Freshman year of college can be tough and scary, but you shouldn't let that stop you from seizing all of the opportunities that are presented to you and experiencing your first year to the fullest. Here's what I wish I did as a freshman.
1. Getting involved
Student Involvement Fair at West Chester University
Flickr
At the beginning of my fall semester, I signed up for multiple clubs at the involvement fair. I went to a few of the first meetings but ended up not participating in any of them. If I could go back in time, I would have picked one or two that I enjoyed and I would have stuck with them. Although it is only summer and my sophomore year doesn't start until the end of August, I have already turned this regret into an opportunity by joining West Chester's community for the Odyssey!
2. Staying active
Student recreation center at West Chester University
I started off the fall semester going to the gym almost every day, but as the school year progressed there was a decline in my workout routine. I wish I had made time in my schedule for staying active and going to the gym regularly in order to keep myself healthy. My friend and I made it a goal to go to the gym regularly and to hold each other accountable if we start becoming lazy.
3. Balancing my time
Me and my friends outside of the recreation center
Emma Piccinini
In the duration of my first year, I had made a solid group of friends and even started dating someone. I wasn't the best at balancing my time between the two, even though they were both important aspects of my life. This caused some rough patches within both my platonic and romantic relationships. This summer has taught me how to balance, work, friends, and a boyfriend which will better prepare me to do the same in the upcoming school year.
4. Getting work done on time
Doing homework at the library with my boyfriend
Emma Piccinini
Because college deadlines are usually set a week or two after an assignment is given, I would push off my work until the very last minute. This caused large amounts of stress that could have been avoided if I had finished my work early or even just in a timely manner. Now that I am a writer for the Odyssey, I have deadlines to meet. This will help me avoid procrastination and will teach me to keep up with my school work as well.
5. Giving myself a break
Me and my friend Rachel relaxing on the Quad
Emma Piccinini
Freshman year consisted of countless emotional breakdowns and unnecessary pressure I put on myself because I was too hard on myself. In the second semester, I was at the library almost every night and on the weekends I failed to give myself the break that I deserved. For the upcoming year, I will definitely let myself relax, especially since I am adjusted to the college life and the work that it provides.
As you get ready for your freshman year, try to set goals for yourself and plan to have an amazing first year at college. Don't let yourself have any regrets!
Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health, says science
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