Freshman year of college is always daunting at first because it is a huge change in your daily routines, friends, space, and environment. When I was a freshman, I had no idea where to go, what to bring and pack, and how to maneuver through the massive campus of Penn State.
Here are a few guidelines to help make your adjustment process easier—
it’s safe to say I wish I had this for when I was in your position! Don’t hold back because it will be over before you know it and you will wish you could do it all over again.1. You don't have as much space as you think.
Living with another person in basically the size of a shoebox can get tricky. People are used to having their own space or room to have a clothes explosion. Those people have a rude awakening when walking into their freshman year dorm. As long as you take note of how much space you actually have to stay within, you won’t find yourself having to send your favorite clothes home because they didn’t fit. My side of the dorm was so packed, I had to even count my underwear to take some out to make space—trust me it was bad.
2. Don't buy textbooks until you go to the first day of classes.
You'll often find there’s a long list of unnecessary textbook titles. Don’t get stressed, you probably don’t need all of them. Go to the first day of classes for each subject and get a feel for what you need depending on the professor you have. Some professors are anti textbooks and choose not to use them. Textbooks are expensive so it’s easy to avoid having a random textbook that you don’t use by just waiting until syllabus week is over.
3. Sleep, always sleep.
This may seem obvious, but you will lose track of time when you get caught up in freshman year. Between partying and studying, it's hard to leave time for a decent amount of sleep. Try to prioritize it as much as possible or have a nap a day to energize your body.
4. Be open to new things.
College is about finding yourself, your passions and goals. Don’t hold back on opportunities that could make you thrive. Be yourself while also trying something new to expand your knowledge. It’s always good to get involved in as much as possible.
5. Call your parents. You won't realize how much you need them until you live without them.
Imagine your parents are with you for 18 years and then one day you’re all moved out. You're now away at college— this kills them. Don’t forget about them! They want those quick calls you'll make while walking to class just to check-in, the FaceTime of you and your friends before you go out, or even a random “I love you” text just so they know you’re thinking about them.
6. Don't procrastinate— just don't.
7. Don't be afraid of the "freshman 15."
The famous freshman 15 — where they gain 15 pounds during their first semester and spend the rest trying to get rid of it. It’s ok to allow yourself to dive into the greasy, cheesy, or sweet goodness. You only are a freshman once so don’t be afraid to take advantage of your young body while you can. I can vouch that it was definitely worth it.
8. Save money as much as you can.
Incoming freshman students might not know the worth of a dollar or how quickly you can just spend it all. Your spending habits will surface quickly and you will not be happy when you see your bank account. Keep money aside as best as possible so you aren’t ever in a pickle when it comes to expenses. It is normally hard for a freshman to regulate their money because it’s the first time they are alone and not hearing their parents say “no” or sometimes they just aren’t thinking.
9. Know your limits.
You don’t ever want to be that girl/boy who ruins a night out with their friends and has to be taken home and put to bed. Only you know what you can handle. Being in a new environment isn’t the time to start testing yourself. Be smart while having fun.
10. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Freshman year is a year of a lifetime. Don’t sweat the little things and venture into the things that matter most. If you blink, you might just miss it.
Don’t be afraid to be whoever you want to be. College is a new slate, a new chance, and the first look at freedom. No one cares who you were in high school. You’re on your own for the first time but it’s an unforgettable change. You will come out different, empowered, and a boss of your own life if you take advantage of your freshman year.
Do your work and simply have fun. You will not regret living every moment of the year with your best friends. I know I don’t.
