The Freshman Fifteen is real.
This is not just an article about gaining fifteen pounds when you become a freshman. These are the fifteen things I have learned four months into my freshman year.
1. You Gain a Greater Sense of Self
Within the first few weeks of college I really gained a sense of myself. Being alone for the first time is a difficult transition period. After meeting new friends and indulging in different school activities, I felt like part of me had changed for the better. Not only am I hanging out with a different crowd than I was in high school, but I am also trying new things and having a more open mind. Learning who I truly am made moving away from home easier.
2. Live and Let God
Being in college is a different ball park. There are times when you feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Then there will be times when you feel like the universe is out to get you. It's not! God has a plan for everyone of us. It seems too hard to understand. When you want to go out and your professor gives you a major project due the next day, it is not because they hate you or want you to have no personal life. If God doesn't want you out, he will prevent it. But remember, in times of trouble he is always there.
3. Your Parents Were Right
Every time your parents warned you about something, they were right. Living without your parents for the first time is a big change. In high school, when your parents tell you "Trust me I've been there." no one believes them because every kid believes they are the only ones going through typical life events. Meanwhile, we still call our parents for their advice. They were right all along.
4. Being An Adult is Hard
Being an adult is harder than I thought. Scheduling doctors appointments, paying bills, and grocery shopping is not easy or fun. Being at home made me take the little things for granted. We are now more responsible for ourselves than ever before. Becoming an adult is inevitable. Breathe it in and enjoy it. This is the beginning of forever.
5. Netflix is key
Netflix is the greatest invention for college students. Indulging in a new TV series is the quickest way to procrastination. Deciding to watch seven episodes of The Fosters instead of writing that English paper is bound to happen to every college student. Plus it is portable. Who doesn't like having any TV show at the tip of your finger?
6. Sleep Is Code for Procrastination
8 hours of sleep each night may be the recommended amount, but for freshmen that just does not happen. The majority of freshmen are going to sleep around 2 or 3 am and waking up for 8 am classes. Choosing to take a nap is choosing to procrastinate. As a first semester freshman, I know that I don't sleep enough because instead I can stay awake and binge watch Netflix. Also, who wants to stay up and write a paper instead of watching The Fosters? Sleep isn't a real thing for freshmen.
7. I Always Miss My Pets
Pets are humans' best friends. It is inevitable to walk around campus and not see a dog. Not having a furry best friend with you is a change for many students. I have 4 dogs and a turtle, and crazy enough I even miss the turtle. By the time I graduate, I will want every type of dog simply from seeing them on campus.
8. Friendships Are Bound to Change
No matter how hard you try, friendships will change. You aren't going to see your high school group everyday anymore. Moving away from friends will always cause change. But the important thing is to remember no matter how far away you move, your true friends will always be there. It is nothing personal. It's adulthood.
9. Caffeine Is Good
COFFEE! COFFEE! COFFEE! Or in my case PEPSI! PEPSI! PEPSI! A caffeine addiction is a real addiction. No joke. Caffeine is a must for late night study sessions or cramming. Students all over campus will almost always have a coffee or a soda in their hands at all times. It's a way of life.
10. It Truly Flies By
When that upperclassman tells you that this will fly by, they aren't lying. It is November, almost December. I have been here for four months and I am registered for my second semester already. I have just signed my lease for my apartment for sophomore year. Being in college is so busy and on the go. It is important to take a minute to relax and realize that this is only temporary. You will graduate and you will move on. Enjoy this experience while you can.
11. Apple Music
Music is life. But what if you were able to download any song or album on your iPhone? I am obsessed with music and it has always been a huge part of my life. For $9.99 a month you can download unlimited music to your phone and iCloud simply by pushing a button. But you're a student. Student's get apple music for $4.99 a month. All you have to do is enter in your college name and email and get this awesome deal! Do it! It's great.
12. It Seems Impossible, But You Can Do It
Everyone goes through hard times while at college. Life happens and stress is real. But if there is a will, there is a way. It may seem that you cannot juggle 7 classes, a part time job, and a social life, but it is possible. Learning time management is a huge lesson to learn in college. You can make it if you try. You will make it.
13. It Doesn't Come Cheap
Paying for college is like opening a present. Except the only thing you get is student loans. They find the smallest thing to charge you for. I have a $50 activity fee for living in my residence hall. What is that? College isn't cheap. It is a business, built to give you what you want for a high price. Isn't it hard enough to get into a good school, let alone pay that huge bill? But guess what. It will be okay. Thank goodness for scholarships and FAFSA.
14. Vague Professors
Professors are like unsolved mysteries. Most of them find a way around your question that only leaves you even more confused. They don't like to give hints or give you the answers. But they are not bad like everyone says. They truly do care for your success. Make sure you make yourself known for the better and meet your professor. They are here to help, not to talk for an hour and a half for fun.
15. Oh Yeah! The Freshman 15 Is Real
Gaining the freshman fifteen pounds is not a myth. College meal plans make fast food restaurants available at the swipe of your school ID. You're a new adult and aren't around your family to eat a healthy home cooked meal. There are ways to avoid it, but it is time to have fun. I mean who wouldn't want Chick Fil A and Marble Slab?
