The transition to college was probably the biggest transition that I've ever gone through in my entire life. While in high school, I was pretty much not allowed to do almost anything. For example, I wasn't allowed to watch TV, play video games, or hang out with my friends on weekdays. I also wasn't allowed to use my laptop unless it was for school on weekdays too, and my mom kept it in her room most of the time. When I finally moved into my dorm, I realized that I had all the freedom in the world. I could see my friends, go on the computer, play video games, and eat whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. Even so, I got a better GPA my first semester than high school. Because of this, I wanted to give some advice to incoming freshmen on how to handle their first year.
1. Time Management
I know this one may seem like an obvious one, but it's actually really important. Do your homework before participating in any social activity, and don't push it off too much. This was probably the thing that was easiest for me because during the last semester of my senior year of high school, I had to juggle school, working for 4 days a week, being in a leadership program, going to physical therapy, and taking care of my sick friend.
2. Don't Go Crazy With the Food
The one thing that I went over board with (and I did regret it after the consequences), was eating all of the unhealthy food that was served at my cafeteria. I snapped, essentially, when I saw all of the ham/cheeseburgers, fries and pizza amongst other unhealthy foods. That's all I ate for a while and ended up becoming a pre-diabetic. Make sure to keep up good diets when you're at college, even if unhealthy food is okay once in a while. Don't make it a habit to eat it a lot!
3. Actually Go to Class
I know at some colleges/universities, class attendance isn't required while at others it is. Regardless, always attend class unless you're sick or something else very important, such as a family emergency or your car breaking down, happens. Something that takes up more importance, which would NOT include hanging out with friends. You may think it's okay to skip class if attendance doesn't affect your grade. It will actually do so eventually, when you don't get important class material and flunk the homework and tests.
