There are so many things I wish I had been told coming into college that would have saved me a lot of unnecessary stress. I hope these helpful tips and tricks can help you as they've come to help me!
1) Not everyone will like you and that's OK.
Coming into college, most people want a fresh start as they are in a sea of new people who they don't know and most importantly who don't know them. Most people want to be the person everyone likes and wants to be around and hang out with. But no matter how hard you try, there are some people who will just not like you. It's not the end of the world. Unlike high school, you can for the most part completely ignore those people and never see them except for a few classes you may share—even then you don't even have to sit next to them.
2) Being outgoing can help your education.
You may be shy and scared to speak up. But if you try to answer your professor's questions and ask questions then you will get a better understanding of the material plus it could help make you feel more confident when it comes to exams.Just don't be the person that raises their hand every five minutes because everyone else gets a little irritated with that. Try to ask questions only when you truly don't know, can't figure out on your own, or want a deeper understanding. Your professors will also come to learn your name more quickly—with them knowing you actually pay attention they may be more willing to extend that deadline you're stressing on.
3.) You May Not Be BFFs With Your Roommate And That's Okay
I've met plenty of people who absolutely loved and got along with their roommate. They do everything together with. But I've also met people who go weeks without talking to their roommates because of clashing personalities or interests. That's okay, most likely you didn't hand pick them from a group of people you knew really well and sometimes the E-Harmony matching systems many colleges have don't match you as well as they'd hope.
4.) Your Residence Advisor Can Make Everything A Little Better
They're in charge of your floor or building which means they know how everything works. It also means that they've been in college a lot longer than you have, so any problems you have, there is a good chance that they've dealt with them themselves or know someone that has. If they're in a specified freshman hall then they know what you and others will be scared of, worrying about, or stressing over. They've been trained and advised how to handle the situations you may be going to them with.
5.) Be You
The most important thing I have found is be yourself. Yes, everyone wants to change and be a better version of their high school selves— don't loose yourself while doing that though. There are so many unique people and if you just be yourself, you may find that you will gravitate towards the people who can be your best friends.You can improve and change things you may not like, but don't forget to keep the things that make you truly happy in life because if you lose that then are you really you?
