As a First Semester Freshman you experience a lot. You have many opportunities and many influences, whether they be good or bad. Unfortunately, if you live on campus, you need to have the ability to decide for yourself. It's quite a responsibility, let me tell you. To be an "adult" for the first time, is a difficult thing. In short, I write to you, how it was like, as a first semester freshman.
As a First Semester Freshman, you get bombarded with all these Facebook friends and you weirdly know absolutely nothing about them, but somehow know everything about them.
As a First Semester Freshman, GroupMe sucks- never download it. NEVER. You will get constant notifications about things that don't even concern you. It's literally a giant group message with people you've never even met.
As a First Semester Freshman, seriously, leave your dorm room door open, it's the quickest and easiest way to make friends.
As a First Semester Freshman, you don't necessarily get into all of the parties and that's okay, honestly.
As a First Semester Freshman, peer pressure is real. It will ruin you, but also make you stronger, it's your decision.
As a First Semester Freshman, do your work, don't count on Sparknotes or Easybib, actually do your work because your professors will know you've taken a shortcut and they will give you a failing grade, I've seen it happen to a few people.
As a First Semester Freshman, be honest with yourself. If you know you have an eight page paper due tomorrow and some friends invite you out, don't go out. If you "think" you can get something done on time, you probably can't. You should always "know" if you can get something done because then there's more of a likelihood of you actually getting it done.
As a First Semester Freshman, read your syllabus and get a planner. Plan for those test dates and if your professor doesn't say something, it's on that date. They would only say something if they plan on changing anything.
As a First Semester Freshman, go to class. Even if it's that 8:00 am that everyone dreads, go to it. Going to class increases your grade because almost all of your professors will take attendance and it will help your final grade.
As a First Semester Freshman, trust me, you'll miss your parents, no matter how independent you think you are.
As a First Semester Freshman, stay calm. It's cool to be nervous, it's cool if you mess up, it's cool if you say "no," and it's cool if you call your mom and reminder her that you miss her and you're thankful.
