The stereotypic statement "...what a freshman move" is embarrassing, yet accurate. It is vital to adjust to a new environment and making mistakes within that process is almost a guarantee.
Like the Paramore song "Ain't it Fun" says, "you're not the big fish in the pond no more, you are what they're feeding on." Sometimes, it really is not "fun" living in this "real world" and "being all alone." We've all felt this type of way at some point in our life, so learning to laugh at yourself and learning from your mistakes is what life (and college) is all about.
Laundry
This is actually my roommates' story. Laundry in the dorms here, as every person who has lived in one knows, is far from simple. If the machine works in the first place, it may or may not read your card. My roommate once paid for the wrong dryer and her wet clothes sat for an hour in the unpaid dryer while an empty dryer ran for an hour.
Parking
Don't we all just LOVE paying close to $300 for a parking pass that's a 15 min (at least) walk away? The day before game days we have to move our vehicles out of the K-Lot and it's a free for all to find the best and closest alternate parking location. I once walked all the way from my dorm to the K-Lot just to realize I forgot my keys at the dorm.
The dreaded 8 A.M.
Coming out of high school and being used to being at school from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the 8 am class doesn't sound *completely as awful* as everyone says it is. WRONG. I took a Chemistry Lecture this semester at this hour and I cross my heart that I will never take another 8 a.m. class. Turns out, my brain just doesn't function at that time. No talkie until after coffee please.
Spreading out classes
This may be personal preference, but I feel so much more productive when I have back to back classes and then a break. On the days I have an hour between each of my classes, it is an awkward time of do I work on homework right now or do I take a nap? Having this short, yet long break between classes just interrupts the flow of the day. If you get done with classes within one part of your day, it is easier to get assignments completed later in one setting, without time interruptions.
Biting Off More Than You Can Chew
You cannot be everything, everywhere, all the time and expect to succeed. In a culture of "being your absolute best self" accompanies the idea of self care within that. Some days, you need a break from studying. Go to the gym or get your nails done. Don't sign up or join too many things that will take away from doing well in classes. It is really hard to get good grades while being social and getting enough sleep and being healthy. Somewhere within the madness, there is a happy medium. Keep a planner and stay organized.
Food
Let's face it, you can only eat SO much pizza and Mexican food. Don't get the meal plan with a lot of meal swipes. Rather, get a lot of flex dollars to give you more options (and better food).
There was one point in my college experience that I had the exact meal for five days in a row. Go grocery shopping and switch things up!
Hiding behind a screen
Emailing your professors with a complaint will only go so far. When you actually get up and put effort forth in going to office hours you realize your professor is indeed a human too. They will be more opt to catering to your needs and wants if you make an effort to establishing the idea that you want to succeed in their course.
In my experience, when I went to my professor's office hours, I was actually able to earn some points back on my test that I would not have gotten if I did not go.
Not taking advantage of opportunities and resources on campus
There's something for EVERYTHING whether its a free massage at the student center or getting homework help at The Study or getting pancakes at midnight at the CSF. You *pretty much* pay for these things with your tuition, so why not? And, if nothing else, it is an opportunity to go out and meet new people!
Side Note: If it weren't for The Study, I'd probably be failing.
You regret every picture you don't take
Document your experiences. It is always fun to go back and see what you did and the things you were involved in. Snapchat's "one year ago, today" feature is one of my favorite things ever.
Being shy
We are truly all in this together. Meet people in your classes and establish relationships. This is good for not only getting homework help, but also in the potential scenario that you may miss class, you'll have people to help you get caught up! To be honest, I have friends in every class. Some, I've even talked to since the beginning of class, but sadly, I can not for the life of me remember their names... and it is a little late in the game to ask. So, make friends and learn their names!
