Ah, freshman year. For some, it may have been exactly what we expected. But, if you're anything like me, it's been the complete opposite. Not only did I expect to have an insurmountable amount of friends and be that one girl on campus that everyone knew, but I also expected to have a raging social life, lots of money, enough sleep and no stress. Boy oh boy, was I wrong. However, surprisingly, these have been the best eight months of my life.
There are a few things you should know about being a college freshman.
1. Move-in day is a mess.
All the movies we watched as kids and all the TV shows that showed us all what college "might be like" in the future had their discrepancies. There no slo-mo's of you walking on campus your first day with the wind blowing in your hair on move-in day. Nor is the love of your life going to be the one to offer to carry your drawer full of clothes into your brand new dorm room. Instead, you'll be stressed out, sweaty (depending on where you live) and your embarrassingly-funny family will drop your entire drawer full of your bras and underwear on the ground in front of everyone (I would know, this actually happened). But, in the end, you'll be emotional, watching everyone you've grown up with set you up for the next few months of your life away from home. It'll all turn out OK, just know everyone is as stressed out as you are.
2. Greek life isn't everything.
Yes, I said it. Upon entering your first semester at college, you will realize that almost everyone you knew either rushed or is rushing. While it can bring you extreme happiness and empty your wallet, there are other ways to get involved and have your own "Big" or "Little." Most universities offer mentoring projects, and I can tell you from first-hand experience: they're amazing. Some of the best people I've met with the most amazing stories to tell have come from these. Now, this is not to generalize all Greek life. Some of it may be life-changing, and some may not. College is about choosing the right path for you, and if you feel in your heart that this is the best step for you, take it!
3. Moving out (if you happen to be changing cities, or not) is both a blessing and a curse.
While you may think that getting away from your parents might be the best thing ever, hold on to your seat. Yes, there is no one to tell you what to do or what to eat. Or that staying up all night re-watching "Friends" for the third time probably isn't the best idea when you have an 8 a.m. the next morning. With great freedom comes great responsibility. Not only will you be in your own space and on your own most of the time, but you have to set your own schedule. And if you're anything like me, working three jobs and taking up a fast-paced major, it leaves little to no time to dedicate to myself. Without my parents being around to clean, do my laundry, or make me something to eat when I'm lazy or just don't have the time to do it myself, it's tough to manage sometimes. But hey, at least Easy-Mac only takes three and a half minutes to microwave, am I right?
4. Eating alone isn't weird.
If you go to a school with a dining hall and you purchase a meal plan, don't be afraid to go alone! In the beginning of the semester, most people will be afraid to eat alone in fear of judgement, but no one really cares. I promise. You'll notice that the little time you have in between classes you'll want to go eat. So will everyone else, and not everyone plans schedules with their buds, so most of the time we end up eating alone. If you're really uncomfortable doing so, most colleges have a take-out option where they'll give you Styrofoam boxes and silverware to take food in. Pick a nice spot on campus and have your own little picnic!
5. I know you love your bed, but please, go to class.
Before I moved away for college, everyone always told me, "Dude, there's no attendance in college!" Wrong. Oh, so wrong. Let me explain this in a way where it doesn't seem optional. So, for one, you're paying for these classes. Unless you get financial aid, to which I commend you whole-heartedly. Two, in your syllabus that is generally given to you your first day of class, it will say if attendance is mandatory. And while some classes will give you three absences before they take points off your final grade, other professors will not give you this luxury. Some will offer it as "extra credit" but the class is so tough that you'll end up needing all the points you can get. Or, if you get really lucky, your professors won't take attendance. But usually, there are extensive notes/PowerPoints that won't be posted online, so when the test comes around, you're SOL. I love my bed more than anything in this world, but most classes are only 50 minutes, just do what you gotta do and nap for the rest of the day. (I like to call my naps temporary hibernations.)
6. It's totally cool to have no idea what you're doing.
Take it from me, I'm only in my second semester, and I've changed my major three times already. My whole life, I grew up thinking I was going to do one thing, and once I got to college, it was something completely different than I imagined. Being undecided is more common than you think, and just know there's something out there for you. Even when you think there isn't, keep a little bit of hope inside you, your path will find you. I promise.
Keep calm and college on, my friends!
