Every incoming freshman has heard of the inevitable horror of the Freshmen 15. It's every incoming freshman's fear and every graduated senior's unforgettable regret. To all whom this may concern, take a word of caution while reading these need-to-know tips before embarking on this great first year for the rest of your college career. Before you decide to go through the line a third or fourth time, making those two dozen midnight runs in one semester, or treating that one sweet tooth of yours, think about your future self and how much you are going to regret it later had you not known these 10 facts about Freshman 15.
1. The first day.
You're on your own, away from home and are ecstatic about your independence. Remember, "with great power, comes great responsibility." Very shortly will you come to not only know, but understand the plethora of options you have on your first day of college. Carpe Diem -- seize the day and have no regrets. Go to breakfast, lunch and dinner. Experience it all. Live life on the edge.
2. The desserts.
In the cafeteria, desserts will always be an option. Warning: not all cakes are baked at the school -- some are store bought and cut for distribution. Don't go in with the expectation that the peach cobbler is going to taste like your Grandma Susie's famous pie served around Thanksgiving time.
3. The coffee shop(s).
There's this thing called a coffee shop, and it is a pretty magical place to be. There are so many choices, but so little time (because the line fills up fast). For those who cannot function or start their day without a cup of coffee, wake up extra early. Like Starbucks, the earlier birds get the worm. In order to avoid being late to class, build in extra time to grab your coffee before class and already have an idea of what you'd like to order. Not only will your fellow coffee drinkers thank you, but the baristas behind the bar will too. Also be sure to tip, because every penny counts4. The free food days.
You do not want to miss these days -- they are the most important kind of days on every college campus. Find the schedule and be the first one in line, because they go quickly.
5. The socials.
6. The trips to Wal-Mart.
Having a car your first year can be the absolute best thing ever, but the most detrimental thing to your health. More times than not, the one place you find yourself revisiting is Wal-Mart, because you need to make grocery trips every once in a while when your palette is no longer satisfied with cafeteria food.
7. The outings.
These were my favorite things to do in college. Getting together with your friends and just deciding after a long week, it was time to "treat yo self" and explore the city and all the options of restaurants it has to offer.
8. The midnight snack runs.
A tradition that every college student should partake in, the midnight snack runs. The options were limitless from our location, so map out your location and find the cheapest best snacks around. These nights will save your dull study parties.
9. The gym.
This place, for some, has a negative connotation. I promise, it is not a frightening nor a bad place. You will soon come to find that the Freshman 15 does actually exist and that staying active isn't a bad thing. Apparently there are machines, weights and classes that can help keep or take that Freshman 15 off.
10. The freshman fifteen.
It is now the end of your freshman year and you may or may not have gained the stereotypical Freshman Fifteen. Fear not, you have three more years to either gain more or lose it. Remember, it is a rite of passage and it's not too late to make that change.
