Freshman year can be one of the most stressful yet also one of the greatest years of your life. Moving in can be a confusing experience. Leaving somewhere you’ve lived all your life and entering into a new environment can seem scary but a little advice from other students can help make the experience so much easier. From packing and school supplies to clubs and parties, a little advice can help you conquer freshman year and leave you feeling on top of the world. You’re only a freshman once, so make sure you do it right.
1. You can never bring too many clothes.
While packing you may think that you completely over packed, but as soon as you get to school you’ll wish you had packed more. The panic will set in as you rummage through clothes thinking “Where is my beige cardigan,” “I knew I should’ve packed more sweatshirts,” and “I can’t possibly go the entire semester with only 50 pairs of underwear, I need more!”
2. Go to as many events as you can.
I know you probably think it’s lame at first but the events that the campus has to meet people really do benefit you. While you may be going into school already with a set group of friends, it never hurts to put yourself out there and meet other people because you never know how much can change during a semester in a new atmosphere, such as college, with your friends. Plus, most of the events will offer some sort of free food so why not!
3. Get involved early.
Take it from someone who didn’t get involved at all their first semester of freshman year, you will be extremely bored if you do not. While academics can keep you pretty busy, there will be a lot of free time in which you won’t know what to do. Getting involved and going to things such as Meet the Greeks or other gatherings for learning about school clubs can really enrich your time spent at school.
4. Don't be afraid to live a little.
Yes, school and clubs are the number one priority but all work and no play makes for a miserable time. Sometimes a few hours spent away from the library can turn out to be one of the most memorable nights of your freshman lives. It’s okay to go out and enjoy yourself at a party every now and then as long as you can keep the balance of school and free time.
5. Accept that you can’t always get what you want.
I realize that coming into college you will automatically have the goal to succeed in all your classes. Many of you will strive for all A’s and perfect GPAs, but it’s important to realize that sometimes no matter how hard you try, things won’t go according to plan. There will be teachers who will straight up tell you that ‘no one gets an A in their class,’ and even though you had your heart set on that A, you’ll have to settle for the B+. Don’t worry it’s not the end of the world.
6. School bookstores aren’t the only place you can find your books.
Nine times out of ten, school bookstores will charge 10 times for a book what it would be on Amazon or eBay. Just because it is recommended you get the book from the school doesn’t mean that you have to do it. As a college student you’re going to be short on money to begin with, so make it easier on yourself and try finding the book somewhere else for cheaper. Many times students will sell their used books for a fraction of the prices, and if you’re lucky the answers may even be in it.
7. Load up on your favorite snacks an food for your dorm.
Cafeteria food will be the death of you. While occasionally you will find something in there that you like, most times you will not. Bring a ton of snacks because I guarantee that is what you will be living off of for the next semester. (Plus the snacks will come in handy when you come back drunk and hungry from a party!)
8. Never be afraid to be different.
As an incoming freshman, you will most likely be coming into school alone without many friends. Sometimes you will feel pressured to do certain stuff and go to certain places in order to feel accepted, but you shouldn't. College is the time where you find lifelong friends and grow up. It isn't about becoming Mr. Popularity so don't be afraid to stand out, if you do you will make plenty of friends just like you.
