Just a few things I wish I had known before coming to college...
1. Do NOT leave your door shut!
If you are lucky and live on a hall, leave your door open. The friendships you make on your hall may not last forever, but they will make freshman year more memorable. Leaving your door open can allow for people to just pop in and say hello. It's how you meet people. DO IT!
2. Go to class.
Believe me, I know everyone tells you this, but it's the truth, you won't pass your history exam if you've skipped the last eight classes. Every time you skip a class you are throwing away your (or your parents') money, and it really is a waste of your education.
3. Go to football games.
One thing I have learned from college is that nothing is more fun or entertaining than going to your school's football games. Its a completely different atmosphere than all the games you attended in high school. No one has to pretend like they're too cool to cheer because everyone is too busy cheering their heads off, even when your team is losing.
4. Join clubs.
Whether you decide to Go Greek or not, you should definitely join some type of organization on your college campus. Clubs and Intramural sports are a great way to meet people and build relationships.
5. Form relationships with Your professors.
I know, everyone says it, but it really is beneficial for both parties. If you're in a class with 500 kids, and you introduce yourself it really does matter. Your professor will remember you, and they honestly have a lot of good advice, and can be very helpful if you are in need of help with a class or a letter of recommendation. College is all about forming meaningful and beneficial relationships.
6. Go out with your friends.
Whether its to a party or bowling, go out. Spend time with the people you meet, new friends and old. Bring them together. Nothing is more fun than just hanging out with friends. The people you meet in college will be your friends for more reasons than being with them eight hours a day like you were in high school. Take advantage of it.
7. Explore traditions.
Every school has hundreds of different traditions. Make a list and try and do them all, it will be fun and you will learn more about your school.
8. Smile.
I know things are going to be different now, you're going to be away from your family for the first time, and it seems really scary, but it is the start of something wonderful and new. College is the last time in your life that you get to be an adult and a child all in the same experience. You get to be recognized as an adult and still be able to do childish things. Smile, meet people and enjoy yourself. It will be worth it.
9. Do what YOU want.
College is also your experience. So make of it what you want. Pick your career and follow your dreams. Date who you want or don't date at all. Make friends and meet new people. Make the best out of everything you have. Stay up all night on a Wednesday and go to sleep at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday night. Do what makes you happy and live your life for you.
