As my first year of college comes to a close, I’ve started to reflect on my experiences. Freshmen come into college so clueless and are often looked down upon by upperclassmen. College is a learning experience, and I’ve learned it’s okay to make mistakes. As I close the door on my freshman year of college, I’ve started to realize what I’ve done successfully, and am also realizing there are some things I failed at. Here are the do’s and don’ts of freshman year:
The Don’ts.
Don’t forget to call your parents.
If your parents are anything like mine, they’ll miss you tremendously and are constantly thinking of you. Make sure you tell them how everything’s going. This is the first time you’re away from home for this long, they want to make sure you’re doing well.
Don’t be “that freshman.”
You’re responsible for all your actions. Make sure you act responsibly at parties. This is your first year at college, the last thing you need is a bad reputation started for you. Remember that no matter what size school you go to, everyone finds out about everything that happens.
Don’t try to be someone you’re not.
I know it’s difficult to be in a new environment and have to try to make new friends. But, college is where you find yourself. Everyone fits in somewhere and you’ll end up figuring out exactly where you belong early on.
Don’t be afraid to talk to your professor or seek help.
My lecture halls have up to 400 people in them. However, most professors love when you approach them after class to ask questions. Also, take advantage of a professor’s office hours. It’s a time for you to get any specific questions answered while being surrounded by a much smaller group of people.
Don’t expect things to be easy.
Just because you got an A in all your honors classes in high school doesn’t mean you’re going to be a straight A student in college. College is not easy at all and requires more studying and effort than you could imagine. However, it’s very possible to do well if you put in the work.
The Do’s.
Do try to make new friends.
In my case, it was overwhelming to be surrounded by 40,000 new people. It’s difficult to go to a new place where no one knows who you are and you’re expected to make friends with all these new people. I’m going to let you in on a little secret- these people are in the exact same situation as you. You’re all are trying to make new friends. So don’t afraid to knock on the door of the person who lives across the hall from you. Who knows, they could end up becoming your best friend.
Do get involved.
You don’t want to go through your freshman year with any regrets. Want to join a club? Do it. Want to rush a sorority or fraternity? Do it. The worst thing that could happen is that you realize it’s not for you. It might take a few tries to figure out what you want to join, and that’s okay.
Do go to every football game.
With football games, come tailgates. There’s so much excitement surrounding game day and trust me when I say you want to be a part of all of it. It’s so exciting watching your school win a football game and seeing your school come together to celebrate is an experience like no other.
Do set yourself a routine.
In high school, you were so used to the same mundane routine each and everyday. You’re now in an environment where you can do whatever you want. No one’s around to force you to go to class. It’s on you. Give yourself a routine. Go to class, exercise, eat healthy, and have fun with your friends. Make sure you’re being productive.
Do have fun.
Yes, college can seem overwhelming and frightening at moments. But it’s also the most exciting experience of your life. There’s a lot of work to accomplish but you also have to be having a good time in order to survive all the stress. Go out there and make new friends, get involved, and above all have fun.
Freshman year has caused me to learn more than I ever expected I would. The year was filled with a few low moments, but mostly high moments. I learned that some things work out as you expected and others don’t. However, that’s okay. It’s important to embrace every moment and take it all in because it flies by faster than you think.
