With senior year just months away, I find myself filled with nostalgia of my first three years of college. Being older and wiser than I was as an incoming freshman, I feel that it is my responsibility to bestow my wealth of wisdom upon these recent high school grads and give them my advice as a senior in college. Here are five tips to freshman as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
Don't be nervous—you're all in the same boat
Between freshman orientation, picking classes, getting assigned to a roommate or maybe just trying to figure out the best route to school if you're a commuter like I am, don't fret! Everyone in your incoming freshman class is feeling the same way! This is a huge transition so no one expects you to be the master of all things collegiate! Just take it one step at a time and remember to prioritize what needs to be done.
Branch out but don't forget your old friends
As I decided that the financially best choice for me was to stay local, quite a few of my classmates from high school also ended up at my place of higher learning. While you may be thinking about all the new friends you want to make, don't forget about your old lunch table buddies that you had over the years. When it comes time for the first day of classes, you'll be looking for that familiar face at lunchtime when you're feeling a little overwhelmed.
Join clubs but don't join all the clubs
At Wilkes University we have Club Day within the first two weeks of the semester where every club and organization sets up a table and you can join as many activities as you like. This is great because it helps you see what all your new school has to offer but it could be a little daunting, too. While it's absolutely critical you get involved early on, don't over do it. Pick three clubs that look good to you and sign up. Even if you're unsure you could always get off their email list and try something new. Just don't be an extracurricular burnout right away.
It's okay to not have a life plan and it's okay to change your mind.
As a freshman I was wide-eyed and full of optimism that I would one day be sitting on the couch on Fox News reporting on all things political sipping water from a coffee mug. I had dreamed of chatting with politicians on what went wrong in their campaigns and that every morning families would put me on their TV to start their day. As a senior, that it 100% not what I want to do for the rest of my life and guess what? That's fine! As a freshman you may feel pressured to pick the one thing you want to do for the rest of your life and that's nonsense. You do not need your clear 10 year life plan. I still struggle with this and I'd like to say it gets easier to pick what matters to you but it takes time. You'll find your calling, just give it time.
Don't forget that you should be having fun.
The next four years of your life are going to fly by. Don't forget to enjoy them. I know I have issues myself with taking a break from being a super-serious-I-need-my-life-together-as-of-yesterday type, but you should be making friends and doing new things and experiencing life! A college education is a privilege so make the most of it in every way.
