The start of something new. Freshman year; a new school with new friends. It can all be a bit overwhelming. I figured, having gone through it all myself, that I'd offer up a bit of advice to the new freshmen that are starting this year.
1. Enjoy Orientation.
There may be some boring information sessions and long days of nothingness but the fact is orientation is easier than actual class. It's also the perfect time to try and make some friends. Orientation is a chance to start the next four years of your life on a good note, so enjoy it and take advantage of it.
2. Please, for the love of all deities, dress nice for class.
Nothing bothers me more than people who look like they rolled right out of bed when they walk in class. Simple enough, make a good impression and dress nice when you go to class. Just because you live a matter of 3 minutes from your classroom doesn't mean your desk becomes a second bed. On another note, maintain your hygiene.
3. You should probably not skip class the first week.
Lets be real, teachers have caught on and unfortunately, what used to be known as the glorious syllabus week no longer exists. Most teachers will begin teaching the very first class and some even skip going over the syllabus during class. Sure, you may get lucky and get a teacher that only goes over the syllabus for the first class but they will pile on the work from that point on.
4. But still take advantage of the ability to skip classes.
This isn't high school anymore. Skipping class is actually accepted. As long as your teacher doesn't have an attendance policy, doesn't do pop quizzes, or doesn't grade on "participation", than skip away. Just make sure you aren't going to be missing anything important, like a test.
5. Now lets talk Greek.
The media sucks. The image of Greek Organizations portrayed by the media is completely false. I didn't join a fraternity until my junior year and I regret not joining sooner. If you are a little skeptical, swing by rush. Shop around to different organizations. Try to observe how the members interact with each other. Just give it a go.
6. Try to make friends with your hall mates.
Your going to be living with these people all year, you might as well become friends with them. Some of my best memories from freshman year were in the hall of my freshman dorm with all the guys who lived there. Late nights, dumb decisions, and hall friends tend to make some of the best memories.
7. Take it easy on the partying.
It's college, you're on your own. everyone wants to party. Going out to the local college bar, keggers at of campus houses, they all sound awesome. I'm not saying don't party. but take it easy. The point of college it to get a degree and I've seen a few too many people study partying one semester and never come back the next.
8. Don't be afraid to start a relationship.
Why is everyone fine with relationships in high school but the second they get to college, they think a relationship is the equivalent of a life sentence on death row. It just doesn't make sense. If you meet the right person, just do it.
9. If something happens between you and a friend, say sorry/accept an apology.
Everyone makes bad decisions in college, nobody is immune to that. Sometimes, you and a friend may get angry at each other. Just man up and say sorry. You have a few years with these people so don't hold a stupid grudge. And if you're on the other end of the argument, when a friend says sorry, accept the apology. And yes, this tip is from experience.
10. Lastly, just enjoy it.
You're last on the food chain, last to pick classes, the worst dorms, the boring gen. ed. classes. Enjoy every bit of it. Freshman year still remains one of my favorite years of college. Make those same memories that you'll never forget.
