Freshmen year of college is both an exciting but nerve-wracking time. It's where you get to know yourself the best, as you're put in a situation where you likely don't know many people. Here I have compiled a list of what freshmen year of college is really like.
Joining Clubs
Coming to JMU as a freshman, you will most likely join a bunch of clubs. Attending Student Org Night will give you a good idea of what clubs you might be interested in. My first year, I joined six clubs. By the time I was a sophomore, I narrowed down that number to about three. Some clubs you will find your best friends, while others might just not click for you. Regardless, you will most likely leave college with fewer clubs than you first joined. And that's OK. Quality over quantity.
Parties
Similar to clubs, as a freshman, you will most likely be partying a lot first semester. The excitement of college parties is exhilarating, and there are so many more people and good (sometimes) music. However, the novelty of partying dies down a lot second semester, and one can't maintain a partying life forever. By my sophomore year, I had dialed my partying down from twice a week to once a week. Of course, this doesn't mean you shouldn't party, but rather that your partying will likely decrease with age.
Jobs
Having a college job sounds pretty awesome, because who doesn't like money? However, it's much harder to maintain a job while in college than it is in high school. You have to balance a job with your social life, extracurricular activities, and classes. This isn't to say that you shouldn't get a job, but that it might be more stressful than it seems. I recommend getting an on-campus job, as you will have an easier commute and get to meet fellow students. Although they don't pay as well, the convenience is well worth it.
Classes
Classes in college are a lot different than they are in high school. Professors don't care if you show up or not, and they aren't there to hold your hand. It's up to you to designate studying time, take notes, and learn the material. The adjustment may be hard at first, but it will get easier. What I've learned is that sometimes the classes you are least excited about, become your favorite ones, while the ones you are the most excited about, might not live up to expectation. Keep an open mind.
Food
With the new construction of D-Hall, incoming freshmen are truly blessed. They get their choice of Chick-Fil-A, Shake Shack, and Qdoba. However, with hectic schedules, many freshmen will have trouble finding time to eat. It's important to make sure to eat, but you might not always be able to eat with your friends. In high school, it's a social taboo eating lunch alone. In college, this is common, as everyone has their different schedules that don't always coincide with friends.
Dorms
While dorms are a great place to meet people and interact with other students, they can be stressful, especially if you don't vibe with your hall mates. I consider dorms a hit or miss. You might find your best friends, or you might be counting down the days until you can leave. Regardless, it's important to keep an open mind, always be friendly, and, to avoid drama, mind your own business. Dorms are a staple experience of college, but living in them isn't always as easy as it seems.
Roommate
Your roommate will be someone who you live with for the entire school year. Whether or not you love them or hate them, they're there. It's important to remember that you and your roommate, even if you're best friends, will eventually need time alone to decompress. Communication is key to a successful relationship, so make sure to speak up if something bothers you. Don't be the passive-aggressive sticky note roommate. Again, keep an open mind, and be respectful, no matter if you're best friends, frenemies, or hate each other.
Freshman year of college is an unforgettable experience, where you meet some lifelong friends and learn many things about yourself. It's a great time to explore and expand your horizons.
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