Ah, it's my favorite time of year again. You know the one, school supplies are out, back to school ads are rolling, and the smell of freshman is in the air.
As my dear cousin heads off to college (Go Belles), it has lead me to reflect on the years I have recently left behind upon graduation. Freshman year is a whirlwind of hard classes, cafeteria food, and roommate drama. There are some good life lessons mixed in too! So, take note freshman. Class is in session!
Dear College Freshman,
As a recent college grad I have a few gold nuggets I wish to share. I remember how exciting it was to shop for dorm decor and hang out with roommates until 4am on a weekday! The best nights were nights in with roommates just chatting late into the night. Stay in but go out too! College is the time to go out, have fun, and meet new people! Everyone wants to make friends freshman year, and it's great to have more than one "group". Be friends with everyone! You never know who might need to help you cram for that Bio 101 exam at 3 a.m. Which reminds me. College classes aren't like high school classes. Not all Professors care if you pass or fail, they just want deadlines met and the material known.
Go to class. I know, I know. It's so easy to sleep in and skip that 8am. But guess what? Naps are the best thing a college student can do, "I don't care if it's 5pm and I just got done with a club meeting, I have three exams to study for tonight so I am taking an hour nap," was my motto! Naps are your best friend!
The food will eventually suck if it doesn't day one. Enjoy it. Soon you'll have to cook for yourself and buy your own groceries (yuck). If your University offers a free gym, use it. If not, exercise outside. Staying physically and mentally healthy in college is really important. You can get stuck in a routine and not even notice, take a walk, ride a bike, find a park bench, or rollerblade, but do get some fresh air.
Call your mom. She misses you and you miss her. Don't text. Call her.
Keep in touch with your high school friends! Don't only hang out during winter and summer break! Visit each other at school, it's fun to visit (party) at other schools. You get to meet their roommates, see their dorm, and finally, see that cute guy she's been talking about!
My biggest piece of advice: Slow down. Graduation might seem like eons away, but four years goes by in the blink of an eye. One day you're moving into your freshman dorm and the next you're moving out of your senior house that you got with your best friends. You'll miss college. Everyone told me this and in the moment I laughed because the classes are hard and hours are long. Now? Now I miss it. Look around, enjoy your beautiful campus, and have fun! Only in college is it acceptable to go to Beer Breakfast Saturday morning!
xoxo,
The College Grad
