Freshman year is finally here and you're worried about hundreds of things, right? The first couple of weeks is always the most nerve racking! But just remember that everyone ahead of you had to go through it too. College is a whole new world and can be scary! It's the first time you're on your own and you kind of feel like everyone looks ten years older than you. But worry no more! Here are a few tips to help make those first couple of weeks a little easier.
1. Find your classrooms ahead of time.
It's always awkward being that one person sitting in the wrong classroom and not realizing until the professor starts introducing the class as a Psychology 101 class when you were supposed to be in Math 240. Trust me, I'm speaking from experience. So, a quick tip is to walk around and at least find the buildings you'll be in and what route is the quickest or easiest for you. When it comes to your room numbers, most of the time the room number corresponds with the floor number. For example, room 219 is going to be on the second floor.
2. Everyone's gotta eat.
This isn't high school anymore, folks. Nobody is going to set aside a time specifically for you to eat except yourself. As you're going throughout your schedule, find a time you'll be able to grab a quick bite to eat throughout your day. This can be tough because some days, you may have class from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with only enough time to get from one class to the other. I have one solution for you: snacks. Most schools have great places that you can pick up a quick bag of chips, fruit cup, sandwich, etc. Just be careful of going too often that you use all of your declining balance or meal points.
3. Naps.
Oh you thought nap time was over after second grade was finished? Think again. I've never met a college student that doesn't try to take a nap a couple times a week. Naps are going to be your saving grace. There is nothing better than leaving a class knowing, that XL twin bed is waiting for you to snuggle up in its sheets and knock out cold for a solid hour. But don't forget to set an alarm! Sleeping through a class just ruins the entire nap experience. Plus, you wont be able to sleep later that night, and that'll ruin the entire next day.
4. Find a friend.
Having at least one friend in each class is going to make your year so much more enjoyable. During my first semester, I was a little too shy and always felt awkward and bored waiting for class to start. Having someone to talk to is always comforting and can make time go faster. You'll always have a partner for group projects, you can study together, and it's someone to have a small mental breakdown with when it's time for exams. Don't have too much fun during class though. Getting moved away from your friend is the biggest bummer. I found one of my best friends in my Anthropology class during my freshman year, you definitely could too!
5. Use a planner.
Buying a planner and/or calendar was the best decision I ever made in college. Having the ability to look in one spot for every assignment I will ever do is a huge time saver. In my experience, most of my professors have included every test, quiz, and assignment on the syllabus. Write them down in that planner as soon as you get it! I promise it helps! Plus you can find really cute ones for a great price!
6. Don't stay in your room.
During our first semester, my roommate and I spent way to much time sitting in our dorm room watching Netflix. While there is nothing wrong with doing that occasionally, it was an every night ordeal for the two of us. We didn't truly love being at school until we started going out and finding things to do and people to hang out with. Even something as simple as sitting in Starbucks to chat is a great! Other things you could do are, go to sporting events, go to the gym, join clubs and intramural teams, and so many more! Most schools hold a lot of events, that are free or extremely cheap. My school will do a movie night almost every week, they hold game nights and even throw us big events with bounce houses and slides. Who doesn't love bounce houses and slides?!
7. Be open.
Don't take yourself too seriously! Talk to new people, leave your door open when you are just hanging out in your room, try new things! College is all about opportunities and new friends. Having an open mind and a positive attitude is the key to having an enjoyable year. Don't be afraid to go to that party a bunch of your classmates were talking about. Talk to the cute guy in your Political Science class! Take risks! But most of all, just have fun!
