Chances are, if you're reading this then you are about to embark on the great journey that is your Freshman year of college. It's both an exciting and scary time that if done right, can set up a pretty amazing rest of your college years. Now, these tips here are suggestions that I feel like could make your year a great one!
1. Be Positive
Starting your Freshman year with a positive attitude can make your year an amazing one! Having a great attitude can make any bad situation more bearable and being positive will help you meet great people and open yourself to new experiences!
2. Say Hi!
You're going to meet new people, No matter how social you may or may not be. Instead of shying away from that, embrace it! Say hello! This is the only time where it is completely normal to see a random person and sit down to eat with them. Of course, it will be okay if you do it throughout the year but the first month is the only time where literally 99% of your peers won't blink an eye at this.
3. Leave Your Dorm Door Open Sometimes
If you're dorming this year, a great tip for making friends is to leave your dorm door open through the first couple of weeks, this shows that you are available to talk and is basically an open invitation for other new people to meet you. However, don't just expect people to always come to you though! If you see someone's dorm door open the first few weeks, don't be afraid to pop in and say hello. You may not end up being best friends but being friendly never hurts. Plus, it's a great way to introduce yourself on a one on one basis.
4. Make The Most Out of Orientation
Whether your Orientation is two days like most state schools or a week long like some smaller schools, you may not want to participate in some of the activities. My advice is to just go to most of your Orientation events. Even if they seem boring (and very well may be) some will help you learn more about your school, get you free stuff, and even give you something to bond over with your new classmates (you can always talk about how awesome/lame it was together).
5. If Invited, GO.
Everyone around you is going to be trying to get to know each other. Some people may want to do things as a group and may invite you to come along. If you're invited, go! Step outside of your comfort zone. If you've never been bowling, then go with your new classmates and get to know them while trying something new! Now, don't forget to use your judgement. If what you are invited to do is morally compromising, illegal or can physically hurt you, I'd advise against doing it. However, if it's something harmless, such as ultimate frisbee, then why not?
6. Do Your Laundry Once a Week
This one is just so your laundry does't pile so high you can't ever get through it. Establishing a time when you can get your laundry done weekly or biweekly can eliminate massive pileups, odors and entire days devoted to laundry. Take two hours a week to do your laundry and you'll never have to worry about running out of clean underwear or smelling like last week's dinner. As a bonus tip, you should probably wash your sheets at least once a month. It's only sanitary and will save you an awkward conversation with your roommate.
7. Establish Study Hours
Establishing consistent hours where you dedicate yourself to getting your work done can help immensely. I did not do this my first year and suffered the consequences. Not having study hours can cause all nighters, stress over not having enough time to finish work, and even lower grades. Even if you were the kid who never had to study, trust me, college is different. You will need to study. Save yourself the trouble and (your GPA) and get into the habit of establishing study hours.
At the end of the day, your first year of college should be a fun one full of learning and new experiences. Allow yourself the chance to meet new people and learn. Just put your best foot forward, remember to study and all will be well.
