It is August, so you know what that means! Time to start mentally preparing yourself for gruesome exams, studying like crazy, staying up late, and having no free time for yourself. I am going to be returning to college as a sophomore this year. To help all future freshman who are going to college this year, I have decided to write this article with ten mistakes that I have made as a freshman in college. If I could go back in time, I would have done things a little differently, and I hope that every body can learn from my mistakes.
1. Cared about my grades to the extreme.
I was one of those people in high school who always had the straight A's. When I got to college, I knew that my grades would slip because everyone warned me that my A's would turn into B's and C's. What I was not prepared for was knowing absolutely nothing in a class and passing with a C- or D. You have to learn that D's get degrees, and if you are attending on a scholarship with a minimum GPA, just know that your other classes will balance out your GPA and it will work itself out in the end. I highly recommend taking easy art credits (such as sign language or a music learning group) that is worth half a credit to boost your GPA.
2. Rooming with your high school buddy.
This isn't a mistake I've made, but some of my friends from high school have. Two friends decided to room with each other their freshman year. As a result, they didn't make any new friends since they were always dependent on each other and relied on one another. When I went to college, I was all alone and therefore forced to make friends. I highly recommend not rooming with someone you know. This is an opportunity to meet new people!
3. Didn't give myself time to exercise or relax.
I was constantly studying, and my health started to deteriorate. My skin broke out, and I just felt tired all the time. I should've had an exercise regime where I could focus on my mind and body.
4. Brought too many summer clothes.
I didn't realize how much of the school year is cold. I brought way too many summer dresses, sandals, you name it. I should've instead brought all of the sweaters and boots. Do yourself a favor and leave the crop tops at home!
5. Didn't bring a heavy coat.
I made the mistake of bringing a light coat. I froze several times while walking to my classes, especially the morning ones. Do yourself a favor and invest in a quality coat!
6. Didn't pay attention to ratemyprofessor.com and upperclassmen about professors.
There were several times where I had the opportunity to pick between professors, and I went with the one that fit into my schedule the best. Yes, you need to plan your day so you have time to rest, but if the professor is absolutely terrible, do not take that class or your school year will be hell. I ignored the comments on ratemyprofessor.com and upperclassmen about a certain chemistry professor, and I thought they just didn't study enough or were not motivated. I was proven wrong when I barely scraped by with a D.
7. Took 8 a.m. classes.
8 a.m. classes are the devil and you should avoid them at all costs. The professor doesn't want to be there, your peers don't want to be there, and I'm sure you don't want to be there either. It is also super easy to skip an 8 a.m. In addition, it's always cold in the morning, so in the winter you will have a miserable time getting up and trudging to your class.
8. Didn't go out and explore campus.
I spent the majority of my time cooped up in my dorm and not exploring campus or going places with my friends. If I could go back, I would've walked around a little more, give myself a break and buy some ice cream at some random shop.
9. Didn't volunteer at events enough.
When I tried to type up my resume for jobs, I realized that I do nothing. Everyone else and their mom has a giant list of things they've done for others, and I had one or two. Do yourself a favor and volunteer at your college's events. There are so many opportunities to volunteer, and you will make many new friends.
10. Not visit my professor's office hours.
Professors can be intimidating, and I know the last place you want to be is at your professor's office. Do yourself a favor, and visit them, even if you do not need help on homework. The more they get to know you, the more they'll sympathize with you and help you out. I know one friend who took a physics class and the professor was notorious for being one of the worst in the University. She was failing, so she visited her professor and explained that she is trying her best but physics is a hard subject. He agreed with her, and said that he appreciates her for trying, and as a result, he lifted her grade to a C. Professors have the power to pass or fail you, so be sure to get acquainted with them.
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