There's nothing quite like a fresh start -- no matter what that might entail. Whether it's a new job, a new school year, a move to a new place, or a personal change; these all come with excitement and nerves to some degree.
Entering your first year of college can be a bit frightening and intimidating. Traveling to a new place, being surrounded by new faces, along with not having that sense of familiarity present is not always something people necessarily look forward to. As I enter my second year of undergrad, I've realized that having a positive mindset is the most important key to being happy. Here are a few things I wish I knew entering my first year:
1. Optimism: You're not always going to be satisfied with everything going on in your daily life; maybe you have a long walk to campus everyday, are in a class that doesn't pertain to your interests, have a tiny dorm, or are living with someone who doesn't quite mesh with your personality. No matter what the case is, keeping an open mind for what's to come in the future is key. Being happy and positive has a huge impact on how your days go.
2. Time Management Skills: College is different than high school in the sense that you have boat loads of "free time". Finding that perfect balance of organization will help you avoid crying in the middle of the night stressing over that problem set or 10-page paper due the next morning at your 8am. Managing training, homework, class time, work, and getting adequate sleep, I've found that personally what works best is planning out your days ahead of you. Although not for everyone, I think planning the times you're going to do each task each day keeps you regimented. Ex: I'm going to eat this at this time before going to this class.
3. Fun: College isn't all about work, work, work. Yes, you're there for a degree, yes you are paying for a fancy education, but you need to find that balance. Allowing yourself to drift away from your schedule and "responsibilities" every once in awhile ISN'T a bad thing, and will keep you from going nuts. Whether it's a night out with your friends, going out to dinner, or even a Netflix session with some popcorn, you have to find your "escape" that's going to keep you sane.
4. Dining Hall Action: Everyone's heard of the "Freshman 15". Being away from the food you're use to eating can be rough and takes a while to get use to. Having special dietary needs doesn't help the matter. I found that printing out the menu ahead of time can help you plan what you're going to eat - and keep you from that heaping plate of carbs and fat. Dining halls are pretty accommodating too if you just ask nicely - although asking for plain chicken breast without all the yummy sauces and opting for a nice salad with clean carbs like brown rice or quinoa is a lot less fun than your friends' ravioli and hamburgers - your body will thank you in the long run.
Hope your year is Gucci. I know mine's off to a great start.
