Hey Samford Sophomores. Let’s get real, the sophomore slump is a thing. The vibrancy and exhilaration of freshmen year has worn off, only to be replaced with isolation, more tedious classes, and more responsibilities. Life feels a little more mundane and a whole lot more challenging. Consider these tips the next time you find yourself sitting in your dorm room alone, eating Chickfila and wondering why all your friends are posting fun pictures on Instagram without you.
1. Make an Effort to See Old Friends
Seeing people is hard when your friends don’t all live in Vail, Pittman, or Smith. We no longer have the luxury of walking up a few flights of stairs or across lover’s lane to see people. Think about the people you haven’t spent time with lately. Do something about it. Walking across campus to hangout won’t kill you, and if you think it will, drive or meet in the middle.
2. Eat at the Caf
What the caf lacks in food, it makes up for in opportunities for social interaction. There’s only so much Chickfila to be eaten, after all. Go the caf and appreciate the days when you don’t have to cook for yourself. They’re coming.
3. Take Advantage of Campus Organizations
Remember all the organizations you joined at the beginning of freshman year? Go back to them. You joined them for a reason. They're still just as exceptional. The people there miss you. I promise.
4. Go Explore the City of Birmingham
Birmingham is so cool, so grab some equally bored friends and partake in some of what it has to offer. Go to coffee shops. Picnic at railroad park. Go to the zoo. Find the best places to watch the sun set.
5. Dive Into Your Major
Sophomore year is when we're getting deeper into our majors. Read for all your classes, even if you’re not quizzed. Take the opportunities given to hone your craft. Do the extra internship or pick up the minor you've been meaning to declare. It’s your future, so set yourself up to be successful ahead of time.
Remember why you came to Samford. Those reasons still apply. That sense of comforting community and that feeling of truly being where you're supposed to be is still there. You just have to take the time to look for it amidst the business of life.
