College can be an amazing experience in a young person's life. Whether a student decides to reside on their campus or stay at home, college offers an extended period of time to allow young adults to find themselves and cultivate their futures. Every college student starts at the same point: freshman year. Freshman year can be a nerve wracking time, especially if one is the first to go to college in his or her family. We often seek insight from other students who have experienced freshman year to gain a logical expectation for what is to come. Now, everyone will tell you, “College is the best four years of your life.” As an incoming sophomore, I can say I agree. On the contrary, there are some things I wish I could have been told entering college. Here are a few basic and simple steps to surviving your first year. If applied, I guarantee you will have an enjoyable, successful freshman year.
1. Rooming with someone is not easy and may not always result in the ideal situation.
Every person lives differently. First year students, unless touched by the hands of God or whomever you believe in, typically live with one or more other students. Now, while I have met some fabulous people in my residence hall, I did not easily bond with my two other roommates. Unfortunately, we had close to opposite living styles. This often led to tension; however, it taught me how to adapt to another living style. I formed some amazing friendships with my neighbors, and wish I could say the same for my two roommates. From experience, I can say that three is the worst possible number in a room. It is unavoidable for two to bond and one to be left out, and I was the one. The difference was, I was okay with that. My roommates and I were very different. As long as you can respect each other’s space, and can have a group of other people to turn to, making besties with your roommate(s) is not entirely necessary. Trust me.
2. The transition is not obnoxiously difficult.
This is a personal topic. Everyone handles the transition from high school to college differently, so I can only speak from my personal experiences. I was a rather diligent and successful student in high school. I studied when I needed to, achieved above decent grades, and applied myself (or at least I like to think so). Although my second semester was far more difficult than my first semester, the transition itself was highly manageable. Adapting strong study habits in high school definitely reflected in college. Another helpful factor: a handful of my teachers in high school were actually much stricter than some of my professors. Go into college with an open mind, and be ready for anything. If you declare a major in something you’re passionate about, you will see the worth in the long run.
3. A little party never hurt anybody.
College is a time to explore! Explore yourself and other people as well. Go out and have a great time. No one likes that person who sits in his/her room all day, complaining about his/her absence of friends and constant boredom. You don’t have to go out every night, engaging in undisclosed activities, but enjoy the independence. Try something new and see how far your boundaries can be pushed, in a safe and healthy way of course!
4. Study, study, study!
While there is fun to be had, you aren’t paying to go to school to party. The purpose is to focus on constructing a path to your future. While we all need a good time here and there, remember to put your academics before the crazy stories you’ll want to tell your grandchildren. Keep a balanced life. If your grades are above par, reward yourself. If they are sub par, perhaps shift focus and put that extra hour into studying. We all have good and bad days, but as long as you apply yourself, the good will outweigh the bad.
5. Try something new!
Go to the club fair and see what catches your eye. Take a seat next to the kid who you never thought you’d speak to. Comfort zones should be expanded -- that’s the greatest part of college. Preconceived notions are extinct, and it’s time for a fresh start. No one cares what you looked like, what you did, or who you were in high school. They can only judge you for what they see now, and that should be an outgoing, ready-for-anything individual! Leave the social discomfort at home, and welcome the experience with a cleared head!
