Your freshman year of college is undoubtedly one of the most exciting, overwhelming, headache-inducing periods you have yet to stumble upon in your life thus far. This is a time of transition, coming-of-age and, for those of us still unsure of our greater purpose in the world, soul-searching. This is your chance to explore different interests, and seize the dozens of opportunities your university has to offer, socially as well as academically. In the midst of all the opportunities for social and academic progress, freshman year can be a little tricky to navigate if you find yourself getting caught up in the excitement of your newfound liberty. Here are some tips of advice for socially and academically acing freshman year I wish someone had given me.
1. Your roommate should be a friend, but not your only friend.
It’s natural, especially in the first few weeks at a new university, maybe in an unfamiliar place, to confide and bond with your roommate. You are, after all, probably going to be spending more time with him/her than anyone else you meet thus far. There’s nothing wrong with being friends with your roommate. It’s probably going to make life easier for you in the long run. However, be sure to branch out and make friends outside of him or her. Spending day in and day out with the same person is bound to cause tensions no matter how well you two get along. College is a big place, and even if you’re lucky enough to make nice with your roommate, it never hurts to have friends in high and low places.
2. It’s OK to try new things.
In college, you’re going to have the opportunity to try tons of new things you might not have gotten the chance to experience otherwise. My best is advice to you is not to let yourself be your own roadblock. Get out of your own way and try something new. In high school you were not so into ecology? It’s OK; the beauty of freshman year is the freedom to recreate your identity. Try ecology club, volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, go Greek, and get involved! Maybe you won’t find your niche on campus right away, and that’s OK too. This is a time for self-exploration, so maybe you won’t enjoy every club or volunteer opportunity right away, or even at all. Eventually you’ll be able to discern something you do feel strongly about and stick with it.
3. It's also OK not to be doing something all of the time.
College is a busy place and it may feel like you're constantly surrounded by people. Between classes, homework, sleep, and a social life, it’s hard to maintain a balance as well as your sanity. Trying to figure out a way to squeeze every minute out of everyday can be half the fun! However, beware of spending too much time trying to do everything. College makes it feel as though if you’re not doing something every minute of everyday – homework, socializing -- you’re missing out. With a million things going on all of the time, it’s easy to get sidetracked by things that aren’t so important. First and foremost, you’re at school for school. Don’t let the fear of missing out on a social opportunity distort your priorities. It’s hard to do homework hungover, or to ace a test after a night out. Keep your goals in check and reward yourself with enough sleep and a night out when you can. Work hard, play hard.
4. Don’t underestimate the importance of familiar support.
Whether you’re close with your immediate family or not, being away from home can take a toll no matter how independent you may be. It’s easy to get caught up in the on-the-go college lifestyle, so be sure to keep in touch with mom and dad. No matter how “annoying” and "overprotective" they may be, it’s only because they care. The phone works both ways, so give them a call every once in a while. Your parents are a little piece of home, and this can be therapeutic if you’re a long way from your childhood home or if you just need someone familiar to vent to.
5. Don’t take this year – or yourself -- too seriously.
The friends you make this first year of college, the guy you’ve most likely romanticized in your Philosophy class, the major you’ve chosen to pursue, and the person you become this year are more often than not fleeting – and that’s OK. Freshmen year is about growth, change, and transition. Don’t take this year or yourself too seriously, and you should be able to make it through just fine.
