As my first year in college comes to a close, I am able to reflect back on these past several months to see how far I’ve come. Sometimes, I feel like the same person I always have been, but once I put things into perspective, I realize how much I have learned and changed since walking to class as a terrified freshman in August.
1. It's not that scary.
As excited as I was to start college, the thought of going to a totally new place where I didn’t know a single person was absolutely terrifying. However, after the first few days, things start to feel normal, and you start getting to know people. They may not be your best friend, but it’s a start. Classes aren’t as bad as previous students have said, and there is plenty of time to get to class without being late. Most professors are also super approachable and want to see you do well, and if you go to their office hours (which are for you), they will help you at least get going in the right direction. Most professors are also willing to make a meeting with you if you can't go to their office hours. All in all, I promise that you aren't the only one who is afraid you won't make friends or that you will fail. Trust me, we're all in this together.
2. Studying is important.
For many, a slight change in study habits is all that’s necessary. When I first came to college, I had no study habits, so I quickly learned that you need to take some time to study material because college exams are a lot different than the ones in high school. Procrastination is also pretty awful. As an avid procrastinator, I sometimes find myself swimming in assignments due in a few days, so finding ways to manage homework and studying without feeling overwhelmed is also very important.
3. Get involved!
Joining clubs, sports teams or even just studying in a place other than your room is a great way to meet new people. Don’t overwhelm yourself by joining too many things, but it's great to have something to do that isn’t strictly related to your major. Most colleges have an option for some type of free membership too, and you should definitely take advantage of that. I personally have access to the local YMCA, so I can work out, go to classes like Zumba or even go swimming - all for free! This is also a great way to meet new people. While I am a science major, I still enjoy music a great deal and had the opportunity to join several different groups. In those groups, I have made many of my closest friends, as well as my soon-to-be roommate!
4. It’s okay to order pizza at 2 a.m.
First, the freshman 15 is real, and it is important to stay on top of your health (refer back to the previous point about free gym memberships). However, we all have long nights of studying for an exam or writing a paper that should have been started weeks ago. I'm lucky enough to have a Domino's that will deliver right to my building until around 3 a.m., as well as several other delivery options nearby. Ordering late-night delivery or even just having a snack can be a great way to de-stress while working. It also gives you the burst of energy you might need to stay awake.
5. You won’t be friends with everyone.
During orientation, you will meet tons of different people. You’ll find people that are in your major and who are planning on joining the same clubs as you, and you’ll probably start talking. Sometimes, people don’t always stick. You think that you will be great friends after meeting for the first time, but then a few months have gone by. You realize that you aren’t friends and haven’t even spoken to each other since that one occurrence. There will be others that transfer, drop out or even just become distant, but that’s okay. Friends come and go, but the ones worth keeping won’t let the fallout happen at all.
6. You'll learn how to be independent.
This is perhaps the most obvious, but college is a chance to find yourself. For the first time, you’re thrown out into a world where you don’t get to see your mom every day, and you have more responsibility than ever before. You aren't going to have someone telling you to clean your room or do your work, and it is up to you to decide when those things should be done. With independence comes freedom, a chance to try new things and express yourself how you want. Balancing school, friends, work, clubs and everything else can be difficult, but it’s 100 percent worth it in the end.
7. Mom is only a phone call away.
Of course, there are going to be times when all you want is your mom. Maybe you failed an exam, or you and your roommate are fighting; maybe you’re just feeling a little homesick. Thanks to huge advances in technology, it is easier than ever to talk to your mom, unless your mom is like mine and never answers the phone. We now have Skype, Face Time or even just a classic phone call. Video chats are also effective for forcing a parent to get your dog or cat on screen because, let's face it, you miss them too. Sometimes, all we really need is to hear our mom say, “Everything is going to be okay. I love you.”
College is like a roller coaster; there will be ups, downs and even huge flips and twists, but in the end, the ride is always worth it. Nobody ever said it was easy, but even in just the past year alone, I can tell that it will be worth it.
