Just yesterday, I was sitting in the grass on campus eating with a friend and two freshman girls came up and asked if they could sit with us. We happily obliged and were eager to share the tricks and tips of being in college and, most importantly, where to find the best food on campus.
As a senior, I've had my fair share of good and bad freshman encounters. It is now my duty to share with you youngins how to be a good freshman.
Be yourself and be confident. Like the two girls that came to sit with us, don't be afraid to mingle. During class, on your floor, on the weekends, in the cafeteria, mingle anywhere you can! The best part of being a freshman is having the opportunity to meet endless amounts of people and form friendships that last throughout your college years and beyond. Don't be embarrassed to say you're a freshman. Believe me, 99% of upperclassmen are so jealous of you. Also, if you make an upperclassmen friend, please let us in on your meal plan. You'll be sure to become friends for life.
Get Involved. Going along with forming new friendships, also take a chance and form some new hobbies. The number of student organizations on college campuses are pretty limitless. I know at Ohio State we have a Ukulele Club, a BBQ Club, a Quidditch Club, the list goes on and on. If you've always wanted to learn to ballroom dance or knit a sweater, go find a club where they teach you how to knit while you tango the night away. Okay, there probably isn't a club for that but you know what I mean.
Don't think you're too cool for something or someone. Because you are not. You may have been the most popular kid in your high school, but here in college, most of the people you'll meet aren't from your high school and, therefore, do not care at all. If you were the nerdy kid in high school, feel free to continue being that person because people will be asking for your help and you'll suddenly become a cool kid anyways. Basically, college is a new start. Nobody really cares who you were in high school because this is a new beginning. You can be whoever you want to be and you will learn to appreciate many different kinds of people.
Don't forget about why you're in college. I know in high school, if you got a C in a class it was no big deal. However, when you're in college, that GPA potentially affects whether or not you'll get into your program and graduate with the degree you want. Not caring about school is cool until your GPA is so low the school kicks you out...okay, again, exaggeration. But really, take advantage of the scholarly opportunities you have and don't take your education for granted.
You are starting the best four years of your life. Make new friends, learn new things, and be a good freshman.
