To think that we’re already in May absolutely blows my mind. It feels like just yesterday I was pulling onto campus with that stupid endless smile across my face to move in. My freshman year has absolutely flown by and I am definitely in denial that it’s drawing to a close. Though it may have gone by fast, I’ve learned so much this year it’s ridiculous. So as I sign out of my freshman year, here are my final thoughts and lessons.
1. You do not need to bring every piece of your wardrobe.
My father wanted to kill me when he saw how many suitcases I had when moving in. I would like to apologize to him in saying that yes, Dad, you were right. Though I did wear a good portion of what I brought there were items that never ever got worn.
2. Get a calendar and a planner.
These two things have saved my butt way more than once. The dry erase white board hanging up in my room and my planner are really the only reasons that I have my life together (kind of). They will help to organize everything from homework, to tests and quizzes, social events, meetings, etc.
3. Go to class.
Yes, going to an 8 a.m. is not fun, but you will regret it if you don’t go especially if it’s an important and likely very confusing class like math, English, science, or history. You’ll miss out on a lot more than you think and be so lost. If you do miss class, catch up on your own and stay on top of things.
4. Use tutors and office hours.
I cannot stress this enough. It’s better to sign up for a tutor in the beginning of the semester and not end up needing them than the opposite. If you think you are going to struggle with a class even in the slightest, get one. Make relationships with your professors in the beginning and go to their office hours if you miss class or are struggling. More often than not they are extremely helpful.
5. Don’t buy books from the bookstore.
Unless you absolutely have to, avoid the bookstore at all costs. You will save hundreds, even thousands of dollars renting books from sites like Chegg.com. They’re simple enough to order and to return.
6. Be nice to everyone.
You never know what people are going through, sometimes even your friends will hide things from you cause they don’t want to “burden you” with their problems. Be nice to every person you meet. Even if you’re not their biggest fan or they yours, always be the bigger person.
7. Be a good friend.
These people that you meet you will spend more time with than you ever thought possible. They become your family. They become the people you will go to for anything and everything and you will bond with them a lot faster than most any other friendships. Be there for them whenever they need it, whether it’s 3 p.m. or 3 a.m. Listen to what they have to say, to their crazy stories, to their problems, to their crying, and laughing and just about everything else. You want someone there for you when you need it, reciprocate that and let them know how much you appreciate them.
8. Call your family.
Your new independent freedom is great, but don’t forget who helped to get you there. Call your parents, text your siblings, stay in touch and connected. You’ll feel so much better. You might be 10 miles away or 1,000 miles away, but either way there’s just always a sense of comfort in family.
9. Do laundry every week.
You will be so sorry when you run out of socks and underwear. You can only spray things with perfume, cologne and Febreeze so many times before they actually need to be washed. Do your wash at least once a week, you’ll thank yourself later. (And a set a timer for your washer and dryer on your phone or you will be sorry.)
10. Mental breakdowns happen.
Mental breakdowns are totally normal. It’s okay not to feel okay. You will get overwhelmed, overly stressed, and not sleep. It’s OK and not want to do anything and want to give up. The most important thing is that you don’t give up. Things will get easier and get better. “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.”
11. Get involved.
Get involved on campus in some way shape or form. Whether it’s a club, a fraternity or sorority, an honor society, or even going to sporting events. It’s a great way to have fun, release stress, and meet new people.
12. You’ll get distanced from your high school friends.
You may think that you are going to stay best friends with those people for the rest of your life and chances are there are a handful that you will. But unavoidably you will lose some people and you will become slightly distanced from your friends from home. That doesn’t mean that you should give up on them, it just means you’re busy and you’re growing up. It’s tough, especially if you are far away. Life happens and gets in the way, but always try your best. If they are important to you keep them in your life as long as you can.
13. Don’t let one mistake define you.
You are in college. You are going to mess up, it’s inevitable. Shit happens, you’re human, you’re young and you will be OK. Life has a tendency to kick you when you’re down but you get back up, you keep your head high, you get better, and you come out on top stronger than ever.
14. Have fun.
College can be extremely stressful, especially freshman year. You’re suddenly thrown out on your own with a crap load on your plate now. Don’t stress too much, college is the last step before the real world. It’s one of your last chances to explore, go on adventures, and be a little stupid sometimes. Learn from everything and everyone and grow from it.
15. Be yourself.
For most people, freshman year of college is a new start, a clean slate. One thing I can promise you is being yourself is one of the most important things you can do. You will find people and friends who love you just the way you are with all your quirks. If you put out this false person, you’re going to attract fake people and make yourself miserable. It might be hard at first but I promise you that it’s so worth it.
They say that time flies and I knew that to be true but I never realize just how fast it could fly. The fact that I’m going to be a sophomore is very strange and almost scary. College goes by in the blink of an eye. To be in college is a privilege and before you know it you’re going to be out in the real world. So live a lot, learn a lot, grow a lot, and take it all in. Accept the good and the bad and always remind yourself that everything happens for a reason. Enjoy every moment before it’s gone.
