I am currently a freshman at Washington State University and let me tell you, this year is flying by. With only eight weeks left in the semester, I have been doing a lot of reflecting on my first semester and a half and really thinking about what I can do to make the most out of the last few weeks of my first year of college.
While I have learned everything from speaking Spanish, how cells replicate DNA, and the chemical composition of more substances then I can list, I have also learned a lot of life skills. I've learned the exact amount of time it takes to do a load of laundry, how to budget my money so I can fuel my coffee addiction, and I have perfected the art of mac and cheese making. Using all of these newly developed life skills, I have compiled a list of my top eight things that I wish someone would have told me before I started college, and hopefully, I can save so future freshman from making some major mistakes.
1. Skip class, you still might pass.
Everyone always says that if you skip class there is no way that you'll pass. I have found this to be very untrue, at least for me. If you have to skip every once in a while, you'll still probably get an okay grade, but if you make a habit of skipping you'll start running into some problems.
2. Homework comes before partying.
I have seen so many people go out and get back home at 2 am only then to start their homework. You came to college for school, not a party. Just do your homework, I promise it will not take as long as you think.
3. College guys really are not worth it.
Don't get me wrong, there are many great, respectful guys out there and if you're lucky enough to find him in college then I 100% support that. Just don't waste your time on a guy that only texts you in the middle of the night to "come hang."
4. Talk to people you might not usually talk to.
College gives you the opportunity to connect with people from all over with different backgrounds. Take advantage of this time to meet people and build relationships with people that you might not ever connect with.
5. Enjoy your time living in a residence hall.
Residence halls are so much fun. There aren't many times in your life that you have all of your closest friends living in the same building cooking together at 1 a.m. Residence halls are like their own little community and it is so fun to be a part of. I promise you are never too cool to go to residence hall programs.
6. Put yourself out there.
It can be hard to balance academics with a social life, but always find time to do something fun or try something new on campus. You never know, you might just find your best friend in the process.
7. Be aware of the money you're spending.
Things did not just suddenly become expensive when you came to college, they've always been expensive you just weren't buying them yourself. Be aware of this and be aware that you don't have an unlimited supply of money. Treat yourself, but don't treat yourself every day.
8. Take more photos.
I wish that I would have taken more photos. There are so many memories and events that you'll go to in college and it is so fun to look back on the pictures and remember all of the fun you have had.
