When you arrived in August you were nervous and alone, hopeful for what this year would bring. When you left for winter break you FaceTimed, blew up group messages and Snapchatted your friends the whole time because you already missed them. You screamed and hugged when you got back to campus after those few weeks.
Now with summer break ahead, the thought of leaving the girls who quickly became your sisters is really scary. What are you supposed to do when your favorite people aren't just a few doors down or a phone call away for late night ice cream?
Besides leaving the crazy people you now call your close friends, it's difficult to realize that a quarter of your college experience is now over. You're leaving freshman year in the dust, and have changed so much—for the better of course! You can thank your college friends and lifestyle for the 5 most important things you learn your freshman year.
1. Nap Time Is Never A Bad Idea
Trust me when I say, you're going to need that sleep later on. Remember: when you can't figure out what to do, it's time for a nap. Project due tomorrow? Don't bet on getting three hours of sleep. So if you have an hour free, set an alarm and snooze away. (Just make sure you wake up in time for your next class!)
2. Don't Sweat The Small Stuff
You're going to make mistakes here. You'll fail one (or more) tests, run into that boy or girl you made a fool of yourself with, spend your money too fast on stupid things, but life goes on. There's always another day in which you will redeem yourself. Life isn't over after one small mistake.
“Go and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for your being here.” —Neil Gaiman
3. Know Why You're Here But Don't Forget To Have Fun
Study yes, but don't become caged to your room—unless you're an engineering or design major, that's understandable! Your friends will be there to study in the library until 2 a.m. and then they'll go out with you the following night to celebrate passing exams. School comes first but when the homework is done and the grades are in, you better go make some memories with friends.
4. Workout When You Can, But Also Eat a Whole Pizza When You Can
If I had a quarter every time someone asked me if I had gained the freshman 15, I would have a lot of quarters. The real fact of the matter is that I really haven't gained weight. Most people don't gain the freshman 15. Some people barely eat two meals a day because of their class schedule, and others use a gap in their schedule to work out. It all depends what your priorities are. And my priorities include ordering Papa Johns at 1 a.m. when campus is shut down and I'm starving. Don't let yourself feel unhealthy for something that delicious.
"Every pizza is a personal pizza if you try hard and believe in yourself."—Unknown
5. Get Involved In A Variety Of Things
Yes, college is a time to figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life, so join that club that's specific to your major. But while you're at it, how about joining a co-ed intramural water polo team? Or a dance team? Maybe a writing club or a Bible study? College is an experience and at the end of it all, you want to be able to say, "I did it all."
And remember to always be thankful for your "squad" because they'll be your best friends beyond freshman year. Other than that, you have all the ingredients to have a bomb college life.
