Sophomore year usually isn't a spectacular year for me. It wasn't for me in high school, and it wasn't really this year, either. It's the year where you're used to college, but at the same time you're learning new things, whether it's about living as an adult or getting into major classes. But to any upcoming sophomores or even freshmen, here's my advice for your sophomore year.
Roommates
For my freshman year, I was blessed and didn't have any significant problems, but this year is a completely different story. I don't mind the apartment itself, but what you see in a model is certainly not what you get in real life. If you're considering living somewhere, I would recommend hanging out at a friend's place and seeing what their apartment is like.
As for roommates, freshman year taught me a lot about how I live when I'm away from home. This helped me be more truthful on my roommate matching survey, and I learned that people are not honest with themselves, lie, or the apartment does a terrible job matching, especially if you get random roommates. They will avoid their lifestyle choices to get out of a fee. If anything, avoid random roommates at all costs. If they turn out to be bad, it costs money to transfer rooms, and you'll just be miserable.
If that does happen, find roommates to live with as soon as possible.
Involvement
If you're not involved in a club or two right now, find something you like and enjoy! Clubs are a great way to find new friends (and roommates) and can be put on a resume, especially if you earn a leadership position. Sophomore year taught me that being involved is awesome, but still keep in mind that it can load up.
Another great way to be involved is to volunteer. At Georgia Southern, the Office of Student Leadership and Community Engagement gives so many opportunities to be involved volunteer-wise. Volunteering shows diversity and that you want to make an organization, a community, or the world a better place, especially if you're passionate. If you attend a different school, find volunteer opportunities or see if there's a place that gives them out!
Adulting
Adulting is the hardest thing to adjust to, whether it's getting a prescription refilled, dealing with your car (if you have one), etc. If something goes wrong, remember the experience for next time. Because that's what learning to adult is all about: Falling down to get up again to fall right back down.
Once this year is over for me, it won't be long before I have to be a real adult with a real job. It's terrifying, but some way I'll find the right path to the right job.
Relationships
One of the most important lessons is that this world and college can be scary, especially if you're going through it alone. I realized that somehow I needed to be put in a situation that I knew I could make friends, so I became more involved within my college community. Without friends and family, I wouldn't be as successful as I am today.
If you're struggling, just know that somewhere there is a friend just for you. And know that they would be right there with you when you need them.
I hope this advice is somewhat helpful. I'm not a guru, but I can at least offer what I've been through.
