You're getting ready to graduate high school and continue your journey called life. That means starting a new chapter: College.
It's exciting, scary, different, and you have no idea what to expect. Here's some advice from someone just completing her freshman year.
It's important to get out of your comfort zone. College is the perfect time to branch out and try new things that you may have not had the opportunity to do before. Especially if you go to a large school, but even at a small school, there are many clubs, groups, and activities for you to get involved in. The goal is to find three clubs/groups: Something you're interested in, something to enhance your education, and something to take you out of your comfort zone. This may sound like a lot, but they don't take up too much time. It's a good way to get involved on campus, meet new people, and something good to put on your resume. (Yes, you do have to start thinking about building that.)
Study enough to maintain good grades, but don't be too hard on yourself. Manage your time so you don't have to pull an all-nighter. Seriously—you won't put in your best work cramming it the night before, and you'll be exhausted the next day. It's just a bad combination. Invest in a good planner that works for you or some other way to plan your day, as well as stay on top of due dates, etc. Don't be too hard on yourself, though. Good grades are important, but they are not the only important thing in life.
Similarly, don't be afraid to ask for help. In terms of your education, don't be afraid to ask your professor to clarify something. They are there to help you learn and become a better student. Also, utilize the free tutoring. This isn't high school anymore where it's socially frowned upon to go to tutoring. No one cares about that in college, so if you're struggling in a class or just want to go have someone look over an essay for you, do it. It's better than not passing the course and wasting thousands of dollars.
Take care of your mind and body. Eat well, get your body moving, drink plenty of water, and stick to good sleeping habits. Your grades will be better, your social life will be better because you'll be a kinder person, and overall your life will be less stressful and healthier than neglecting these things.
Surround yourself with good people, and don't be afraid to say no to drinking, drugs, sex, or anything else you're uncomfortable with. This is your life, and you really are in control of it now. Your parents won't be around to tell you what to do and what not to do. Make choices that are smart for your body and your life.
Keep your environment healthy. Seriously. Clean your room. No one else is going to clean up after you now, and if you trash your room, it's going to get very uncomfortable very quickly. Your room is small, and especially if you share it with one (or more) person, it's even smaller. You and your roommates will feel better, get along better, and perform better in a clean, organized space, and you won't be late to class because you were trying to find your books.
Have fun! Go out with your roommates for food at midnight, attend sporting events, meet new people, and enjoy your time in college. It's the time to start adulting without having to be a complete real adult quite yet. Meet new friends, make some mistakes but lots of memories, learn new things and enjoy life!
