I know you're wondering how you're going to make it through the ups and downs of college life, I did too. You'll be on your own for the first time, which can be both exciting and scary. From studying to partying and all the things in between—like doing your own laundry—you'll probably need some guidance at first. So, here are 10 things I wish someone told me before freshman year:
1. Go in with an open mind.
Don't set your expectations too high or too low. Start your first semester with a clear mind and heart, and you'll realize that everything falls into place-- be confident in your abilities. You got in for a reason, remember that!
2. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Do all the things you wish you did in high school and more. Escape your boundaries, and don't allow the expectations of others influence your own goals. It's okay to feel uncomfortable and to ask questions. Trying new things is good, and you'll see a lot of personal growth!
3. Work hard, play hard.
This means GO TO CLASS. Listen to your alarm, grab a cup of coffee, and go to that 8 a.m. across campus. The library is your friend and so is your Keurig. You'll thank yourself later, I promise. A wise woman once said, "with great studying comes great partying." So, hit the books before you hit the frats.
4. Get involved!
I can't stress this one enough...invest yourself in activities that you're passionate about, not just things for the resume. Busy schedules help a lot with time management and open doors to meeting different and interesting people that could potentially be lifelong friends. Participating in things that you genuinely enjoy will make transitioning into college a lot smoother.
5. Get to know your professors.
This is definitely something that I wish I did more because, believe it or not, they want to help you! Reach out and introduce yourself, go to office hours, and make an effort to know them. It'll pay off later when you're applying for internships and jobs and need a letter of recommendation (or even when you need a boost at the end of the semester, wink wink).
6. Buy a planner and use it.
It's tempting to ditch your planner after the first week... don't. You will quickly realize that you're missing assignments and meetings. Having a planner will encourage you to use your time wisely, and not only that, but visually seeing your schedule for the week will help you to get things done so you can live it up on the weekends!
7. Don't procrastinate.
Whatever you do, do not fall victim to procrastination. Every. Minute. Counts. Use them wisely and learn how to manage the time you have each week. It will amaze you how much more you can accomplish when you stay away from Instagram and Snapchat for the day...the dog filter can wait.
8. Surround yourself with people who care about you.
Find friends who encourage you to be successful and make you laugh until your stomach hurts. Learn about their past and listen to their stories. Share your own. It's more than likely that you'll find them different from your high school friends, and that's okay. Make memories with them, you'll look back and smile later on.
9. Stay healthy.
Freshman year can be stressful, so staying healthy can be difficult, but it's important if you want to avoid the infamous "Freshman 15." Find time to exercise, whether that's running around campus, hitting the gym, or playing intramural sports with friends. Choose food that makes you feel good, get enough sleep, and listen to your body. Staying in to watch movies with your roomie every so often won't hurt anyone!
10. Find out who you are.
So cliché, I know, but clichés are only cliché because more often than not, they're true. This is the time that you start to find out who you really are. So, be kind. Be bold and passionate. Work hard and laugh often. Take those risks. Love. Explore, discover, create. Be on time. Have confidence. Dance it out. Set goals and chase them. Call me! (I had to). Have compassion and gratitude. Know that failure is okay and you get what you give. Most importantly, have fun...because it's all happening.
