Hey you, so you’re going to to be a freshman again. How’s it feel? Are you scared or nervous? Don’t be. Are you excited for the chance to finally take the classes you want? How does living in a ten by ten box like room feel like? Well, after completing my first year here at the University, I learned the hard (and sometimes easy) way on the do’s and don'ts on what to do, and what to expect your first year of college.
First, DO pack light, when packing for your dorm room. Like pack light, and then take out some of what you packed-- do this especially of you’ll be attending school close-ish to home. In all honesty you won’t actually need that much. You’ll be eating most, if not all of your meals in a dining hall, will wear the same ten items of clothes weekly and take mast of your notes on your laptop. There is no need for endless kitchen utensils unless you're living in an apartment (you’ll only use the bare minimum because you’ll learn that doing the dishes in the bathroom down the hall sucks).
Second, DO get involved. Joining student organizations, such as Greek Life or chess club is a great way to meet other people who have similar interests as you. And one thing you’ll need in college-- are people who you can count on and trust. The people you meet in college will become a big part of your future, they may become even more important than the people you knew in highschool.
DO do your homework and read assigned readings, even if they are not graded. You will not do well in classes if you only go to lecture or watch them online.
DO find a good spot to study on campus. Whether it's a quiet room in the library or a bust coffee shop, find your place that aides your studying.
DO get enough sleep at night. Your mind and body will thank you when you’re getting eight to nine hours of rest at night.
DON’T wait until last minute to get help in classes that you are struggling in. Every teacher has office hours (which you should definitely take advantage of) and look into tutoring groups. You are paying for these classes, and it's stupid to struggle in them when you don’t have to.
DON’T do things that “aren't you”. What I mean here is, if everyone you know is out drinking or bar hopping and it’s not for you, then DON’T GO WITH. it’s great to experiment and learn who you are and who you're not, but don’t lose who you are in the process.
DON’T miss out on the “college” experience. Go to the football games. Go find ‘your’ group. Have fun, study hard and enjoy the first step of becoming an adult.
