When returning to college, it is always interesting to watch the new college freshman start to get their bearings around campus. For many, it is the first time that they are away from home, and the sense of independence can be both empowering and debilitating. As I watch these freshmen attempt to find their way, here are a few points that every college freshman should understand from the get go.
1. YOU WILL END UP EXHAUSTED! Yes, thats right. At one point or another in your first semester, you will be simply praying for sleep but still have way too much work to do. Get sleep whenever you can, because many times, sleep becomes a luxury in college.
2. Chances are, you are going to hit rock bottom in some way. Whether it comes from a bad breakup, homesickness, a bad night of partying, or a huge assignment, you will have at least one day that will be simply awful. Do not fear though, it gets better if you make it get better.
3. College is what you make of it, so make it great. I made the mistake for much of my college years to this point simply refusing to get involved on campus, and quite frankly, it cost me many opportunities. While at this time I have gotten involved in student government, I still wish I had gotten involved sooner in some way or another. Don't make the same mistake.
4. Do everything you can to get along with your roommate. While some roommate pairings simply do not work out, it is also important to try to become good friends with your roommate. The potential is their that your roommate could become your best friend or your worst enemy. Life is a lot easier if you become friends.
5. Make sure to still have fun. While many people will tell you that you are not in school to have fun, I still think that everybody needs a break now and then to ensure that they remain mentally stable. Going weeks without a break or having fun of some kind is not at all the way to get through school. If you choose to go through school like this, you are going to have a long four years of undergrad.
6. The work is going to be hard. Most professors simply do not care if you cannot keep up or if you didn't do your homework. While they will always be willing to help you out if need be in terms of understanding the material, they will not have any time for your excuses. Trust me, I found out the hard way.
These could be the best years of your life. They can also be the worst years of your life. College is all about what you make of it. If you make it great, then your experience will be amazing. Good luck to all you college freshman, work hard and you will do great.
