Freshman year is a huge year in your life in many ways. It is a transitional time in every student's life- and sometimes we stress so much, we crack under the pressure. The friendships, schoolwork, and extracurriculars are things you'll never forget, and are also things that take effort. Here is some advice for you incoming college freshman. Show your pride, find your tribe, and get ready for the ride of your life!
Dear College Freshman,
1) Things will get rough
This year will be totally overwhelming, but so worth it. Dive in head first.
2) Invest in the essentials
Buy an agenda, an alarm clock and invest in time management skills. The adventure of Freshman year is yours to take, but it doesn’t wait on the ones who sleep their all night study sessions away.
3) Know your resources.
Being away from home can get scary. Not knowing where you can turn can get lonely. But, there is always somewhere on campus that has your back. It's okay to google your schools' resources too, technology works wonders! Ask questions and be brave enough to know that you are worth seeking out help.
4) Dress and pack like a pro
Do not bring your whole closet from home! I lived 5 hours away from home, so I didn’t have the advantage of a whole closet like local kids did. Let's be honest. If I wasn’t dressed up for student government, or meetings with advisors/professors, I was in running/workout clothes (Extra hack: Go to school events; they often have free team gear).
5) Get out of your dorm room
The library isn’t the only place to study, but it is a good idea to leave the dorm during studying time. Studies have shown that studying in the dorm can get distracting, especially sitting right next to the really comfy bed that is calling your name. I found that a great study spot was my school's stadium during the week. It was quiet, on the further end of the campus and when it wasn’t game day, the bleachers were a great place for running, studying and enjoying God.
6) Get involved
This one is golden. College is the most transitional time in your life. For a lot of us, it's within these years that we cultivate our visions and take huge leaps to unleash our potential. Don’t be scared to reach out and ask questions. Rush a sorority and go greek; join the runners club; be in student government. Do something! Don’t hide your magnificence in your dorm.
7) Stand out
Stand for something; give your heart to something. Find something that takes your breath away and lend your voice to it. You will never regret going where your passion leads.
8) Think things through
Being an adult means making your own choices and investments. Of course, there will be times where you make really poor choices. Own up to it, and move on.
9) Find your tribe, and love them hard
Always thank the people who go the extra mile to make sure you’re okay. In college, I made incredible friends. They were so incredible that they made sure I ate my veggies, got sleep and encouraged my walk with Christ. They pushed me out of my comfort zone. Find your tribe and love them hard. Invest in the people that invest in you. Build a home away from home. Finding people like this are the cure for homesickness.
10) Find comfort in change
If you don’t like something, it's never too late to change it. There will always be someone who is willing to listen, cultivate and push your visions and dreams. Be strong enough to follow your dreams.
11) You are a student... and then some.
Grades are important, so study hard. Remember that you are more than a number and you have more to offer than just a test score. Failing a class is hard to accept, especially if you were an honors student in high school. Do all you can to study, get help in tutoring, and ask questions when you don’t understand. Sometimes, even if we give it all our efforts, it still won’t make sense. That's perfectly okay. Just don’t give up. Grit is key (#majorkey).
12) The terrific trio
Major Keys: Your health, your sleep, and your perspective. Work hard to keep these well and everything else will fall into place.
13) Have faith
Things often won’t go your way. Believe that the best is yet to come.
