You read dozens of articles on crazy roommates, what to pack for your tiny dorm and what to expect for your freshman year of college in general, but you may never know what to pick out of them. I have learned from my own year that everyone has their own unique experiences, but many things do ring true to many. If I could start my year over I would tell myself these things, but I am so lucky that I got these lessons first hand.
1. You are not better than anyone else.
Whether you are on Dean's List, involved in Greek life or an athlete, no one really cares like they did in high school. I have learned you attract the best people being humble and working hard at what you do, not by your “status.” If I could promise you one thing it's that no one has time for rude people bringing them down. Be open to new and unique people, smile and please just hold the door open for the person behind you.
2. Optimism is key.
It is easy to lose sight of what is important when you are completely on your own. The schoolwork is hard, being involved is hard, relationships are hard, even getting sleep is hard. Bottom line, college is one of the most fun and stressful times ever. It is so easy to get down on yourself, so allowing yourself to stay positive in these high-stress situations will help guide you along in a better direction. Try rewarding yourself for every good grade, planning a trip home if homesick and being able to look forward to a crazy night out with your friends. Always letting yourself know there is a light to this crazy tunnel is an extra push as well.
3. Instagram does not portray real life.
When I was a senior in high school, I used to look at my college friend's social media accounts and say, “Wow, I am going to party almost every night and take cute sorority girl pictures and every single boy at my school is going to be attractive because, you know, college.” While I have to admit, I do take some great sorority pictures and the parties are fun, you don’t see a person’s full life on their accounts. You don’t see all the hours spent studying at the library, them in their dorm room in a messy bun and sweats and walking 15 minutes to class. Also, if they are posting a party picture on a Monday, it is most likely from the weekend before.
4. Not everyone gains the "freshman 15."
It is March and I haven’t put on any weight yet… Is this normal? The "freshman 15" can happen, but if you are aware of it, it most likely won’t catch you. I feel like when people think of college students they picture cheap pizza and beer, but they don’t consider walking to every single class across campus and the healthy options offered in the dining court. Plus, the gym is the best kind of stress reliever.
5. Do not give up people at home.
Whether this is with your family, friends or significant other, do not feel the need to cut people off to make room for new ones. One of my biggest mistakes was cutting certain people out of my life for the cool, “college experience.” You will make new friends and you will have an awesome time this year, but if something is good then keep it and value those people. Just remember, if you don't put effort into contacting them, they won't put in the time for you. All relationships are a two-way street. You can always rekindle that friendship back at home. Plus, think of all the stories you can exchange now!
6. You pick your own friends, so choose wisely.
The really cool thing about college is you pick your friends. You aren’t forced in the same building and always in the same classes. They are not people you have played a sport with for a long time, and you have not known them since you were four. Surrounding yourself with a group of genuinely good people is the best thing you can do for yourself because they become your family. They are the ones that will stay up until one in the morning with you studying and they are the ones to make sure you get home OK on the weekends. In my opinion, most of your college experience is about who you are with, not where you go to school or what grades you receive (even though that is important.)
7. Bad choice, good story.
I love this saying more than any other and I think it applies to every aspect of life in college. You can take it several different ways. Most people would think of partying first and sit back to laugh at all the times they showed up to the frats in the wrong themed outfit or when they had just a little too much to drink. Another way to take it is with dating, school work and even taking the wrong class. I have learned it is best to make a mistake and learn a valuable lesson from it rather than be perfect all the time.
8. Don’t be afraid to room with your best friend.
Everyone has heard not to room with their best friend, right? Well, I met my roommate on Facebook last year and we quickly formed a super close friendship. I can honestly say, I cannot imagine not rooming with someone I feel like I can be myself with the most. I have made so many friends through her and our room is a constant social area. There is no judgment, random dance parties and late night deep talks as we fall asleep. Besides, I would much rather come to a close friend after a stressful day than a total stranger.
My freshman year has been so eventful with lots of ups and downs, but I would not trade it for the world. I can now take what I know from this wild year and apply it not only to the last few weeks of this year, but also the rest of my college experience. I am so excited for the memories to come.
