Starting your first year of college is probably the scariest thing to ever do in your teenage/young adult years. You're starting over in a new, bigger environment with thousands of other people, and you have no idea what you want to do moving forward, or how to do it. This was me last year when I was a freshman; in fact this is probably what everyone feels on their first day of college.
But looking back on my freshman year, I've realized how much I've grown and changed, and I've also learned a few important things along the way. Had I known these lessons walking into college, my first year probably wouldn't have been as all-over-the-place as it was. So here are a few tips on how to make your freshman year the best it can be, and trust me, you're going to want to remember these.
1. Don't pack your entire room from home
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College dorms are a lot smaller than you realize, so think twice before you pack 20 different sets of shirts and going out clothes.
2. No one cares about who you were in high school
It doesn't matter what club you were in or which sports you played. High school was so long ago, and now everyone is more focused on their college life.
3. Ask for help when you really need it
Key words: OFFICE HOURS. If your professors offer certain times to meet with students, take advantage of that and go to them if you're stuck on certain material. There are so many resources on campus that are more than willing to help out.
4. It's not the end of the world if you miss ONE party and stay in
Trust me, there will be plenty of parties and events to go to throughout the year, so missing one or two won't hurt your social life. Plus, sometimes it's refreshing to take a break and watch Netflix in bed.
5. There's no way to avoid gaining some weight
It might not be the "freshmen 15", but you will gain some weight just from being in a new environment and having the freedom to eat whatever you want.
6. Friends will come and go
To be honest, you're probably not going to stay close friends with everyone you meet at orientation. In fact, it's normal to jump around between different groups until you've finally found your people, because people change over time alongside their interests. Plus, the student body is huge, so you're bound to meet other people you can connect with.
7. Everyone else is just as clueless as you are
Some might try to play it off like they know exactly what they want to do or they're having the best time at college, but in reality, everyone on campus is secretly struggling and clueless like you, even if they're really good at hiding it.
8. Spending time by yourself and for yourself is not as bad as you think
It's common to want to spend time with your friends 24/7, but sometimes you just need your own space when you're constantly living with and being around others in your dorm, your classes, and all over campus. Dedicating time to yourself is a great way to de-stress from the bustling life of college, and sometimes, taking a break is just what you need.
9. One bad grade will not destroy your life
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It's not uncommon to get at least one bad grade in college, whether it's a test or final, because you're adjusting to a new environment with a different pace of education. And if you do get a bad grade, it'll be one out of the many tests or finals you'll be taking, so one won't be the end of your career.
10. Sundays are the WORST days to do laundry
If you don't want to have to wait five hours for others to move their laundry out of the only two machines in your building, then find a different day to do yours. Trust me, it'll make your life a thousand times easier.
11. Naps will become your new best friend
If there's anything that got me through my crazy schedules during freshman year, it was definitely taking multiple naps. Even if it's only for twenty minutes, you'll immediately feel a lot better and ready to get back to your day more energized.
12. Use RateMyProfessor.com when picking classes, because it can strongly impact your schedule
I cannot stress this one enough. When you're making your schedule, not only do you want to make sure you're taking classes that are interesting or fall under your major, but also that you don't get stuck in the class with a professor that no one likes.
13. Becoming involved in clubs and organizations can introduce you to many new things
Go to all of the club fairs and see what interests you the most, maybe even try Greek life and see if it's for you and rush a fraternity or sorority. Joining these organizations can help you branch out and meet amazing new people, and also give you more experience and provide cool information on the things you're passionate about (it'll spice up your resume too!)
14. It's okay if your interests change along the way
On the first day, you might think that you'll want to become a lawyer in the future, but on the last day of school, you may end up wanting to be a journalist. This is completely normal for all college students, and changing your major usually isn't a challenging process. The most important thing at the end of the day is that you stick to what you know makes you happy and what you want to do.
15. Don't buy books for classes unless you need to
Like I said earlier, go onto ratemyprofessor.com and read people's comments to see if you actually need the books for class, or talk to friends that you know who also took the class. Otherwise, your bank account will be nonexistent for the rest of the semester.
16. Bringing your own food and snacks will help you when you're tired of the dining hall
The day is going to come where you're sick of the dining hall's pizza and salad bar, so stocking up on your own goodies will help you out when you need a good alternative (especially when you're broke and can't order any more Chinese food).
17. Become friends with people in your classes
Sometimes starting off in a new setting with unfamiliar faces is hard and a bit awkward, but making friends in your classes can help you out in the long run. Not only can they be people that you can go to for help with assignments or borrowing books, but they can also end up being some of the people you form the closest and strongest bonds with.
18. You don't have to be BFFs with your roommate, but at least be respectful
As much as you might try to make it work out, not everyone will be close with their roommate. But regardless, don't be that one roommate who's always leaving the room a mess, or inviting people late at night without asking, or even forgetting to clean the refrigerator. You're now sharing a room with someone else instead of living by yourself, so be mindful of their own space and privacy too. Set some ground rules to follow so things don't spiral into a heated argument, and communicate when you feel like they're not respecting you.
19. Try to go to as many games or sporting events as you can
You don't have to be a huge sports fan, but going to sports events is honestly one of the best and most fun parts of college. There's nothing like seeing thousands of other students cheering and wearing your school's colors all in one setting, and it only makes you fall even more in love with your school.
