1. 8 AMs: Just don't do it.
You'll soon realize how easy it truly is to skip class. The earlier the class, the more tempting it is to skip. You'll find yourself up at ungodly hours of the night... whether you're finishing a paper that you waited last minute to do or simply watching Netflix. After being up for so long, you will not want to get out of bed for class, so save yourself the trouble and schedule later classes.
2. 'The Freshman 15' is no joke.
Going into college with the mindset that you will somehow end your freshman year with little to no weight gain is beyond unrealistic. Try your best to exercise when you can and eat healthier foods whenever you get the chance. Simply just changing your snacking habits, could save you from gaining a few pounds. Regardless, you're beautiful no matter what. It happens to everyone.
3. It's okay to change your major.
I have thought about changing my major countless times. College will open you up to so many opportunities and you will change so much as a person. New passions might arise for you. It's okay to change what you want to do! Your happiness is all that matters, so if changing your major a few times gets your closer to that then let it be.
4. Traditional dorms are way better than suites.
In my experience, people who live in traditional dorms have a easier time making friends. You are forced to get out and meet people on your floor. Living in a suite style dorm, you don't make many friends living near you besides the ones that are in your 'cluster.' Your first year is a perfect time to open yourself up and meet people, traditional dorms will definitely aid in that journey more than suite style dorms will.
5. Your friends at the beginning of the year might not be your friends at the end of the year.
You will meet so many people your first year, but a lot of those people will be in the first month that school starts. Meeting new people and trying to make friends can be an extremely nerve-wrecking process. Sometimes, you'll pair up with the first couple of people you make a connection with. Most people I know have completely changed their friend group from the time they started college to now. You'll make more friends once you start getting more involved with your campus and most likely, you'll have a better connection, because you'll have similar interests. Don't get too upset if you find yourself wanting to find other friends, you'll have a long time to make connections with other people. You won't meet your best friends in the first week most likely. That's okay!
6. Your roommate does not have to be your best friend.
I have heard so many horror stories from my friends about their roommates. I had a terrible roommate situation myself. There are a lot of things that go wrong when rooming with someone else, but I have heard many stories about roommates that try really hard to be best friends and get sick of each other really fast. You will meet so many other people in college, so make sure that you are allowing yourself to hang out with them. Don't seclude yourself from opportunities, just because you and your roommate get along. You will most likely go crazy if you are constantly with only one person. Branch out. Just make sure that at the bare minimum you can coexist with your roommate. They do not have to be your best friend.
7. Find clubs or jobs that bring out your inner passions.
Most likely, your college will have some sort of involvement fair at the very beginning of the year to get your introduced to the lovely clubs and opportunities offered on campus. I cannot stress enough how important it is to actually go. Getting involved on your campus is a great way to make connections and meet people who have the interests as you. It's a great way to make your campus feel more like home! Putting your energy into something that you are really passionate about is so rewarding. Extra curricular make it easy to get through the copious stressful college moments. They will allow you to relax and take a break, while spending time with people who are passionate about the same things at the same time.
8. Relationships are not the most important thing. Don't let it consume you.
I see so many people so set on finding a significant other (I say this with such conviction, because I wasted 3 months of my time)). It is not that important. Focus on finding yourself and finding solid friends before adding a relationship in the mix. College is such a wonderful opportunity and I have seen so many people throw it away for someone else. Focus on you. Do you. That is the most important thing. Don't get so caught up in getting excited about all that freedom, just to give it away. Relationships will happen when they're supposed to. Don't put all your self-worth into finding someone who like you. College will offer you so many opportunities. I urge you to not throw them away or ignore them. I understand how easy it is to get caught up on someone, but don't let it consume you.
9. BE OPEN MINDED.
I cannot emphasize the point enough. You will meet so many people who are different from you in so many ways, whether it be sexuality, race, religion, ect. Someone's identities are so important, as are yours, so don't be close minded when you meet someone who is different than you. Respect others! If you open yourself up to meeting people who are different than you and you will learn so much. Don't limit yourself.
10. Growing as a person is not only expected, but it's normal.
When I think about the person I was when I came to school versus the person I am now, they're completely different people. You will be exposed to so many things in college and you will experience so much that it will have a huge impact on you. Make sure that you are taking the time to be sure that you are changing for the better and taking advantage of what's in front of you. Changing in college is completely normal, just make sure that it's in a good way. Take care of yourself.
