Wow. Freshman year of college is finished. I feel like an old person looking back on their life because they're always saying how fast it goes. For me, this has been the fastest year of my life, but it has held more experiences, both good and bad, than any other year. Here are my five tips to incoming freshman to get everything you hope for out of your first year of college.
1. Breathe, child
College moves like the wind! Try and take everything one moment at a time, and don't wish away any of your time or experiences. As I learned this year, college goes by in a flash, so savor each moment!
2. Try new things
By trying new things, I do not mean experiment with drugs or alcohol. I mean go to that club meeting and find friends in unexpected places. Say yes to coming out of your comfort zone. Make memories that cannot be had hibernating in your dorm room.
3. Say no to drugs and alcohol
Wah wah wah, everyone's telling me this, do you think I'm dumb? No, but seriously drugs and excessive drinking are a waste of your time, and it's not why you're here at school. You're here to learn new things, experience life and forge new trails that will help you in your future, not to shoot yourself in the foot by making things 10 times harder for yourself. And no, not "everyone is doing it." Be one of the brave ones who says "no, thanks."
4. It's okay to say no
You will have so much going on this year on top of adjusting to new surroundings, making new friends and staying on top of your studies, so there is no need to add 100 more things. Yes, sign up to be a student leader if you think you can or join the E-board of a club, but you should say no if it is going to make you miserably busy. You need to keep your own self-care in mind, too. Make sure there is time to do the little things you enjoy!
5. Time management will bring you joy
If you decide to do things early or on time, your life will be a happier place. Again, there will be so much going on that time-management skills are key. Make sure you buy a planner with all the tabs and get some highlighters and folders. Lots of folders. Doing things ahead of time may be a pain, but your future self will thank you for it.
All in all, you need to do what is best for you. Following these tips will not make your life a piece of cake—there will always be roadblocks and issues that pop up that make everything difficult. Just remember why you came to college in the first place, and make the best out of every situation. By the end of this crazy first year of college, you'll have accomplished more than you dreamed.
