The most incredible thing about freshman year is that so many people call it the best time of their entire lives. Your whole class feels like a community, from the first day, when absolutely no one has any idea what they’re doing, to the last, being unable to imagine your life any other way.
Freshman year is one that will be unlike any other, and here are the little things I know the Class of 2020 will never forget about our freshman year of college.
1. Meeting Brand New People Just About Everyday for 9 Months Straight
Remember those first few weeks when everyday and every event brought what felt like 100 new names and faces into your life? It's incredible to think that people you never even knew existed this time last year became some of your best friends. Now, you don't even know how you ever lived without them.
2. Those Tiny, Cramped Dorm Rooms You Constantly Complained About
Yes, they were basically shoeboxes, and yes, the sinks looked like you could find them in a prison cell, but it was still your room, your first taste of freedom. Maybe you won't miss the community bathrooms, but you know you'll miss having movie nights and eating a whole carton of ice cream until 3 am, even though you had class the next morning. You'll miss playing Cards Against Humanity and laughing until your cheeks hurt from smiling too hard. You'll miss sleeping on your friend's futon, because you were too lazy to walk all the way back to your dorm. You'll miss ordering takeout at all hours of the night. And, most of all, you'll miss being walking distance from all of your best friends.
Hey, maybe you'll even miss hitting your head on that stupid, lofted bed. It's all part of the freshman experience, and you wouldn't change it for the world.
3. Dining Hall Dates
A huge part of freshman year is meeting up with your friends to do what college students do best: eat. The most relaxing part of your day is sitting with your friends, just catching up on life. You all learn the tips and tricks of each dining hall and plan your meals around what you're craving. Want the best Mexican food or lattes UGA has to offer? O House is the choice for you. You may even develop a routine and meet at the same place at the same time every Tuesday/Thursday. Or midnight breakfast trips to Snelling could be more your thing. Take the time to enjoy it while you all have the unlimited meal plan. (And remember, there's no shame in eating three desserts with every meal.)
4. Spontaneous Late Night Adventures
Whether jumping in the fountain, climbing into the bowls outside of the MLC, ringing the Chapel Bell, going to Cookout at 2 am, swimming at Redneck Beach, or climbing to the top of Snelling Dining Hall, being able to just walk out your door and have an adventure on campus will definitely be something that I'll miss most about Freshman year. Never miss out on a chance to explore with your friends (you can sleep anytime, but Freshman year will be over in the blink of an eye.)
I can say that my freshman year of college was, without a doubt, one of, if not the greatest, times of my life. I will never forget my tiny dorm room, the new friends I've made, the old friends I've gotten to keep living life with, and each small moment that made this year so amazing.
To the Class of 2020, here's to an even greater Sophomore year.
