Ah, freshman year. A year filled with first experiences matched with cluelessness. Freshmen are often given a bad wrap and are looked down upon amongst the upper classmen. As a freshman in college, I can say yes, sometimes I have no godly idea of what I'm doing, but I am learning and that should not go unnoticed. As I complete my first semester (ever!) of college, I reflect on what I've done successfully and what I've failed at. So, high school seniors, be sure to pay attention to this because it will be your turn to be the new kids on the block soon enough.
The Don'ts.
Don't be "that freshman." Control your actions, especially when you go out to parties and events. The last thing you want is to get a bad reputation extremely early in the game. Don't forget to call your parents. If you go away for college, chances are your parents are going to miss you immensely and will always be thinking of you. Don't forget to fill them in on your life away from home. Don't try to be someone you're not. It's easy to compromise yourself in order to feel like you fit in, but don't worry, in college, everyone finds their place to fit in. You'll find your group of people, just give it some time. Don't jump into a relationship right away. I know that this is a common one, but it's true.
The ages of 18 to 22 are major years in your life when you'll find out things you never even knew about yourself. It can be hard to make your own adjustments when you're always worrying about someone else. If you do have someone you're interested in, or if you go into college with a boyfriend or girlfriend, try to get settled the best you can and let them know that you want to be successful, too. Don't be afraid to talk to your professor or go to office hours. When you're in a class of 200 plus people, it's easy to think that your professors don't care about you. Trust me, they do. Just make the effort. Don't take anything for granted. College is not as easy as high school, that's for sure. Just because you made an A in AP Bio in high school doesn't mean you'll pass your Bio 1 class in college. Don't expect to be the best, but strive to do your best.
The Dos.
Do make a true attempt to reach out to people and make friends. It's hard going to a school where 20,000 people have no idea who you are, so do your best to get to know a few of them. Do set a routine that you're comfortable with, and do try to include exercise in that routine. It's easy to become lazy in college because you're always given the option to skip a class, a study session, or a workout. If you set a routine and stick to that routine, you will be more successful. That being said, go to class. Class is where you learn what you need to know. I don't care if your professor puts the powerpoint slides online for you to download. You won't absorb as much information in your dorm room as you would in the classroom with someone actually teaching it to you. Do make it to all of the home football games. With home football games come fraternity tailgates, where it's easy to get caught up in the madness that is College GameDay. I promise that watching your school's football team score the winning touchdown is way more exhilarating than throwing up in the bushes because you had too much to drink at a fraternity tailgate.
Do try new things. Get involved. Thinking of rushing for a sorority or fraternity? Do it! The worst that can happen is you find out it's not really for you, and that's okay. Realize that college is completely different from high school, and you won't be treated the same. You have a lot of growing up to do, and most of that will happen during your college years. Last, do enjoy everything while it lasts. I've learned that college doesn't go by as fast as everyone says, it goes by faster. Enjoy every moment.
