Results may vary.
(I'm a 90's kid, don't judge.)
Congratulations! You’ve made it through one chapter in your life, but that’s only one, and it was short. Now we’re on to create more memories and adventures! And that is exactly what college is, an adventure. Of course, it’s about the education, but it’s also about the friends you meet and the places you go. It’s about becoming independent and learning new things about yourself. It’s about becoming responsible for yourself and learning how to care for others. Before going into college, I would have told you I knew how to do all these things, but I didn’t, I still don’t. And you’re not alone going into this, there’s thousands more people just like you, probably even more nervous. Use entering this new chapter to your advantage and meet new people! The following tips I have given to all my friends who are graduating high school.
25 tips for an incoming freshmen:
1. Try not to come home until Thanksgiving break.
You need to make yourself realize that where you are living now is your new home.
2. Talk to people in elevators.
You never know who you will meet, you may find some good friends. (Or in hallways or waiting for class to start).
3. Let your roommates know of any special requests, concerns or expectations out of them.
4. Be bold.
This is your chance to make a new name/reputation for yourself. Here, first impressions matter.
5. Everyone else (freshmen), are just as nervous as you.
Be the one to start a conversation. Sit by someone new at lunch. Or talk to the person next to you in class.
6.
7. Find something you are passionate about and show people that side of you.
8. Get involved in some sort of club, sport, group, etc.
9. Again, you are paying for an education. Use all of your resources.
10. Tutors, TA’s, study sessions, etc.
11. Mom and Dad aren’t here to tell you when to be back or do your homework or to check your bank account. You’re on your own now.
12. Call home. They really do miss you.
13. You don’t have to lose touch with your friends from home, but put those relationships on pause and make new friends.
14. You will get sick of and mad at your roommates.
Take a break, let it go and move on. There is no sense in making yourself miserable by holding grudges against them. It’s only two semesters.
15. Partying is fun, but don't go crazy.
There's no sense in getting a ticket or going to jail for underage drinking, trust me, you need to be responsible with your money. (Alcohol is expensive.)
16.
17. Always try to sit closer to the front, you’ll pay better attention.
18. If you like using a laptop for notes, more power to you, but be careful not to get too distracted by other Internet activities.
(Facebook, online shopping,Netflix.)
18. Introduce yourself to the TA’s and the professor.
You may need their help sometime.
19. Don’t be afraid to speak up in class, but also don’t be the guy that talks too much.
20. Always take notes.
They will help when it comes to studying for finals.
21. If you really want to be a focused student, delete or never get a Netflix account.
Also don’t bring a TV or gaming system with you. Believe it or not, you won’t miss them.
22. Always be responsible. Have a DD or be the DD.
23. Go to campus events and sports games.
They’re really fun! Find fun local activities, like swing dancing on Wednesday nights!
24. If you have a meal plan, use it. No sense in buying groceries if you're already paying for food.
Words to live by: “No one owes you anything.” If you believe this, you will find yourself less disappointed with people. By not expecting anything, you will be happier and more tolerant of “stupid” people. (And in college, you will find a lot of those.)
25. Do not buy the “required” book until you’ve gone to at least one week of class and have made the decision that you will need the book.
This is very important! You will save lots of $ if you don’t need the book. (Many of my classes didn’t and if they do, ask around, someone might have them.) If you do have to buy the book, either rent it or buy the hard cover book. Stay away from online books and loose-leaf books. You cannot sell these back to the bookstore. If you have a class where you have to buy an online access code, it will most likely come with an online version of the book, so you will not need both.
College is not only about the scholastic side of things, but also the experiences that come outside of the classroom, so make an adventure out of it! With this idea, you must also remember you are paying to be there, so don’t neglect your schoolwork or get behind.
Congratulations, here comes the fun part!
