Freshman year of college is probably one of the hardest years of a teen’s life. As I’m wrapping up my freshman year, I’m thinking of all the things that nobody told me about college that I wish I had known. So, after asking other friends about this, I have created a list of 15 pieces of advice that we all wish we had been given when we were freshmen in college!
1. Ring by spring.
In case you don’t know what this is, "ring by spring" is when all the happy couples on campus get engaged by spring. It’s usually just a joke, but it’s very real on my campus. Freshmen: don’t let this affect you! Find joy when all the couples are getting engaged and starting their lives together and just think about how someday that could be you.
2. Save your quarters!
Laundry isn’t free on this campus. Save up all of your quarters, and don’t be afraid to spend the extra 25 cents on the super wash!
3. Don't overload yourself.
Yes, college is school, but it’s also supposed to be fun. Don’t focus so much on school that you forget to make friends. Speaking of friends, however…
4. Friendships change, and that's okay.
Your friends from high school will have their own lives. Don’t let yourself be depressed if you grow away from them. Friendships in college are different; don’t be sad if you grow away from them, too.
5. Live in the moment.
It’s so easy to worry about your future when you’re a freshman in college. Slow down, take a few deep breaths, and don’t worry! You have at least two more years to get up your GPA and make friends for a lifetime.
6. Befriend people within your major.
Making friends is great and all, but only having friends outside of your major will limit how much of your struggles you can share with them without having to explain anything. Having people to talk to who know what the requirements of your major is such a godsend.
7. It's just a season.
Repeat after me: seasons change. People change. Just because things are hard now doesn’t mean that they always will be.
8. Friendship first!
Girls, I’m going to be real: guys in college are just like guys in high school. Don’t jump into a relationship head first. Become friends first!
9. Become the active friend.
If one of your friends is struggling, don’t just sit there on your butt and let them go through it alone. Be the friend that checks in on them and talks to them.
10. Sleep is your friend.
Do yourself a favor and get some sleep while in college. I know the stereotypical college student stays up all night and then sleeps between classes, but that’s not healthy for you! Sleep at night and be awake and present in the morning, even if you need coffee to do so.
11. Studying is, indeed, important.
Here’s what I have to say for this: don’t let your grades suffer so you can have a social life.
12. Don't be afraid of adventure.
While grades are important, it’s also important to get off campus and do something fun once in a while! Take a break from the college life and the constant studying, especially during finals week, and adventure to somewhere that you’ve never been before. Besides, it’ll give you some crazy stories to tell your kids someday!
13. Don't be afraid to pray.
No matter what season you’re in, don’t be afraid to talk to God. He’s got you in His hands, and He’ll never let you go. Spend some time to tell Him how your day’s going, and maybe ask Him for some peace from all the stress.
14. Open yourself up to change.
After talking to all of my senior friends, I can say that you do go through a lot of change while in college. By the time it’s the end of the semester before your summer vacation, no matter what year it is, you will be a different person. Don’t be afraid to let yourself change for the better.
15. Be comfortable with your testimony.
Chances are that you’ll meet people. Chances are that you’ll be close to them, and chances are that they’ll want to know your testimony. Whether they directly ask or they subtly hint at it, they’ll want to know you on a deep, personal level.
So, if you’re a a highly school graduate or going off to college for the first time, remember these little tips. They’ve come from multiple different sources and from multiple different majors and experiences. Don’t let college be the place where you wither, but let it be the place of growth that you need!
