It was the best of times, it was the worst of times -- okay, it’s just freshman year. I could write a novel on how crazy the first year off at college is for a person, but that’s to be expected. Instead, here are a few pointers that all of the upcoming freshies should know, and any upperclassman wish they would’ve know when they began their undergrad journey.
Get out of your comfort zone.
You’re going to be leaving behind your home town where you went to the same school and hung out with the same people for four years or more, and that can definitely be uncomfortable (and exciting) enough. But don’t stop there! College is the time to try new things, even reinvent yourself, if you want. Always wanted to play sports but never went out for a team in high school? Form an intramural team! Want to branch out and make lots of friends? Try Greek life or join one of the many clubs and organizations your college has to offer! Freshman year is full of new faces and new experiences, so instead of fighting that change, go along with it! You’ll be surprised at the things you end up loving.
Learn to budget.
This one’s a biggie. For the brave few who work while going to school during their first year, hats off to you! But if you’re one of the many that decide not to have a job while they adjust to college life like I did, budgeting is everything. Even when your parents help out, you have to figure out how you’re going to pay for any groceries you’ll need for the next couple weeks, save money for going out to eat, and leaving a little leftover to blow on the weekends! Not to mention accounting for any dues or fees you may have to pay if you’re involved in a fraternity or sorority (read: T-shirts). Coming from someone who tends to be a little impulsive with their money, my freshman year taught me exactly how far I can stretch a $20 bill!
Go to class.
Seriously, go to class. Have you seen how much tuition and books cost? Whether that money is coming out of your pocket or not, you need to go. Your professors don’t care if it’s 8 a.m. on Monday morning and you slept in, or you went out the night before when you really shouldn’t have; class will go on whether you’re present or not. So find your comfiest T-shirt, throw on some shades, and at least pretend to listen. Believe it or not, your professors notice that kind of effort and that can be the difference in your grade if you’re on the fence by a point or two. Freshman year is meant to be fun, but remember why you’re at college in the first place!
Don’t worry, be happy.
This first year is going to present you with a lot of challenges. Between deciding (or changing) majors, dealing with the stress of finals week, and having to be a lot more independent than you’re probably use to, there will be plenty of things to freak out about. And while a little freak out here and there is good for your mental health, don’t let that stress overshadow all of the fun and exciting things that are going to come your way! Freshman year is a year like no other, so get pumped because it’s right around the corner!
