You’ve dreamed of this day ever since you graduated from high school, and it’s finally coming after a long summer filled with work every week, and music festivals with your friends. Your first day of freshman year in college is just around the corner. The first semester of your freshman year may be a difficult time, as you adjust from your luxuries at home, to sharing a dorm room, having to eat dining center food, doing your own laundry, and having to become a functioning adult in society.
As a junior in college, I completely understand. I was once a freshman myself, and to make life a little easier for your freshman year, here is some advice I wish I would have been told going into my first year.
1. Organization is your key to success
Write down all your due dates for exams, assignments, etc.
2. Meet with your professors
Go to their office hours, they’re always there to help you.
3. Always attend your classes
Pretty obvious, but you have to motivate yourself to go every day to stay ahead and to understand the course material.
4. Wear Flip Flops in the bathroom
Just trust me on this one…
5. Take good notes in class and write everything down
Your notes will be your key to success in your classes, make sure you write them clearly and write every note down. Professors aren't going to hand you the notes all the time like in high school. You have to learn to be self-sufficient in your classes.
6. Love sports? Try Intramural/club sports
As a former athlete, I’ve played four intramural sports and it’s a lot of fun and gives you a ton of friends, all who have some of the same interests as you!
7. Make time for weekly exercise
Don’t gain the freshman 15, make some time to go get a workout in
8. Become close with your roommate
Whether they’re your best friend or a random, try to become friends with your roommate because you will be sharing a room all year
9. Attend sporting events
Show some school spirit, and attend the football, basketball, and any other game that interests you.
10. Don’t be shy, make new friends
I’ve met a ton of amazing people while at college, plus it helps to have friends in your classes.
11. Make time for fun
When you’re not studying, make some time for fun! Go party (responsibly).
12. Take care of your health
It is hard, but try to maintain a balanced diet and try to stay healthy, being sick while in college sucks.
13. It’s okay to feel lost or scared
A lot of people feel the same way, try talking to friends or a counselor if you feel this way.
14. Party responsibly
Yes, it’s fun to party with your friends, but don’t overdo it. Stay safe and make sure all of your work for the week is done.
15. Be involved
Go Greek, join a club for your major, do volunteer work, study abroad. The possibilities are endless.
16. Try to avoid 8 AM classes
Again, just trust me on this.
17. It’s okay if you have to stay an extra year
It doesn’t mean you’re not smart at all, another year or extra semester will help prepare you for your future even more.
18. Take time to de-stress
College is a very stressful time, but it is important to take the time to de-stress from your day. Do yoga, go workout, listen to music, do anything to help you unwind.
19. Rent your textbooks
You will save a ton of money by renting textbooks instead of buying them.
20. Be friends with everyone on your floor
These are the friendships that last years even after you all have graduated.
21. Find your ideal study spot
The library is a great place to get studying done, in your room in front of the TV? Not so much.
22. Read as much as you can
Many assignments in college courses involve reading, so make sure you read everything you are assigned.
23. Utilize computer labs, tutoring centers, and other University resources
They’re there to help you, so use them.
24. Manage your time wisely
Start an assignment the day it’s due, writing a paper at 1 AM that’s due the next day is not fun.
25. Enjoy every moment of your 4 years
College is a great time, make sure you enjoy every moment because it goes by so fast.
The best advice I could ever give as said in number 25, is to enjoy your time in college. It’s a crazy adventure where you make so many memories along the way, but unfortunately it doesn’t last forever. So yes, study hard but also make sure to have fun and enjoy this long adventure.
