Three weeks into my sophomore year, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on how I’ve grown and changed since stepping onto this campus a year ago. While being a sophomore and living in its apartment has its own set of challenges, it’s nothing compared to the major life change that is starting your freshman year of college.
For all of you who have just started or will start your freshman year soon, here are some of the things I wish I knew during my first semester of freshman year.
1. You are the most important person in your life.
It’s different going from seeing your friends every day at school to living, eating, and sleeping in the same tiny space as your friends. Everyone is scared, confused, and struggling to build their core friend group.You get close fast, and you’ll feel like you’ve known them forever. So enjoy the talks that last into the night, and enjoy making crazy ice cream concoctions in the dining hall, but make sure you’re getting enough sleep and eating enough leaves!
2. It’s okay not to stay friends with everyone you meet during Welcome Week.
You meet so many people during those first few days, and even if you share a meal, go to a party, or attend an info session with them, you’re not obligated to stay friends forever. Don’t feel bad if you forget their name, or if your interactions with them are reduced to a friendly wave when you pass them on campus.
3. You won’t get into everything you apply to.
Clubs are weird in college - you have to apply to get into a lot of them. Even if you were the all-star ASB officer, soccer player, and valedictorian. Want to be a tour guide? Fill out the application. Be in a coding club? Application due Sept. 1! Volunteer with kids? Apply now! Everything is going to seem so incredible when you apply to it, and if you’re anything like me, you will envision yourself as a part of the group and completely psych yourself out. You won’t get into everything and that’s completely normal. There’s always next semester or next year!
4. Instagram is a highlight reel.
It’s easy to think everyone is having the perfect college experience, but no one posts pictures of that time their lab report was three minutes late or they woke up late and got to class a sweaty mess. Remember that one staged “candid” where the wind changed and suddenly your hair was in your nose? Yeah, everyone has those. No one is always living an insta-worthy life. Also, you’re at the library for a reason. Get off your phone.
5. Go to office hours.
I’m still getting the hang of this, but I cannot stress this enough. Even if you have absolutely no questions, go to office hours just to say hi. Especially in the beginning of the semester when no one is there to beg for points. You will thank yourself when you need a letter of recommendation for a summer internship or graduate school.
Also, as a bonus for those of you at big football schools - game day is the BEST. I didn’t even like football before college, but now some of my best memories include screaming the fight song at the top of my lungs with my friends when we score. Go to the home games, take a road trip for the closest away games, and sing your heart out.
Freshman year is a transformative experience. You will laugh, cry, and grow in ways you didn’t know you could (not just the freshman 15!), so make the very best of it!
