As I sit here and write this, I’m in my bed. Where I have been all summer long. The only time my feet make contact with the wooden floors of my house are when I hear my stomach rumble, or I feel guilty about sitting all day, so I hit the gym. At first, I didn’t mind the habitual laziness; I thought that I finally have a break from the constant hustling of college life, but the more episodes of “Lost” that I watch, the more I crave being back at my college. The boredom has become so extreme that I would prefer studying as apposed to lying on my mattress. Don’t get me wrong—I have friends, and we occasionally have a girls’ night out, but most of the time it’s a night in for me. In high school, I waited all school year for summer break, but now as a college student, I couldn’t be more ready to go back. Maybe it’s the freedom, or the packed schedule, or (let’s be real) the social life.
Freshman year of college was tough for me. Prior to entering, I had extremely high expectations of what I thought college was supposed to be like. Instantly making friends, always going out to parties, going to football games and having the time of my life filled my daydreams upon my first day as a college freshman. I learned quickly that it’s not what it’s all cracked up to in the beginning. If you are like me, you instantly miss the easy high school days. Although after you get the hang of it, you will never want to leave your college town, even during the summers. For all of you upcoming college freshman, here is a list of some things to remember when entering your first of the best four years of your life.
1. Don't expect too much.
You have read the articles and filled your Pinterest board of freshman year tips. You have a perfect image of what you think your college experience will be like. But it’s not parties and drinking all the time, you will be surprised at how different it actually is.
2. Don't focus of the social aspect too much.
I worried about not making friends my whole first semester of my freshman year. The thoughts and stress destroyed me. Don’t worry about it if making friends doesn’t come right away. It will happen, but make sure to put yourself out there.
3. Be responsible.
It’s not high school anymore. People aren’t going to just hand you things. Professors won’t remind you when an assignment is due, and your mom won’t be there to do your laundry. College is all about making you an adult.
4. Say yes to everything.
Okay, maybe not everything, but if someone new asks you to hang out, then definitely do it. Don’t be stuck in your dorm room all the time. Go out of your comfort zone and try new things.
5. Be the person you truly want to be.
Forget about the stuff you did in your past that maybe didn’t reflect who you really are. People make mistakes, and college is a time where you can have a fresh start and start being the person you want to be.
6. You are going to change.
You haven’t stopped growing mentally or physically. In these next four years, you will be a totally different person.
7. Find what you are passionate about.
Don’t stick to a major just because it “makes a lot of money.” Find what you are good at and what you love and do it! Doing what you love and making less money is a lot better than sitting in an office all day, hating what you’re doing.
8. Go to class.
Just do it. Even if attendance isn’t required, you should go to class. Missing even one class can make you fall behind. That is the key to making good grades.
9. Be yourself.
College is a time where you can truly find yourself and be the person you want to be, but make sure you stick to your true self in the process. Don't pretend to be someone that you are not, just be you and people will notice!
10. Have fun!
You are finally away from your parents and high school drama. These will be the best and most fun years of your life, so live it up! Go to as many social events as you can, get involved in clubs and organizations, and make memories.
