Freshman year of college is a huge transition in everyone’s life. People go from being at the top of the food chain to falling right back to the bottom. There is more freedom and responsibility with less guidance from familiar sources. Freshman year is undoubtedly a time of self discovery. Here are the top five decisions that freshman think are a good idea.
1. Floorcest
Although kissing your cousin may seem like a good idea at the time, it is not, and neither is floorcest - especially with your cousin. It is bound to end poorly and makes everyone around you uncomfortable.
Most people have experienced a breakup that has not ended nicely. Feelings get hurt, friend groups dissipate and awkwardness ensues. If that breakup is with somebody who lives right next to you, it is virtually impossible to avoid. A messy breakup between people on the same floor is never enjoyable for anyone. It is best to avoid the situation completely.
2. Being too cool for school
I know you are thinking this sounds super cliché, but it does well to illustrate my next point. Freshman seem to think classes are optional and college is all about the social scene. There seems to be this misconception of college life where you can skip any class you want, party all day and have no consequences. Welcome to reality. Sure skipping a few classes may be acceptable and people can typically manage the occasional social gathering, but failing a class for either reason is a pathetic excuse.
If you have not heard, college is expense. It is really, really expensive. Some people could buy a starter home or a few new cars with the money they put into college. Skipping a class is throwing away that money. Would you buy a concert ticket and then intentionally not show up? Probably not.
3. Ignoring your parents
Many people love the freedom their first semester at college provides. There are no parents there to tell you what you can or cannot do. This is as close to being an adult as most freshmen have ever been. It can be difficult to stay in touch with family as they explore new opportunities and get involved in campus. Some want to be as far away from their parents as possible.
As easy as it is to disconnect yourself from your family at college, they will always be there for the rest of your life. Just because you do not see them does not mean they stop caring about you any less. Your parents literally made you. They devoted years upon years of their life to helping you and made you into the person you are today.
Setting aside time to call them each week can go a long way. It means the world to those who care about you and can make any stressful week seem a little bit easier.
4. Not wearing sandals in the shower
Does this one even need a description? I mean, seriously? It is just plain gross. Please do not do this.
5. Being rude to your RA
Some students seem to think their RA is this bossy authority figure who is meant to be rebelled against. I assure you that is not the case. They are students just like you and go through the same college struggles you do. They were chosen for that role for a reason and are there for the sole purpose to help you.
Their events may seem lame and they may be awkward at times, but they go through great amounts of effort to make sure you are doing well. It is more work than most people think. They appreciate getting to know you and being treated with respect.
