There are a ton of articles floating around this time-of-year for college freshman. Whether it's what to bring, what to expect, or just tips for your first year, there are plenty of them.
Too many, even. In fact, I vowed to myself that I would never make one of those cliché articles, but here I am. I move in to my first non-school-affiliated apartment in a week-and-a-half and I found myself becoming nostalgic (and cringing a little bit) at all my memories from last year, so here are some real tips for college that they don't tell you.
1. Don't spend all your money on clothes within the first month
This might seem like a no-brainer to most people, but I spent $500 at Urban Outfitters before I even started classes. No matter how much you want to fit in and dress like your peers, your wallet will thank you when you don't spend $60 on those shoes.
2. Learn how to cook
Preferably before college starts. I had a kitchen in my apartment style dorm which meant no meal plan, so I had to buy groceries and cook for myself. I'm not exaggerating when I say I lost weight the first few months due to my unappetizing meals. I unintentionally starved myself because my cooking was so bad.
3. If you know your style, stick with it
This applies to both rooms and fashion. I decided that my freshman year I wanted to have a pink theme going. I haven't been into pink since middle school, and even then I wasn't into pink. Anyway instead of the bubble gum look I was going for I ended up feeling like I was in a child's bedroom. Not staying true to your style can lead to a lot of confusion, a waste of money and maybe a slight identity crisis.
4. Know how clean or messy you are and tell your roommates
I had never realized how much of a neat freak I was until I got to college and my roommates didn't understand my need for cleanliness. This lead to a lot of tension and us not being able to understand each other's needs. Create a set of guidelines with your roommates and communicate with them.
5. You can never have too many friends
When you hit college you have to make a whole new set of friends. If you think your roommates are going to be enough, you're wrong. Become friends with people in your major, classes, building, everywhere. Have a variety of friends with different interests and have all your bases covered.
6. If your teacher has office hours, use them
Unless you are 100 percent positive you will get an A in the class, take advantages of all the resources your school has to offer. Going to workshops or tutors help you get outside help if what you've learned in class isn't making sense, and talking to your teacher can help you clarify any questions or understand a topic completely.
7. Don't wait until the month before you leave to start saving money
I've always been bad with managing money, but I never fully understood how detrimental that would be until college. You're gonna need a lot of money—a lot—so start saving as soon as you get a job.
8. Try not to stress out too much
Oh yeah and one last thing, good luck and have fun.
