Freshman year is hands down going to be one of the most interesting 10 months of your life. But in those 10 months are times with new experiences and likely no idea on how to deal with them all. So here are some words of advice to help you deal with all that freshman year has to offer.
1. Partying
It's no lie that college partying happens and happens a lot. But the thing about college partying is that you don't have to go and not all parties involve alcohol. Parties are fun to go dance around with your friends and have fun after a long week of class and you will probably see most of your classmates out too. It's fun for social aspects and can be a great time, but be safe when you do it. Rape really does happen at colleges and often happens at parties. This being said I'm not trying to scare you into hiding into your dorm on Saturday nights, but just be safe. It's always smart to go out with a solid group of friends and to keep up with each other throughout the night. Don't let anyone go anywhere by themselves or with someone they just met. But one of the most important rules to follow is, "do not accept drinks from anyone." No matter if it's your best friend from English or that one guy that lives in your dorm. Roofying occurs more that you would think and it is important to know what you are drinking. So be safe and have fun !
2. Dating
Most freshman in college come in single or end up single by the end of the first semester. Often times (mainly us girls), they come into freshman year thinking we are going to meet "the one" on the first day of class or eating in the cafeteria, the ultimate goal being a "ring by spring." But honestly, don't worry about dating at all freshman year. It's already a trying year with adjusting to a new lifestyle and juggling classes, there really is no space for worrying about relationships. And most people aren't looking for a genuine relationship, because it is freshman year, which means lots of new people to meet. Also, freshman year is supposed to be a year of fun and trying new things. Spend it making memories and enjoying the company of new friends and leave the search for the "Mrs. Degree" for later years.
3. Classes
The only thing you hear coming out of senior year is "you can't study like you did in high school college is different." And while I spent most of first semester ignoring that annoying statement, I soon realized how true it was. In order to make the grades you really want, you have to work hard and multiply that effort by 100. Tutoring in high school seemed like an embarrassing subject, but almost all college students get some form of tutoring. Whether it's studying with an upperclassman or using the University's tutors, everyone needs help along the way and honestly helps you move forward. The hardest part about classes is the fact that you don't go to every class every day and you have tons of down time to just Netflix in bed. Juggling the free time in between classes is hard to get adjusted to at first. You have to plan to spend most of your free time studying and reading. In high school you never touch a textbook, but in college all you do is read book after book. None of it makes any sense, but it's important to read in order to know what your professor will be covering in the upcoming lectures. Also, be sure to actually go to class. Attendance isn't mandatory, but your grade will definitely see a difference when you skip.
4. Choosing a major
The most important thing to evaluate when trying to pick a major is what you want. Don't pick something because you know this major makes a lot of money or it seems the easiest. Pick something you actually want to study or something your really good at. Don't waste you and your parents money studying something you could care less about and have no desire to continue with. If you need to change your major! I've changed my mind quite a few times already and it really does take time to figure out what you really want to do.Your major is your potential job field in the future and it needs to be something that you won't hate waking up for. It would seem like a waste of time if you went to school and weren't happy with the field you end up in. So keep your goals and happiness in mind and make the best choice for you.
