Leaving for my first year of college last year was one of the most exciting, yet nerve-wracking times of my life. I was afraid I wouldn't make any friends, that I would flunk out, or that I would wind up hating the school I had just indebted myself too. Things were scary, and while every adult had their own words of advice, no one close to my age really guided me. For those who are leaving for college for the first time, are returning, or are even years away from college but eagerly awaiting it (word of advice to these people: college is fun but enjoy high school too!!!) here are some words of advice from someone your age who gets it.
1. The "freshman" 15 is a real thing. You will most likely gain it, whether you're a freshman or not.
It's not summer anymore. You aren't spending your days playing beach volleyball, or swimming in the pool, or going for hikes...bottom line, you're less active. The unlimited food at your dining hall is tempting, especially on nights they're serving your favorites, and you'll probably indulge pretty often. No activity plus extra food intake equals extra weight. I wish I could say after your freshman year you'll learn, but some of my friends who were seniors and juniors even put on some extra weight. The best thing you can do is get active to combat all the extra food. Whether this means getting a gym buddy, joining a club sport, or a getting involved with a different activity of your choice, it's up to you. JUST GET ACTIVE!!
2. Utilize your library!!!!!!
If I could put that in super bold, trust me I would. I spent my whole first semester trying to study in dorm rooms, whether it was mine or a friends. It was always loud and full of distractions, so I could never focus or get my work done. My grades started to slip because I just wasn't able to do my work. When the second semester came around, I vowed to better my grades...which meant finding a new study spot. The library is quiet, has extra resources in case you need some additional information, and you may run into someone in your class or someone that has taken the class who can help you. Trust me, your GPA will thank you!
3. Learn to say "no" to people.
Oh boy, did I learn this one the hard way. In my first semester if someone asked me to write their paper, I said "sure no problem." If someone asked me to go out to a party (even though I had a 10 page thesis due in two days that I didn't start yet), I was like "sure ,that sounds great!" Do not be this person. Your GPA will suffer (while other people's will rise), you'll be exhausted and you'll be broke. Partying is great, theres no question about it, but your grades are super important. College is nothing like high school where you can just not study and still pull out 90s. Put yourself first!!! Put your future first!!! Don't be a pushover.
4. Get involved!
If your campus is anything like mine, you have tons of fun activities, clubs and even trips. I spent my whole first year ignoring all these cool offers to sit in my friends rooms and watch movies or do nothing. While it was entertaining, I regret not joining clubs! They might seem like a waste, but they're great resume builders for future internships, and you'll even make some great friends. Plus, if your school does trips like mine, they're usually really inexpensive and super fun. My school does Six Flags fright fest for a fraction of the price of regular admission! (Thank you for that, Dave Eng!)
5. Even if homework isn't graded or checked, do it.
I had a teacher that never checked if you did your homework, but would call on random people for the answers. You could easily avoid doing it by saying that you just "didn't understand the question" and that's what a lot of people did. Even though it seems pointless and you think you could be spending time doing something else, do the work. It not only reenforces what you already learned, but if you aren't understanding something, then you'll know.
6. You might not like your roommates or suitemates, and thats okay.
There is this overwhelming stigma that your roommates should be your best friends, that you guys will go to all the parties together and love each other endlessly. It doesn't always work out that way. I loved one of my roommates with all of my heart, but the other two I could've done without. Living with strangers is hard, you probably won't get along with them like you picture.
7. Lastly, things aren't always easy...but you've got this.
There are days where I found myself sobbing while staring at my six page English final paper, my ten page Criminal Justice thesis, and my study guide for my 200 question math final. It's hard, its stressful, it's overwhelming...but you made it this far and you can make it again. Budget your time, be careful with what you do, and you'll be perfectly fine.
