As finals are wrapping up, I find myself reflecting on my freshman year of college. There are many things I am glad I did, lessons I learned from others and some things I wish I did differently. By writing this I hope that some of you can take what I learned and make your freshman year better.
1. Be yourself.
Don’t think that just because you are in college you have to suddenly act like a “college student.” You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. If you don’t like drinking, then don’t drink. Don’t become someone that you are not. Just be you. When I realized this after my first semester, I was so much happier.
2. Be open-minded.
You will be exposed to a larger, more diverse, group of people that come from many different walks of life. Make sure you keep an open mind when meeting new people and being a part of new situations.
3. Bring a first aid kit.
Be prepared for anything! There are people in my hall who had to go door-to-door at my school looking for a bandage, which is obviously pretty inconvenient. I never thought I was going to use mine until I accidentally cut myself shaving.
4. Call your parents.
A lot of students go to college and only shoot their parents a text or two a day. Don’t forget about family! They are so important. The odds are they would like to hear about your day or your latest accomplishments.
5. Bring containers and items you can organize with.
We had a major mice problem in my residence hall. A lot of it could have been avoided if students kept their food in sealed containers, and had most of their personal belongings organized. Save yourself the trouble and prevent the issue from ever happening by keeping a clean and organized dorm room.
6. Buy a mattress pad.
Did I mention how important sleep is? The mattresses aren’t like the ones at home, so a mattress pad - though expensive - is a worthy investment.
7. If you don’t already have a planner, get one.
Professors won’t remind you of due dates, it is your responsibility to keep track of everything. Having a planner is one of the most efficient and organized ways of keeping track of your academics.
8. Get to know your professor.
If you make a good impression right at the beginning of the year, your professor may give more partial credit on quizzes or even notify you of internship opportunities.
9. Try to get involved.
The best way to meet great people as a freshman is to get involved in school events and clubs. It will look great on your résumé, help you make friends and allow you to pursue something you are passionate about.
10. Make goals for the semester.
Studies have shown that people who set goals are more likely to be successful in their endeavors. Do you want to maintain a consistent workout schedule? Is your goal to have a 3.0 GPA?
11. Know that your grades won’t always be perfect.
College is a very different environment than high school. Don’t expect to get the grades you got in high school in college.
12. Stay safe.
If you do decide to go to a party, make sure you have a buddy. Take the appropriate measures necessary to make sure that whatever you decide to do you are safe.
13. Sit in the front row.
You are less likely to fall asleep in class with the professor right in front of you, and it also gives them a positive impression of you as a student.
14. Get enough sleep.
I can’t tell you enough how important sleep is. Your academic performance will decrease drastically if you aren’t getting enough sleep.
15. Don’t go back home the first month.
Homesickness is common for freshman students in their first semester. Going home may seem nice during the first month, but it won’t help in dealing with the symptoms of homesickness. It might even make you feel worse.
