Freshman year is overwhelming at first. I won't sit here and tell you that it'll be just like the movies. No. It's hard at times, incredible at others, and mostly just a feeling of pride and accomplishment in pursuing what you love. I've compiled 5 tips for a guaranteed easier year for you. (Can you tell I'm an orientation adviser?)
1. Don't be afraid of making friends
I can recall feeling so out of place. I thought, no one will like me, and it's gonna be hard becoming close to people. Of course, some of this is true. It can feel like high school sometimes, so don't expect everyone to be so mature. Make friends with people you have an interest in. Do not just cling onto the first people you meet. I thought I would make friends with the party people. I ended up with probably the dweebiest people, and I love it. Take your personality, and recognize it in others to build a close-knit group. Don't overwhelm yourself with trying to make 1,000,000 friends. 5-6 close friends will take you a long way.
2. Be open to changing your major
As soon as I took a politics class, I realized how cutthroat it was going to be. I just wanted to write. I'm not kidding, I had about 50 appointments with my major adviser. She wasn't annoyed about it either, because that's their job! Bounce ideas off of them about what you like and build up what you maybe want to study. Once I changed to Media and Communications I felt so much better. It took one piece of paper to change my major. Signed it. Dropped it off. Boom. Done. I know so many people who have changed, be open to it.
3. You'll battle with anxiety and mental health, it's gonna be okay
I struggled the second semester with a sudden onset of bipolar disorder depression. It was hard, but let me tell you something. I maintained a 3.94 GPA. It is so possible to talk to others and college who struggle too. Please, reach out to your school's counseling center. They want you there. They probably have group therapy, and they will work around your schedule. Everyone wants you to succeed. Take a deep breathe. Don't worry if you've never struggled before. Nothing is wrong with you, and you will be fine. Your pain is valid, because college is a huge step. That being said, you need to take the initiative to reach out asap. Trust me. :)
4. Budget yourself
Money goes fast. Especially in a city, the cost of going out includes a $10 Metro fee. Stop buying Starbucks. Have self control, because you'll be stuck overworking yourself either on campus or in the summer just to buy textbooks. Save! Save! Save!
5. GO. TO. CLASS.
I don't even need to explain this. Your parents are paying for them, and you need a degree if you want to stay at your university. This isn't high school, it ain't cool to skip class because no one cares what you do! If you hate going to class, change your major!
Alright, brace yourself, first year students. Fun, laughter, tears, and stress ahead!
