major(s) and minor(s).
16. You will also probably change your major/minor several times throughout your college career.
This is okay! Many things may interest you and you may declare early on a certain subject is THE subject that you will major in for the rest of your college career. However, most likely, you will change your mind. Just choose what's the best for you and what will give you pleasure. That's all that matters.
17. If you're not happy at your college, or wish to pursue other things, you can transfer.
This is also okay! No one will judge you. It's your life and it's important to make the best decision for you and your future.
18. Be responsible.
This is a no-brainer. If you go to a party, limit yourself on how much you may consume. If you have lots of homework, make time for it. If you have a job, plan around it. Be kind to others, and be helpful. Stay in touch with your family. Learn to manage your finances, pay rent, tuition loans, etc. You are a young adult now, and it is time to grow up and learn to be an adult - even as much as you want to nap and watch Netflix.
19. Follow your college's rules and respect the officials and authorities.
It sure wouldn't be fun to get in major trouble or kicked out, would it?
20. Have FUN.
College is fun. Get out there and be yourself!
