Finally, your freshman year of college! So many opportunities will be at the reach of your fingertips, and you need to take advantage. In the midst of all those opportunities are some struggles that may send you running…or sleeping, shielding the fun memories you could’ve had, out of your future brain.
Here are five tips to help you make the best out of your first extraordinary year in college.
1. Boyfriends/girlfriends are overrated.
It’s your first couple weeks in your dorm, and there’s so many new, fun and attractive people around you. You have your eye on a specific attractive person and jump right in as you both claim each other as property…Wait! Don’t do that. Let’s be honest, 95 percent or more of supposed relationships that started freshman year do not last through the year, or even semester. There is no need to commit to someone who is just trying to mature him or herself just like you. Go be an individual without a clinging hip attachment weighing you down.
2. Don’t engage in drama.
Yes, ladies, this is mainly for you.
You and your BFF see a boy that you both are attracted to, so naturally, one of you claims him. Yet, two days later, you see your BFF blatantly flirting with your crush. Yikes! The fire in your eyes starts to set her hair aflame. Envisioning her bald after the fire takes its course, and devilishly causes a smile to appear on your face. “Yes,” you think, perfect way to embarrass her away from your crush. Alas, you are not the human torch and why would you hurt your BFF? Remember, situations can be handled with maturity and respect. The boy most likely is not worth either of your time, and will be a story of the past in a week or two.
3. Be outgoing!
Your Netflix is basically on command mode when you flip open your heavily-used computer…You know, from all those A+ papers you’ll be writing and all. As the screen turns on and you select the next episode of "Pretty Little Liars," you reach for your freshly popped popcorn (mini sized, of course. Watch out for that freshman 15!). As you watch your charming little show, there’s a group of your fellow dorm mates on there way out to play some campus golf or sand volleyball.
Don’t miss out on the moments where you can make everlasting friendships and memories. My roommate/teammate from freshman year is still, to this day, my best friend. Go make lifelong memories! Netflix can wait.
4. Find a hobby.
With all the classes, homework and super fun social life waiting for you in college, there is a huge risk of getting lost within others interests. The best part about college is that you have a chance to really explore new opportunities and interests. Try new things and find different hobbies. Some things you may not particularly enjoy, but you won’t know until you try them! Engage in a campus club, sign up for club sports and maybe integrate yourself in the SGA (Student Government Assembly) program. No matter what you find at your school, new opportunities will arise. Make the most out of what you find!
5. Phone home.
We all know you miss home, and don’t try to cover it up, even though you may be having the time of your life. Your parents miss you, too. If you are getting daily phone calls from your parents, give them a call instead. Let them know you miss and love them and that you are creating lifelong memories. They may respond better to you saying, “Love you guys, and I will call you when I get a chance.” Parents worry about their babies heading off to a strange place, where they cannot keep an eye on you anymore. Your parents mean well, so don’t be too hard on them.
