Freshman year of college is not only a scary new beginning but a time where you learn a lot more than you think you ever would. Nobody can tell you exactly what it's like because its all about your own personal experiences. There is some advice I can give you about how to manage your time, money, and new beginning through your freshman year at college.
1. The freshman 15 is not a joke.
Freshman 15? No, how about freshman 25. We go into our freshman year thinking, "well the dining hall food sucks, so I just won't eat and then I won't gain weight." Sounds logical in the moment — but nope, avoiding the dining hall leads you to order in food and we can all agree that it doesn't get better than going to Acropolis pizza after a night out.
2. Boys have matured about 0% from high school.
Going into college, you hope that you will meet so many guys and that you will find the "perfect one" because they have matured now that they are in college. Sorry to break it to you ladies, but that is one huge false statement. While girls realize that even though there are no parents around, they still have responsibilities. Boys on the other hand, they don't seem to grasp that concept.
3. You will miss home.
When you feel this way, just pause and breathe. College is a huge adjustment and it is only normal to miss your bed from home or even want to go home and hangout with your mom (yes, this is all I wanted to do sometimes).
4. Do not bring your entire closet.
While packing for college, I literally brought my entire closet. When my mom asked for justification for half the things I was bringing, I would say "maybe i'll wear it to a darty" or "I can wear this for a theme party." The answer is no and no. Besides the fact that you won't have space for all of this clothing, you also won't wear or even touch half of the clothing you bring.
5. Stock up on Dayquil and Nyquil.
Somehow the freshman plague really does exist. Instead of one person getting sick for a week, half of your dorm or sorority is sick for a month. And yes, a cough that back home would've lasted you about four days because your mom would take care of you lasts you about a month at school.
6. Chose your classes wisely.
No one is ever going to tell you that making your schedule is easy. Classes overlap and most times are full. Going into freshman year, everyone takes "easy classes." Be careful what easy classes you chose because although a class called "Arts and Ideas" may seem like an easy fun class, you may end up with a C in it because you didn't even know you knew nothing about art.
7. Its okay to have "me time."
This is one of my favorites. Being an only child, I wasn't used to having people around me 24/7. It's OK to not go to your friend's room one night or not go out for dinner with everyone just to spend time with yourself. Don't stress yourself out by thinking you constantly have to be surrounded by people.
8. GrubHub will become your best and worst enemy.
The times when you don't want to walk two minutes to a dining hall and just want to sit in bed while eating is the times you lean on GrubHub. With almost every restaurant in the Syracuse area, GrubHub delivers right to your dorm room. Just be careful because in the moment, having good food delivered to you every night is great, but your credit card bill at the end of the week isn't as great.
9. Tailgate szn is the best szn.
Tailgates are no joke at Syracuse. Being decked out in orange and blue trendy clothing and pre-gaming for a football game or basketball that you never really go to is the best part of it all. (check out my super cool roommate's Insta "thecollegeshop" for a sick lace up sweatshirt and more).
