As my first semester of college is coming to an end, I see how college is not like how it's portrayed in the media. You're suddenly given freedom and all these opportunities, but you also have to maintain that 4.0 GPA while having a social life and balancing a job. It can be stressful but if you're on top of things, you'll be just fine. Here's what I learned during my first semester
1. Stay on top of your assignments!
Two students doing a lot of homework
You won't realize it, but those due dates creep up on you. You're having fun, thinking three weeks is such a long time away and you'll just start next week. Trust me, the sooner you start your assignment, the sooner you'll be done with it. Knowing when your assignments are due can also help to keep you organized and plan your time properly!
2. Kissing butt takes you far
Student kissing up to the teacher
I know, we all hate those kiss-up students, but it'll help you out in the long run. Compliment your professors, get to know them, attend office hours, and they'll write stellar recommendations for you. I went to my bio professors' office hours almost every week and now I'm being recommended for a research position in a lab. Get on a professor's good side and you'll be set for the semester.
3. The freshman 15 is real!
I seriously thought I wasn't going to gain weight in college. With all the amenities around and being on my feet all day, I was sure that I was bound to lose some weight. Oh, boy was I wrong! The weight goes hand-in-hand with the freedom given to you. There's always something sweet to eat and no one telling you that you can't have it. It's all great until you realize you can't fit into your jeans anymore.
4. Making friends is super easy
Two friends in the Freedom Expression tunnel at NCSU
Photo by Javairia Haq
Everyone is nervous and afraid. For some, it's their first time away from home. When I came to NC State, I was so scared that I wasn't going to make any friends or that I wouldn't find friends similar to the ones I had back home. By introducing myself to other students in my class, I was able to create a great group of supportive friends who I'm so thankful for. Just talking to someone about a hard class or a crazy professor will help you create a friendship.
5. Some professors are just crazy
Nutty Professor
My biology professor was a tad on the weird side. I would go to her office hours just to try and understand what she had lectured to us in class. She went on so many tangents, you wouldn't be able to pay attention and her notes were always out of order. Getting help from your TA's, classmates, and even tutors is always a good idea. Plus, you can always bond over a nutty professor together. Sometimes, you just have to deal with them and put on a smile.
man running in forestPhoto by 
