You have graduated high school, gone to all the going away parties, bought all your dorm supplies, gone to orientation -- now you are finally on your own at college. This may or may not be the first time you have been away from your parents for an extended period of time, but being a college freshman is the most awesome and cool thing, ever. Here are some tips for the incoming class of 2019.
1. On the first night in the dorm, don't go out. Find someone's room that isn't still a disaster area from moving in and invite everyone to hang out. You will not regret this the next day when you want to walk around campus and find your classes or explore town and can't find anyone to go with. It will also help avoid awkward situations in the community bathrooms.
2. Make a friend in every class. This will help when you accidentally sleep through your 8 a.m. (because everyone knows freshmen always get 8 a.m. classes) and need notes. You will always have someone to sit and study with, too.
3. Don't be afraid to say hi. Everyone is in the same boat as you. They are all away from home, tired of the cafeteria food, need sleep, and just want someone familiar around them. Who knows, the person you say hey to while you are sitting in your first class might become your best friend. Cherish the friendships you make and don't worry about the ones that drift apart.
4. Take every opportunity you are given. Extra seat in a car going to an away football game and don't know where you're even staying until you get there? Do it. Set up with some random for formal? Go. College is the time of our lives -- take advantage of it. You don't want to be telling your kids in twenty years that you studied all the time and have no amazing memories.
5. On the other hand, don't forget to study. You also don't want to be telling your kids why you had to drop out after your first semester. Make your grades and have fun, it's all about balance.
6. Speaking of parents -- call them. They raised you, fed you, clothed you, and are most likely paying for you to be going to college (if you are paying for it yourself, this still applies). Your parents deserve to hear your voice at least every couple of days, plus they worry about you. They may not tell you, but they genuinely want to know how you are and don't mind listening to you complain about the person three doors down the hall that plays their music too loud.
7. Don't worry about the freshman 15, it happens. Between the union food, Sonic runs with your floor mates, and late night drunk food there's no avoiding it. Walking to class is exercise right? Maybe you will hit up the campus gym next week.
8. Join a sorority or fraternity. It's the best decision you will ever make.
