Dear Freshman Girls,
As many of you are about to embark on the greatest adventure of your life, you might be having some mixed emotions. I remember this time two years ago; I was not only terrified about going to a college where I knew no one, but I also didn't want to leave the comfort of my home. It didn’t help that all of my high school friends couldn’t wait for the freedom promised by college campuses everywhere. I, on the other hand, found it daunting. Being an only child, I had no idea what to expect, and as move-in day approached, I began to worry. I had so many questions and no one to answer them.
Many of you may be in the same boat, even if you don’t want to admit it, so here is my list of tips and survival guidelines to freshman year! Enjoy!
1. When adults say college is the best time of your life, they mean it.
There is no doubt you have heard this before from someone. I didn’t believe it going into freshman year, but after about eight hours on my college campus, I was a true believer. In college, there are many new experiences and opportunities that you will never get again. This is your chance to start all over. In high school, I was the quiet girl who walked down the hall with her head down and prayed no one would notice her. I hardly spoke in class, unless it was with my closest friends, but when I went off to college I chose to change that. I left that shy, awkward girl in high school. Okay, maybe not the awkward part, but college gave me the opportunity to change for the better. Keep in mind, this all depends on you and your choices, but I highly recommend taking advantage of this time in your life.
2. Never be afraid to introduce yourself to someone.
I mean it. You have no idea as to what kind of friendship or connection you could gain from simply introducing yourself to a stranger. Being a student at a small liberal arts college, my day consists of saying hello to everyone I pass, even at 8 a.m. It is also beneficial because the more people you meet, the more people you know. One of the best feelings is being able to walk into a room and know a majority of the people in it. Although this might not be a common practice on most college campuses, it is something to always keep in mind. A simple “hello” can go a very long way.
3. Go out!
Go out every night you have the chance, unless of course you have a test the next morning that is worth a third of your grade. It’s an opportunity to bond with people, de-stress and dance the night away. College is only four years. That might sound like a good chunk of time, but it flies by so quickly. One minute you are moving in, and the next, you are walking across the stage to receive your degree. When you are done with your freshman year, you will be wishing you had a time machine.
4. The freshman 15 is a real phenomenon.
I'm sure you have all heard about it and vowed that it won't happen to you, because you will go to the gym and you will eat healthy. WRONG. I was the same way. It still happened to me, and it could very possibly happen to you too. It's okay. It's a part of your freshman year experience, and it happens to everyone, even the guys. Just make sure to go to the gym occasionally, and try not to binge on a whole pizza every time you sit down to watch ten episodes of “Friends” on Netflix.
5. Make sure to keep track of your money!
What I mean is don't go blow your entire monthly allowance by shopping online. It can become quite addicting, especially when there is a themed party every other weekend. It's time to realize that college is a stepping stone to being an adult in the real world, which unfortunately means being “somewhat” responsible.
6. Always go on spring break with your friends.
Nothing is worse than sitting at home watching Netflix with your dog and seeing everyone's adorable beach posts on Instagram. Spring break does not have to be luxurious vacation that cleans out your bank account and makes you consider selling your kidney. You are in college. This is the time for crazy stories about how you fit nine people in one hotel room and had the best break ever.
7. Social media.
We all have some kind of social media on our phones. It has become a part of our everyday lives. There’s Instagram, Twitter, Tinder, Facebook, Yik Yak and so many more. We have all heard it before, but seriously, be careful with what you post. Not only do potential employers look at social media, but deleting something does not mean it’s gone. No girl wants to wake up from a particularly rough night out only to find that the entire campus knows about how she fell down the stairs and took down several innocent bystanders.
8. Have girls' night occasionally.
It won't take long for you to form a group of girlfriends who are not only your soul sisters, but also your backbone through everything freshman year throws at you. They will become your sisters in every way and pretty much all of your free time will be spent with them. Your group message will be equivalent to Regina George's burn book, and I mean that in the best way possible. Every once in awhile it's important to spend a night in your PJs, painting nails, watching chick flicks and gossiping about the boys down the hall. These may become some of the best nights of your freshman year.
9. Last but not least, appreciate every moment.
From crying in fraternity bathrooms and dancing on tables, it went by much too quickly for me, and it will for you too. If you love your freshman year half as much as I did, than you are going to have a fantastic time.
Good luck, girls!
