From a second-semester freshman to incoming freshmen, here are some--honest--tips and lessons I learned along the way:
You probably won't be (best) friends with everyone on your floor
Going into college, I assumed that I would meet all of my closest friends on move-in day, and that I would be friends with mostly everyone who lived on the same floor. Don't worry if you find that you aren't best friends with your floor mates. I met many of my closest friends in classes and by becoming involved on campus, so don't think that you won't have friends if this is the case for you. You'll still meet so many new people just from being in a new environment--and as long as you're open to it!
Get used to being alone sometimes
Prior to move-in day, many of us lived with siblings or were practically inseparable from our high school best friends. In college, it's not unusual to find yourself alone from time to time--you'll have your own schedule and you won't always be surrounded by friends. Luckily, you will have yourself, which is why it is super important to get used to your own company and to be a little more independent.
There's nothing wrong with staying in
Sometimes after a long week, all you'll want to do is stay in your dorm room and have an uninterrupted Netflix binge. Embrace it! Just because you're in college now does not mean you need to go out every night, or even every weekend, in order to have fun. If you really do want to go out, do it! If not, there's no shame in staying in--and it doesn't mean you're boring, especially when you have exams coming up.
You don't need to say yes to everything
As a freshman, you'll have so many new opportunities to get involved, and you'll likely want to commit to more than you can. Remember that you don't need to accept every opportunity that comes your way for the sake of it, but you should definitely go for the ones that you do want. Most schools have fairs toward the beginning of the year where freshmen can learn about different clubs on campus, so make sure to go if you can! The main goal is to not overwork yourself and create an unrealistic "to-do" list. Focus your energy on what matters most to you!
It's OK not to hit the gym every day
Don't panic if you suddenly find that your schedule is packed between classes and other time commitments, and you won't have time to make it to the gym sometimes. We're all at least a little worried about the notorious Freshman 15, but as long as you make an effort on most days, a couple of rest days here and there won't hurt. You can even fit a workout into your schedule just by walking to your classes--and opting to take the stairs instead of the elevators (especially if your dorm room happens to be on the eighteenth floor).
Don't stress too much over your first bad grade
Everyone says it, but it's true: College is harder than high school, so don't be alarmed if you find that you aren't always getting the grades that you were accustomed to getting in high school. Put effort into all of your classes and make studying a priority, but don't stress yourself out if you slip here and there. As long as you make an effort and get help when you need it (go to office hours!), you'll be OK. Use the experience as an opportunity to figure out what kind of studying and preparation works best for you!
Don't worry about drifting apart from your high school friends
It's scary to think about coming home for break and being more distant from your high school friends than you were before college, but don't worry about it. Keeping in contact with your good friends isn't as hard as you might imagine, especially since they're only a phone call (or FaceTime) away. It's natural to not be as close as you once were, but you can trust that your good friends will want to keep in touch--and catch up whenever possible. They'll want to hear all about the strange sighting in the dining hall or about the professor who just gets you.
It's never too late
In all honesty, going to a new school and becoming accustomed to an unfamiliar setting is overwhelming and can be intimidating, and at first, you might find yourself not as involved on campus as you would like to be. It's never too late to become more involved! If you weren't as involved during first semester, you'll have all of second semester--and the rest of college--to figure out what you're passionate about. Don't think that you've messed up because you still have so much time to catch up!
Worry less about the future and focus more on the present
Many of us are guilty of worrying too much about the future and forgetting to focus more on the now. By focusing more on the present, you'll find yourself way less overwhelmed and way more productive. Do what you need to do now, and worry about the rest later. You don't need to worry about your future career until after you pass your introductory courses! Take everything one step at a time.
Don't take yourself too seriously
It's hard not to be intimidated by fellow students who seem to have their careers--and their lives--all figured out. Honestly, they probably are as unsure as you are. Don't worry if you decide that you need to change majors--it doesn't mean that you're indecisive. College is about learning and exploring, and there's no set time when you're supposed to have it all completely figured out! Aside from academics, let loose sometimes and have fun. Go out with your friends, stay up until an unreasonable hour, and order that midnight takeout--no shame. You're in college now, and you should make the most of these four years!
