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8 Things I Learned After Freshman Year Of College

There are so many things that I wish I had known going in

Savannah Deuer

May 06, 2019

The Ohio State University

141

8 Things I Learned After Freshman Year Of College

Savannah Deuer

Freshman year of college is a mix of many emotions: fear, excitement, uneasiness, and my personal favorite, sleep deprivation. There are so many new experiences, either for the good or the bad, that can shape the experience from the first step on campus during move-in day to getting in your mom's car after checking out. If there's anything that I could say to myself during the first week of college, here it all is.

1. Do things that interest you

I feel like first semester, I was more focused on doing what my friends wanted to do, even when it wasn't something I wanted to do.

2. Focus on yourself

Stop trying to make everyone else happy and have them like you. Sometimes there are just going to be people who you don't get along with, so focus on making yourself happy instead of other people.

3. Don't cry as much over math

I know it felt impossible, but I promise you that you made it through. Even though you felt like a failure, it taught you to believe in yourself and helped your confidence.

4. Do things that make you happy

If you want to go to that hockey game, then you go. If you want to go to the gym on a Friday night instead of going to a party, then go. If your friends and the people around you judge your actions, move on from them and focus on the good people in your life.

5. Do something new

I didn't join the boxing club until the second semester, and I really regret not joining earlier, because it gave me an outlet to deal with so many obstacles as well as helping me stay active. The people I met in the club are some of my best friends and are like a second family to me. Plus punching things is really fun.

6. Take your time on things

Don't be focused on dating right away, wait for the right time. I rushed into a relationship once I got to college and it ended very badly, to the point where the two of us can't be in the same room together. The right relationship will just happen, don't try to focus on supporting someone else when so much is new to you.

7. Don't allow yourself to be pushed around

I had to stand up for myself against someone who was very aggressive towards me and who had to be very close to me, and even though confrontation was difficult, I forced myself to do it and became a stronger person because of it.

8. Be prepared to cry

You may not cry over math as much, but sometimes you'll really just need a good cry. The stress of college can really get to you sometimes, and emotional distress doesn't help that. But you've been through worse, and you can get through this as well.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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8 Things I Learned After Freshman Year Of College

There are so many things that I wish I had known going in

1. Do things that interest you

2. Focus on yourself

3. Don't cry as much over math

4. Do things that make you happy

5. Do something new

6. Take your time on things

7. Don't allow yourself to be pushed around

8. Be prepared to cry

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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