Freshman year is a whirlwind of meeting new people, adjusting to new places, and learning how to be at least partially on your own. Although it can seem difficult at times and super overwhelming, it is actually one of the best years of college. You learn so much that it would be nearly impossible to make a list of it all, and it varies from person to person, but here is what I learned during my time as a Freshman.
1. Be a good roommate.
Don't be that person who slams things around at two in the morning, or who consistently blares music when the other is on the phone or studying. Act toward them as you would want them to act toward you. Be sympathetic toward them, it's their first year too. You don't have to be the best of friends, but you do need to respect each other. If each party is being the best roommate they can be, there is no reason it shouldn't work out for a year.
2. Get to know your professors (and in my case, the friars.)
It is always a good idea to droopy office hours to let your professors know you care.
3. Flip Flops in the showers. This is not an option, it is a requirement.
Don't be that person, just don't.
4. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
This isn't high school anymore. You're in a brand new place with brand new people. Do some exploring!
5. It's totally normal to have days where you question every single life decision you have ever made.
"Why am I this major? Do I even like this club? Remember that time in kindergarten that I had to choose between coloring with the red or the green? Yeah that probably contributed to the reason I'm failing this class." It happens to the best of us.
6. Class Registration is the definition of survival of the fittest.
Hide yo kids, ain't nobody safe this week.
7. Sometimes your best, isn't good enough. Sometimes it takes more.
The important part is that you're trying...and that you try harder next time.
8. No matter what your subconscious tells you, you CAN NOT order Domino's every week.
Unless you're looking for the freshman 15, or 50. Pick your poison.
9. At first it will seem like all your parents do is sit at home and call every 10 minutes, but they're just worried about you. As the year progressives you'll find yourself calling them a lot more often than you would expect.
Let's face it, mom and dad know best. When you don't know how to make it through, you know they will.
10. The saying "High school A's are college B's" is a real thing.
The first few times it happens, it will be devastating. But as you move through the year you'll realize, those B's are actually among the best grades, and professors curve the crap out of grades. Trust me, the curve is real, and IT. IS. AWESOME.
11. You don't need to bring everything you own to college with you.
Trust me, you'll end up despising all the extra clutter more than you enjoy "being prepared".
12. Use you're college discounts.
You would be amazed how many stores actually offer these discounts. In the grand scheme of things, they're worth it. You are a broke college kid, after all.
13. Be open.
Again, this isn't high school anymore. You're going to meet people unlike anyone you have ever met before. Embrace it. College is full of diversity and new experiences.
14. You really will find out who your true friends are.
As the year progresses, you'll find out who your true friend from high school was. They'll be the only one who still keeps in touch.
15. You'll make a whole lot of acquaintances and a handful of friends.
Meeting new people is a HUGE part of your freshman year, and the college experience as a whole. You can't be besties with all of them, but you can be friendly to all of them.
16. Be a good friend.
This should go without saying, but freshman year really challenges you to be the best friend that you can be. It's the moments when you talk your friends down from a panic attack, or you're holding their hair back, or just nursing them back to health when they're sick. No matter what it is, your friends need you and they'll never forget the times that you were there for them. You're all away from home without your parents. Be each other's family.
17. Use Rate My Professor, but also take it for what it's worth.
Not everyone has the same learning style, the same likes, or the same dislikes. Just because one person thought this professor was their worst enemy, you may find that they push you to the extent that you want. They could be everything you want in a professor, while they had nothing someone else wanted. Read it, but take it with a grain of salt.
18. Ask for help!
Your freshman year, college is a brand new beast to conquer. Don't be afraid to ask people who may know better. Don't worry about that making you stand out as a freshman, you already do.
19. Confidence is key.
College is a much bigger setting than high school. You aren't always going to be walking by faces you know. Hold your head high and strut! It is okay to be confident in yourself. Express yourself freely. Smile at people, make eye contact, and don't be afraid to say hello to people you make contact with, even if you don't know them.
20. Doing things alone isn't weird.
Only have 10 minutes to grab dinner? That's fine just run in and sit down. There is nothing weird about eating meals alone, sitting in the library alone, or doing anything alone. Remember, confidence!
21. You do not have to eat Ramen everyday.
Ramen, contrary to popular belief, is not the epitome of all foods in college.
22. Take pictures!
Believe it or not, your freshman year will fly by! Make sure you're going to remember all of the good, bad, and hilarious memories. You'll thank me later.
23. Sleep.
No matter what anyone says, waiting to until midnight and then studying until 6 a.m. will NEVER be productive.
24. You will procrastinate. You will hate yourself for it. You'll do it again.
This one speaks for itself.
25. Make the most of every second.
Your freshman year is probably the best year you will have, maybe with the exception of senior year. Once it's gone, you can't get it back. Do everything, see everything, cherish everything. It will fly.
