College is weird. But, somehow I survived my first year! It wasn't easy but with the support of great friends, anything is possible! Friends are important to have in college. Especially since for most, it is your first time away from home. It's not easy making friends in college either, but after you put in the needed effort, it is SO worth it. Follow these tips and hopefully, you will find yourself doing the same by the end of the first semester.
1. Be yourself, in every situation
College is nothing like high school. You do not have the restriction of only 200 people in your class, limiting the pool of potential friends. If you go to a big university like I do, you will probably at least see 45 new people a day, probably more than that. This being said, the amount of people you have the potential to be friends with is drastically different than what you were used to in high school. SO STOP CONFORMING! Be yourself, and I promise you will find people who are just like you, and will fill your heart in every way. This might not happen overnight, but do not give up! Keep being yourself and your people will come to you.
2. Be nice, to everyone
Not only because of reason #1 (but that's a pretty good reason too). You never want to scare off your potential soulmate by not letting them sit next to you in lecture or because of your apparent RBF. But even more importantly, college is hard. It is incredible and exciting, but it is hard. Classes are hard, relationships are hard, and sometimes life is just hard. Be nice to everyone you encounter because we know life is tough, and being a smiling face could drastically change someone's whole day.
3. As much as you need to be yourself, remember to step out of your comfort zone
In comparison to high school, college gives you a whirlwind of opportunity. Personally, I found it terrifying to go to new organizations by myself. I did go to two meetings on my own, and now serve on executive boards and committee's for both. I did by no means walk into the first meetings and begin talking to the first person I made eye contact with. But I did talk to the person who sat next to me and asked what year I was in school. Always remember, especially in all freshman environments, that everyone is new, and I promise; everyone is scared. Do not let that "new kid" fear keep you from finding your place at your university.
4. College classes are not as horrible as they seem
Are college courses different from high school courses? Yes. Will they physically kill you? No. The content of college courses is more rigorous than high school courses for certain. Though, especially in your first year, classes are not going to be impossibly hard. YOU NEED TO DO YOUR HOMEWORK AND YOU NEED TO STUDY! But just because you need to put in effort, does not mean it will kill you- or it shouldn't, at least. My most crucial piece of advice regarding classes is this; if your schedule ends up giving you an hour break, or maybe a few breaks, in between classes every day, go to the library (or anywhere you find you like to study) in between classes and study. Do not go home and nap between classes! Coming fresh out of high school, we are all used to being in class from 7AM-3PM. Therefore, our brains are used to working for that long. I promise, you will find that you get things done more efficiently if you work in between classes, than if you go to study at 9PM after eating and hanging out with your friends.
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