Starting college can be exciting and terrifying at the same time. Take it from someone who was not successful her first year at school, knowing a few of these tips might have actually saved me from coming home and falling behind. I wish someone had sat me down and told me how stupid I was being, so I figured I would help you out. So here are five tips I wish I would have known my freshman year.
1. Do not date someone you just met
Seriously. I went to school, met a guy, (thought) I fell in love and we started dating. I did not really get to know him or look at other options, yeah I know it sounds like I was just shopping for a sweater. That is something you have to think about, though. If you meet someone your first week and decide they are the one in five minutes, it is probably not the fairy tale you are expecting. In my case, it turned out to be horrible and I wish that relationship had not happened. So please get to know the person you are going to date in college, it will help in the long run.
2. Go to class
I know this one sounds simple, but please listen to it. I made my schedule all noon or later classes so I could sleep in, and I still did not go. You do not realize how easy it is to just skip class. I would literally just not go, no reason behind it other than not wanting to. That is the easiest way to fail a class, trust me I know. So just go to class, you actually can learn a lot in there.
3. Do not worry what people think about you
Everyone in college is struggling. Financially, mentally, spiritually; we all struggle. Actually, that is the rest of your adult life so get prepared. So stop worrying what the person next to you in your 8 a.m. class is thinking because I can almost promise you they are not worried about what your hair looks like. Most people in college are too busy praying they aren’t failing to notice that you haven’t slept in 4 days and have on last week’s make-up.
4. If you are going to sleep around, be protected
I know this isn’t sex ed, but I have seen too many people get pregnant in college. And while that is not a bad thing, babies can be blessings, I know they were not expecting it. I also know the dropped out and their plans had to change. So if babies are not in your plans at the moment, be protected. Get on birth control, you can get it free from a health clinic. Use condoms, trust me, it IS worth it. ALSO, you never know what the people in college are carrying around. And while I would love to tell you that everyone you meet in a bar is trustworthy, they aren’t. I would hate for you to catch something that you cannot get rid of.
5. Cherish these moments
I know, so cliché, but completely true. Your freshman year of college only happens once. You will not get that feeling again. I wish I could go back and change some things, but unfortunately, that is not an option. Take advantage of on-campus events, meet friends, sleep around -- literally have fun. Do not forget to study, be careful and PASS YOUR CLASSES. College is pertinent to your life. So pay attention in class and live your life.
So have fun you freshman. I know you are ready to take on the world, but cherish these moments. It all goes downhill from here.
