As an excited and bright-eyed college freshman, you're pretty much living the dream. You're discovering a new place, meeting new people and thinking about your future. However, as a first-year college student, you're vulnerable to certain unavoidable mistakes. Thankfully, these mistakes aren't too detrimental, and it could even be argued that these mistakes mold you into who you are as a person. Some may even consider these a "rite of passage." Nevertheless, I'm going to warn you about these 8 unavoidable mistakes every college freshman makes, just in case it saves you some trouble.
1. Thinking you have to dress up for class every day.
In college, we don't judge based on appearances. It's quite the opposite of high school. It's awesome to dress up and look nice some days, but it is by no means necessary. When you see someone roll into class looking like they just woke up, you applaud them and are a bit jealous, because they probably slept in later than you. Rock that oversized sweatshirt. I am cheering you on.
2. Going to the wrong classroom building.
You're not going to have any idea where you're going the first few weeks of class. It's basically inevitable that you will get lost. If you really want to avoid this, though, my best advice would be to map out your classes and practice walking to them before the semester begins. Who really has time for that, though? If you don't have time, no worries. Just do your best, sprint to your building and show up sweaty. Please refer to number 1 to remind yourself why showing up sweaty is perfectly acceptable.
3. Thinking you can study like you did in high school.
*Somehow lands a B+*
NOPE. Those days are over. Forget your high school study methods. College studying is an entirely new beast. It honestly might take you a few semesters (or years, if you're like me) to learn how to study properly. I can tell you one thing: by the time you're a rising senior, like me, the word "flash card" will make you feel a bit nauseous.
4. Letting a few bad grades ruin your life.
College is an adjustment. Just because you loved a subject in high school doesn't mean you'll feel the same way in college. You will undoubtedly struggle throughout certain classes, and you most likely won't always receive the grades you want. Don't let this ruin your life, please. When it happens, ask yourself: will this matter in 5 years? Most likely, the answer will be "no." Oh, and freshman grade forgiveness exists for a reason.
5. Scheduling 8 a.m. classes.
6. Convincing yourself the first person you meet is your soulmate.
They're not.
7. Expecting dining hall food to actually taste decent.
I hate to break it to you, but the days of homemade cooking are over. Get ready for slimy pasta and rubbery chicken.
8. Thinking you can survive without coffee.
I don't care if you never drank coffee in high school. If you make it through college without becoming an avid coffee drinker, you're probably some type of evil genius or superhero. It may not feel this way at first. When it's mid-finals week and you have 5 exams, 3 papers, a presentation and 3 hours of sleep, however, you will find yourself in your nearest campus cafe. I promise.
If you're an incoming freshman, heed my advice. It may not help you anyways, but at least you'll be prepared. If these mistakes are the worst of your problems, though, you'll end up ok. They're all pretty insignificant in the long run.
