To most rising freshmen, college life is a new adventure and a chance that you can finally get to discover who you are. You're now (somewhat) independent and are finally free from your parents telling you what to or not to do.
Most importantly, you get to meet new people and try new things. With new people comes new relationships. There’s not a set list of what to or to not do in a relationship, but here is what I’ve learned my freshman year through hearing my friends’ experiences and experiencing some of the situations myself.
Do concentrate on perfecting you, but don't concentrate on getting into a relationship once you get to college.
It’s your first day of your fall freshman semester. You’re sitting in your English 1102 class, and McDreamy 2.0 is sitting right next to you.
As a freshman girl, it’s easy to find yourself concentrating too much on social life and too little on school. Instead of trying to save that tenth of a point that could make or break your scholarship at the end of the semester, focus on perfecting you and getting that degree that will make you one more degree hotter.
Don’t fall for the “Netflix and Chill” first date.
Let’s be honest. Dating definitely isn’t what it was during our parent’s generation with the classic “pick you up at seven” or “hey, let’s go catch a movie sometime.” College dating has moved more and more into who’s hooking up with who instead of who is going out with who.
The sad reality to the stereotypical “Netflix and Chill” first date is that it’s just a cheap date that’s easier for a guy to take advantage of the situation. Thus, the relationship is more likely going to go nowhere.
Do get involved in school.
One thing I realized my first semester of freshman year is once you get involved in school, clubs, and social life, you find people that are more like you. You’re more likely to meet that perfect person in your day-to-day life than downtown on Thirsty Thursday.
Don't think that dating apps will put you in a picture perfect relationship.
Although swiping left or right through a pool of hot guys might be a fun pass time, the truth is that popular dating apps such as Tinder has basically turned into a network of people trying to hookup.
Not to say that popular college dating apps are only for sex, but once you get on the app, most girls realize the true reality. Thus, if you’re looking for an actual relationship, resulting to these apps aren’t necessarily the best solution.
Do go out with someone who shares the same interests as you.
Something I didn’t realize until the end of my first semester was I kept falling for the same ‘type’ of guy that wasn’t for me. I personally had to take a step back and see what type of person I pictured myself being with. Maybe it wasn’t the stereotypical, self-centered jock but rather someone who has the same interests as me.
Do be yourself.
The classic piece of advice that my parents told me since I was a little girls was to simply be the best version of myself. Although the expression is straightforward and meant to be effortless, it’s not difficult to get caught up in the politics of society.
My mom always told me growing up that you have to be yourself and love who you are before you ever think about loving someone else. Looking back, the truth behind that statement becomes even more valid once you get to college.
It’s a time where you are discovering yourself and finding your niche in life. Once you love what you do and who you’ve become, the person that is meant to be in your life will show up.
