Ah, how I remember being a freshman. It feels like yesterday I was moving into my little dorm, going to new student orientation, walking around campus by myself for the first time. I won't lie, it was scary. I was away from home in a new place by myself, left without my high school friends or family. But, I suddenly realized something. This was a place where no one knew me, where I could completely start anew and make a splash in whatever way I decided. This feeling that came over me gave me a sense of comfort in this foreign environment. Goodbye old me, hello new me!
Now, two years later, I am so glad I made the decision that first day of college to put my best foot forward and become the best version of myself. With that being said, it has been a learning experience. College is full of ups and downs. Some days, you feel on top of the world, and then your professor assigns a 15 page paper. But, if one thing can be said about college, it is the BEST time of your life! The friends you make will be your future bridesmaids and groomsmen. The memories you make (whether you know it or not) will last forever. So savor this time, because it goes by faster than you know. With that, I am currently feeling that loss of time. I am now a Junior, halfway through college, and I feel a bit old. I am already thinking about what my career will be and how I will make my life in the real world. It's a scary time. But, the good part about being my age is having wisdom. I understand the ins-and-outs of college, have the tricks of the trade, if you will. So, I thought I would share my "elderly" wisdom with you incoming college freshmen out there. Here are some tips that will help all you who are entering the new world that is college...
1. Go to class.
You may think "Duh!" when it comes to this one. But, when it is 7:45 A.M. and you have an 8 A.M. Biology class, you tell me whether or not you consider skipping "just this once." But, freshmen friends, I am going to tell you that going to class is the easiest way to an A! Most professors will go over any and all material needed to know when midterms and finals come in class. And when you miss class, you miss out on so many important things, including notes needed for studying, in-class assignments, pop quizzes (unfortunately these happen often in college), and any homework assignments given. So, go to class... you will not regret it!
2. Read the syllabus... every day.
Most college professors include a schedule with all assignments, tests, quizzes, and reading assignments in the syllabus they provide on the first day of class. It is incredibly important to keep up with the class schedule on the syllabus. Otherwise, it is very easy to fall behind.
3. Go to the office hours of your professors.
Having trouble with the newest assignment your professor gave in class? No problem! Your professors will host office hours and usually put these hours on their syllabi so you know when they are in the office. Trust me when I say that professors value a student who puts forth effort to go and see them beyond class time. It speaks volumes when a student reaches out for needed help. So, don't be shy... go to their office.
4. Get involved in an organization on campus.
This is a big one. College is a time for discovering yourself, making friends, developing leadership skills, and working on time-management that will be needed in the real world. Joining a club or Greek organization is a perfect way to do all of the things I just listed. I joined multiple organizations when I came to college and it was the best decision I could have made. The people you meet through these organizations become a support system and great comrades. So, jump right in and get involved!
5. Call your family at least three times a week.
You may be having the time of your life (chances are, you will be) but that doesn't mean you should forget the family you have at home. Reach out to them and let them know you are doing fine. Tell them about your experience, it will give them a sense of comfort. They miss you, and deep down you know you miss them too.
6. Take free pens.
You may laugh at this now, but mark my words, there will come a time when you need a pen desperately and that free pen is at the bottom of your backpack because that is where you put it the day you got it. You will be thankful you took it.
7. Try to eat healthy.
We all love ordering pizza and chowing down with our roommates for a movie night. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with this. But try to eat some fruits and veggies here and there. You will not regret it!
8. Go to the gym.
This goes hand-in-hand with #7. Your schedule will get busy, but make time to go to the gym every so often. It makes a fun activity to work out or go to fitness classes with friends. It can be hard to get the motivation to make the trip to the gym alone, but with friends, it is much more fun! So grab a buddy and hit the gym!
9. Stay organized.
Your planner and/or phone calendar can quickly become your best friend in college. It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the different things you have to do, so write it down or type it into your phone calendar. This will ensure you do not forget anything. To-do lists also are helpful in college when your tasks begin to pile up. Consider getting a planner that have built-in to-do lists.
10. Have fun!
Like I said earlier, college is the best time of your life! Live it up. Make memories that will last a lifetime. These are the last four years before adulthood. Cherish them. a good rule of thumb: if you are debating taking a nap or participating in a fun activity, always do the latter! You can nap when college is over. Have fun now, while you can.
