There are numerous and inevitable changes that will occur as you enter college. As a freshman it can be a little overwhelming and stressful, and having barely made it through by the skin of my teeth, there are a few helpful hints I feel worthy of sharing.
1. Make sure that you do not schedule a class earlier than 9:30 AM.
Unless you are one of those insane people who find a sick sense of joy in waking before the butt crack of dawn, trying to find the motivation to go to a 7:30 class is like deciding to cut off your own hand. By the time chapel rolls around you will be akin to a walking zombie.
2. If you want to find something slightly edible in the cafeteria, do whatever it takes to beat the rush.
Even if it means breaking out some secret ninja moves on fellow students, you get to the front of the line. (Of course I would never actually fight someone for the last chocolate chip cookie at the dessert bar or anything...that would be outlandish.) All I'm saying is if you want to eat, you better bring the heat.
3. Whenever the homework begins to pile up and the end of the semester projects come rushing at you like a freight train, find some simple pleasures that make you laugh.
It has been said that laughter is the best medicine. That's because it is. So even if you can only laugh to prevent yourself from sobbing uncontrollably-- do it. Laugh people!
4. Skip class.
I know what you're thinking. *GASP* skipping class is for bums and losers! While you would be right when referring to people who skip eighty percent of college algebra so that they can binge watch The Office, it is perfectly acceptable to stay in bed and catch up on sleep every once in awhile. In fact it is pretty much essential to your survival as a college student. So make sure you don't waste those excused absences, but be prepared to be lectured by your overly studious peers.
5. Come to terms with the fact that the freshmen fifteen is inescapable.
You basically have an all you can eat buffet at your fingertips for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You're going to put on the pounds. It's part of the college experience, embrace it. Just don't let it escalate into the freshmen forty five. That one's a little harder to recover from.
6. Play intramural sports.
If you are like me, you may be intimidated by the thought of playing sports in college. But luckily intramural sports exist for us unathletic, uncoordinated, and embarrassingly-awful-at-all-things-sports people. They create lasting friendships with equally terrible "athletes" and provide a great stress reliever!
7. Acknowledge and accept that finding a significant other will involve humiliation and awkward attempts at flirting.
While some people seem to find their future spouse on the first day of classes, for most it is a painfully slow process. Instead of worrying about ending up a crazy cat lady or a pitiful bachelor, just enjoy life until that someone comes along.
8. It's okay to not "act your age" all the time.
While it is important to realize that you are an adult and have to do a lot of adult things in college, it is also important to let loose on occasion and to "stop adulting." I am not advising irresponsible behavior, just behavior that may not be acceptable outside of your dorm room.
9. Sometimes you just need to have a dance party.
I would suggest having said dance parties with your closest friends in the privacy of your room, but if you have no shame you can bust off some moves in the middle of class or at the coffee shop. It's a great way to relieve anxiety and can help you get that six pack you've always wanted. (Granted you may have to dance all across campus for that to happen.)
10. Embrace the weird qualities of your friends.
In college your friends are around 24/7 and so their odd habits and strange quirks will either drive you apart or bring you closer. If you want them to stick around you and your crazy, then you have to learn to love their crazy too.
11. Be prepared for the Finals Week Pandemonium.
Your life is suddenly going to become consumed with studying and preparing for exams. Meltdowns begin to spread like the plague, and you could be next. It's going to be traumatic the first time, but you will make it through.
12. Dress like a native Antarctician for chapel.
Whether it's a hundred degrees outside or a breezy ninety two, it will feel as though you have entered the heart of an iceberg as you step inside the Loyd auditorium for chapel. Bring hot cocoa, blankets, or whatever it takes to keep you from losing a limb to gangrene.
13. Enjoy the few moments of privacy that you will have.
College life is wonderful and great, but you will soon find that you have few moments to yourself. Savor them whenever they come along, and make sure you aren't going to embarrass yourself whenever your roommate barges into your room.
14. Have a secret stash of chocolate always on hand.
Chocolate can fix almost any problem. Fail a test? Eat some chocolate. Fall down the stairs in front of your fellow classmates? Eat some chocolate. Miss lunch finishing a big project? Eat some chocolate.
15. Cherish every moment.
You are going to make lifelong friends. You are going to have tons of incredible experiences. You are just beginning a new adventure-- make the most of it.
