Welcome to college! It's a new place, new faces around, and a new experience just waiting to begin. You're seventeen or eighteen, maybe even older, but this strange place just became your new home. Being a senior, I have called this place home for a while. It's hard at first to adjust, but as the semester rolls on, you get stronger and stronger every day. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed most of my four years here, but there are some moments that I wish I could erase, take back, or try again. But the important part is that I made those memories. So, a little advice from a "wise" senior.
1. Wake Up
Go to those 8 AM's as awful as they are. Fun fact: they never go away, so you might as well get used to them.
2. Make New Friends
Friends from home are always a good foundation but don't keep yourself from the people around you.
3. Get Involved
Rush. Learn something new. Start your own club. Show school spirit. Anything to get out there.
4. Don't Procrastinate
I've done it a million times before. It doesn't really make your work any better. Study for that test next week today. Get started on the research that's due at the end of the semester today.
5. Don't Make Excuses
Professors have heard it all before. Maybe they'll accept excuses the first time, maybe they won't. But honestly, if you own up to it, they might respect you even more.
6. Get to Know Your Professors
Sometimes your professor can be one of the coolest people you know. Stop by for office hours for help, maybe even just a talk. You never know what you could learn.
7. Call Home
Let your parents breathe. Text them every now and then letting them know you're alive and well. Call them once a week. Whatever you do, don't just leave them hanging.
8. Relax
You don't always have to get dressed up for class. You can miss class one or twice. You can take a nap at 8pm and have no regrets. Let yourself be free.
9. Don't Regret
Your senior year comes all too soon. The laughs and memories you make are going to be with you forever. Those friends that you made are going to be the ones standing next to you when you get married. College is special. Make the most of it.
