Going from top dog senior year of high school to the underdog fresh meat of college is actually terrifying. What’s even more terrifying is that you have no idea what to expect or how to actually survive on your own. All you know are the horror stories your parents told you to scare you from doing stupid stuff. Luckily, I’ve compiled a list of helpful tips I would've loved to know before my freshman year!
1. Don’t pack your entire room and closet from home.
It will NOT fit. I don’t care how much you think you can’t survive without your seven Kate Spade purses and all of your autographed posters. College dorms are no joke, and you’re more than likely not the only one in that 12 x 12 room.
2. Don’t forget a mattress pad and shower shoes.
Sorry, but your queen Tempur-Pedic bed from home is no comparison to your new and fabulous twin box spring mattress! Yeah, it’ll take a few weeks to get used to that. Also, you’re probably not going to have your own shower, so don’t forget your shower tote! And you won’t be able to take a bubble bath until you're back at home either…sorry!
3. Get to know your roommate(s).
Your roommate is probably going to be your first friend in college, and whether or not you two are soulmates, you're more than likely stuck sharing a room with them. So have fun and go out together because I promise it’s easier being lost with a roommate than by yourself!
4. Go to class and be prepared.
I know people tell you it’s cool to skip class, but just don’t. College costs an arm and a leg as it is, and there’s no mercy on you when you’re in a class of 400 other students. Read the syllabus and keep a copy of it. Seriously, that thing is like your Bible for passing. Did I mention college classes are hard?
5. Be a suck-up/teacher's pet.
Yeah, in high school this was lame, but this isn't high school anymore. If you want that extra .006 to get an A, you better meet with your professor during office hours (they love that), email questions and go to extra help sessions. It makes a difference when a professor of 400 students can put a face to the name come time for final grades.
6. The library is your friend.
Did you even know what the library was in high school? Probably not. In college, you will spend your life in the library, but it’s a good thing. There are great private rooms, white boards, computers and, of course, books. It’s a great place to go if you don’t want to bother your roommate or if your roommate is bothering you. There’s also usually a great coffee shop in the library with fun treats that will keep you motivated.
7. Don’t spend hours doing your hair and makeup every morning.
I promise, making it to your 8 a.m. biology class is already a struggle, and you don’t want to look like the odd ball freshman when your peers are in their Norts and tennis shoes only focused on the professor.
8. Try recruitment if offered.
It's hard enough to make friends freshman year. Even if you think it’s not for you, try going through sorority recruitment. Hey, if you don’t end up joining, you can still end up meeting some great friends and learning how to get out of your shell for the first time.
9. Yeah, studying is important, but don’t make it your life.
You have to find balance and develop time management skills your freshman year. Definitely study every day/night, but on the weekends, you deserve some YOU time! Go out and have fun with some friends (and roommates). Believe me, college gets stressful, so it’s always good to release that stress and have a little fun.
10. Don’t get discouraged.
It’s so easy to get upset and homesick during freshman year, especially if you’re not doing well in classes or you're struggling with friends. Make sure to use all of your campus resources and ask for help when needed. Like I said, stress is normal in college, but it’s nothing that you can’t handle.
11. Don’t get tied up with the boys.
Your freshman year should be about finding yourself, making friends and really enjoying your life. Do not let college boys stop you from doing any of that! Sure, they're fun when needed, but they're different than high school boys and they’ve been playing the game for years. Enjoy your time with your girlfriends. You’ve got four (maybe more) years to find the man of your college dreams.
12. Keep in contact with your family and high school besties.
My high school best friends and I are still BFFs, and we’re all juniors now. Just because you all may go to different schools doesn't mean you can’t still call each other and group text because, hey, you’ll see them every break and summer. Also, what’s more fun than having your high school besties come visit and meet your new college besties?! I know getting caught up in the freshman life is crazy, but don’t forget about the ones who made it all possible. Instead of asking for a few bucks every week, call your family and tell them how much you love them and miss them every once in a while. They’re probably missing you like crazy and are worried sick.
13. Fraternity parties.
Aren’t these what college freshmen live for? The glamorously themed parties with free PJ and a lot of drunk fraternity guys trying to hit on you? Wrong. Trust me, freshies, they are not that glamorous, but they can be fun and a great way to meet people. Never go to parties alone and always stick to the buddy system. Also, always trust your gut and BYOB; you know better than to try that PJ.
14. Go to the football tailgates.
Even if you're not a sports fan, always go to the football tailgates. They're what we college kids look forward to every fall. As everything in college, never go alone and BYOB. Tailgates are fun, and they usually have free food involved along with a lot of dancing. Wear cute clothes in your school colors and your cowboy boots because you’ve gotta look the part! Also, always get a ticket. You will regret going to the tailgate and not getting a ticket when everyone starts heading to the stadium. Oh yeah, and wear sunscreen.
15. Don’t freak, everyone gets the Freshman 15.
It’s awful and horrible, but you can’t escape it with the college freshman lifestyle you’re living. Try making some time for the campus gym, and try to eat healthy on campus, even though your eyes can get bigger than your stomach! Also fun tip, maybe stay away from that cheap beer (or beer in general…). Just a suggestion.
16. Finals Week.
I know you all hear about the dreaded finals week, and yes, it’s dreaded. Professors give no mercy, literally. You will have three or four or even five final exams back to back. But don’t sweat because you’ve been going to all of your classes, taking notes AND keeping a close eye on that syllabus. Don’t follow your peers. To avoid stress and perform well, you need to start studying ASAP. If you study two-plus weeks before your exam, different topics each day, and go to review sessions, you’ve got this. Form study groups, and don’t fall into the ‘no sleep, no eat’ peer pressure. Get great sleep each day leading up to your finals and eat well, too. You don’t want to crash during the test…yikes.
No worries, freshmen. You can do this. You have to have confidence in yourself and always keep a positive outlook. Freshman year is the best year of college. It’s all about what you make of it and how you handle situations. Keep these helpful tips at hand and you will have no trouble making great grades and having a little fun, too! By sophomore year, you’ll be a pro at this whole college thing. And trust me, your college years are, by far, the greatest years of your life. Enjoy it while you can!
