I was once in your shoes.
It probably hasn't hit you yet that you are about to enter one of the most exciting, rewarding chapters of your life. The days of high school football games, pep rallys, prom, and class with all your friends are over. Leaving your home, friends, and family is always difficult and I am not here to tell you that goodbyes get easier. However, college is undoubtedly the greatest four years of your life, but with fun comes hard work. Here is some advice...
1. Leave home.
It's always scary at first leaving the one place you feel the most comfortable, but staying in one place your whole life does not allow you to grow. Leaving home allows you to open up to new people, expand your mind, and be independent.
2. Get out of your comfort zone.
Everyone is in the same position as you during your freshman year. Scared, vulnerable, and not sure what to expect. What if I don't make any friends? What if I don't like my roommate? All questions I asked myself freshman year. It will be OK. Talk to people, speak to your professors, test your limits.
3. Get involved.
I can't stress the importance of getting involved on-campus. Build your resume, go the extra mile, it might differentiate you and another person in the pursuit of a job after college. Whether you are on a sports team, in a club, on/off campus job, all the experience will help you in your years after college.
4. Get a planner.
Your planner will be your best friend in college. Whenever you have an assignment due, write it down. It keeps you organized and tracks all important assignments and dates. It is super easy to fall behind in college with all your assignments, so keep your mind clutter-free with a planner.
5. Ask for help if you need it.
Seriously, don't be shy. Most professors want to see you succeed, and they are there to help you. If you are attending classes, doing your homework, and still not understanding the content, speak up! Most professors have required office hours where you can personally see them one-on-one. It's not worth falling behind because it's hard to catch back up.
6. Hang out with the right crowd.
"Hey I have a test on Friday, so I can't go out Thursday night." "Wow, you can study tomorrow morning. You never want to have fun anymore."
That is a prime example of the negativity you do not need in your life. Sure, going out is fun and all, but school work always comes first. Plus, your hard earned dollars are going to your education. Hang out with people who lift you up, encourage you to do better, and want to see you succeed. Do not be afraid to cut off all those friendships who bring you down, they will not stick with you throughout life.
7. Eat well.
OK, OK, it happens to everyone... the occasional easy mac and pizza at midnight. It is totally OK to snack here and there. For the most part, try to maintain a balanced diet. Eat your fruits, veggies, and proteins because they're good for you. Eating well will make you focused in classes and less groggy. Plus, you always feel better. If your school has limited healthy options, try buying your own groceries.
8. Workout.
It's not a myth, the "Freshman 15" actually does exist. Despite your rigorous class schedule, go to the gym as often as you can. Your body will thank you later.
9. Get in a normal sleep schedule.
Lack of sleep leads to missing classes, which leads to failing grades. There are nights where you will go to bed late, and wake up very early. Try to go to bed at a decent hour. Getting enough sleep will not only make you feel refreshed in the morning, but you will notice a shift in your work ethic.
10. Network! Network! Network!
Have you ever heard the phrase "it's all about who you know" when it comes to the job hunt? It's seriously true. Go to events hosted by your school, speak to upperclassmen and alumni, get a close relationship with your professors. These are the people that will help you in your job search after college. If you are a hermit throughout college and barricade yourself in your room, that will come back to bite you after graduation. Networking may be the best thing you can do for yourself in college, take advantage of it.
11. Lastly, spend time with your friends.
Your college friends will be in your future wedding. Not that your high-school friends aren't important, but there is something so different about the friends you meet at college. It's like having sleepovers with your best friends. Every. Single. Night. Spend time with them and make everlasting memories because four years fly by in the blink of an eye.
