When it comes to college freshman advice, there is a novel of everything you should do and don't. You shouldn't pack your entire closet when you can bring items by season. You need to put your phone down before you look up and realize you missed the time of your life. Budget before your broke. Eat a vegetable and take your vitamins. But in reality, this is your experience, and you get to make it whatever you want it to be.
1. Just because it's not due doesn't mean you shouldn't do it.
Your professor won't check to make sure you read the assigned textbook chapters, but you need to assume that it will be on the tests.The extra mile may not be required, but it is expected.
2. You will make mistakes.
You might sleep through a class or find a red sock in a load of whites. These may be frustrating in the moment and will feel like a big deal at the time but are relatively unimportant in regards to your success and your happiness at college. Don't sweat the small stuff.
3. Become an expert in small talk.
Now is your time to become a professional conversationalist. Talk to people in the elevator, the community bathroom and the dining hall lines. This is the only time in your life everyone around you is in the same position you are. They are all coming into a big school of strangers. This skill won't just help with friends but will come in handy with your professors and future employers. People care more about you when you show that you care what they have to say.
4. You're where you're supposed to be.
There will be times you don't think your school is a good fit-when grades or friends don't come as easy as you would like. This is still your home. This is still your place. You deserve to be here and are for a reason.
5. Laundry is basically house arrest.
If you leave to eat or shower and don't switch your laundry immediately, you can expect to find your clothes in a wet pile on the floor with your favorite items stolen. Set a timer or do your homework in the laundry room, but don't leave your laundry unattended after it's finished.
6. Be confident in everything you weren't.
No one knows if you were soccer captain or ruled the science club- and no one really cares that much either. If you weren't as outgoing or nice or studious as you wanted to be in high school, now is your time to reinvent yourself. People will only know you as the person you introduce yourself as. Take advantage of this opportunity.
7. You won't have alone time but you still need to make time for yourself.
Roommates will always be there when you least want them to be. You won't have much time to yourself, but you need to make time for it. Run errands alone, take time to focus on a hobby by yourself, wake up earlier to think through your day. You're going to be surrounded by people but you need to stay in touch with yourself.
8. Explore the town- not just the campus.
Don't just go to the library and your classes. Find the local coffee shop. Google the best breakfast place in town. This is more than just where you go to school, this is where your life will be. Get to know the locals and find out everything your new environment has to offer.
9. Exploit school sponsored events- especially the ones with free food.
Colleges love to give students incentives to attend a club meeting for a group you've never heard of or to celebrate a holiday you didn't know existed. Take advantage of these opportunities to meet new people and take a break from the dining hall. Try new organizations and find your niche.
10. Enjoy it.
This is a season of many lasts before you attend a school full of firsts. Take it all in. Enjoy every moment. Don't forget your time here. Get to know the people around you. Focus on what you're learning and why it matters. This is a time in your life where everyone is in the same position- scared, nervous, excited, happy. Make the most of this opportunity, this experience. This is your time.
