The "freshman 15" is an expression usually used to describe the weight a student will gain their first year in college. However, weight isn't the only thing they're gaining. Here are 15 other things incoming students will get:
1. Tolerance.
Having a roommate can be tough. Setting boundaries is a great way to ease the struggle. Knowing what is expected of each other will eliminate a lot of future problems. Living with someone, especially in a small dorm room, forces you to overlook and tolerate things you do not like, or agree with.
2. Knowledge.
It's college and you are there to learn. Going to class, listening to lectures, studying, and taking tests will help you gain knowledge and understanding. The more you put into your learning experience, the more you will get out of it
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3. Pride.
School pride goes to a whole new level when you're in college. This is the school you chose to attend. You will find yourself at sporting events, wearing the schools colors, and learning about the many legends and traditions the school has. In a sense, the school is a representation of you. You value their success and support them in every way. You develop a feeling of contentedness like never before.
4. Friendships.
Whether you meet people in class, in a sorority, at an athletic event, or because they are your roommate, you will make new friends. The friends you make in college are very likely to be your lifelong friends. You are, in a since, growing up together; you are becoming adults. You are on your own and will be counting on these friends to help you get through many tough times, resulting in trust and loyalty to each other.
5. Experiences.
Your time in college will be spent doing things other than just going to class and studying. You will have fun and maybe even do things you will regret, but they will be your experiences. Own your experiences, good and bad. You will live and you will learn from all of them. Enjoy the time you have as a bright eyed, optimistic freshman. Go to parties, athletic events and other school events, but remember who you are. Be true to yourself.
6. Independence.
Being on your own for the first time can be exciting, but also very overwhelming. With no one telling you to go to class, or clean your room, you'll be forced to depend upon yourself. Being independent will help you find yourself. It does meanmean you will be alone or have no one assisting you, but it means you will have the freedom to choose. You will write your own story.
7. Responsibility.
For the first time, you will be on your own. It will be up to you to go to class, study, exercise, and eat right. No one will make sure you clean your dorm or go to bed early the night before an exam. You are forced to grow up.
8. Perseverance.
We are humans, therefore we make mistakes. You're not perfect, but do not let little failures or mistakes be your undoing. Keep working and getting better regardless of how hard it is.
8. Appreciation.
Now that mom and dad aren't there to do things for you; you will realize exactly how much they did for you. You will start to notice all of the little things that you never even knew they did. It will hit you like a ton of bricks and you'll have a whole new appreciation for them.
9. Motivation.
Again, no one is there to make you go to class or to study. It comes down to you. There will be many things you do not want to do, but you will do them because you have to.
10. Organization.
Being organized can save you a lot of time and energy. Planning is important, but be flexible with that plan when necessary. Be neat and orderly with your things and your life. Having a routine can help you stay focused.
11. Balance.
Regardless of what lifestyle you choose to live, you have to find a healthy balance. Many freshmen learn this the hard way. They want to party all night with their friends, but struggle to go to class the following day. Prioritizing what needs to be done and managing your time accordingly is essential.
12. Resourcefulness
Being a broke college student is tough, but you will learn to find discounts and freebies available to you. You will learn to fix things, get by with the minimum, and make do with what you have. Be a resource to others and you will help yourself in the long run. Offer your time, resources and expertise when you can. If that means staying up a little later, even though you are exhausted, to help your roommate with their History class, do it. You never know when you will need their help.
13. Sense of Humor.
You will laugh a lot in college and many times it will be at your own expense. Having a sense of humor is a great way to reduce stress. It helps you empathize in social situations as well. Taking things too seriously will break you. Lighten up and enjoy college life.
14. Maturity.
Being on your own forces you to grow up. All of the daily struggles help you mature and develop into a responsible person. Blaming others will never help anyone or any situation. Making your own choices, accepting responsibility for your choices and actions, and trying to be a better person by doing the right thing, are all things a mature person does. Even your first year in college will be a time to start growing up and becoming a mature adult.
15. Awareness.
Entering college will open your eyes to many things. You'll start to realize you aren't really all that special. You are just like everyone else and the world does not revolve around you. You will have told work for things and prove yourself to people. You will become aware to the many offering college has to offer. You will start to see how much help you had in high school. Remember, you can still ask for help. As you face new situations and gain more knowledge, your perception will start to change. You are becoming a more aware person, an adult.
