A little over a week ago, I finished up my freshman year of college. It has been, without a doubt, one of the most unique experiences I've had in my life thus far. Looking back now, after the boxes have been packed away until next September, I've compiled a list of things to remember about your first year in college.
1. At times, you're going to sit back and think, "Wow. I'm in college."
Whether it's 1 AM and you're surrounded by homework you haven't yet finished or 7 AM when you're laying in bed contemplating whether or not it's worth it to get up for your early class, sometimes it'll hit you: you are a college student. In the business that is college life, sometimes you'll forget. It's okay to take a minute to let that sink in again before you get down to what you need to be working on.
2. The first friends you make may not be the ones you keep.
The main idea behind most of the points of this article is that these things are okay. Sometimes, the first people you befriend on a new campus will not be permanent fixtures in your life. Remember, it's completely okay to cut out toxic people and to let people whose ideals and goals don't fit with yours drift away. You are building your own life here, and choosing to find new people to surround yourself with is a liberty you should never feel bad for exercising.
3. Procrastination is going to happen.
This point rings especially true for students who live on-campus, but commuters can certainly still relate. There is always going to be something new on Netflix to get your attention or something on Facebook to scroll idly through. Procrastination will happen in college, but it's important to not let it rule your school life. Setting goals for yourself and sticking to them are more important than that show that's calling to you, and will be more meaningful to you further on in life.
4. Don't be afraid to change up your workload.
With #3 being said, you also shouldn't be afraid to drop or add a class if you feel you have too much or too little on your plate. College is about choices, and you can make the decision to drop that class that's much too difficult for your skill levels at the time or to add a class when you're feeling like you could take on something more. Being challenged is okay, but being stressed to the point of breaking over a class that's only going to get more challenging is not.
5. Go out and do things!
Getting out of your dorm room and getting involved elsewhere will be a breath of fresh air to your overworked and overwhelmed brain. Plus, getting involved will help you to make new friends and to be a part of something bigger on your campus! It's important to leave time to do the things you enjoy; sitting at your desk poring over a textbook all day is no fun. Getting out there on and around campus will make your experience a fun and memorable one.
6. Reach out for help if you need it.
Unlike high school, it is 100% okay to reach out for help when you're struggling in college. Tutors are easily accessible for any subject you're struggling in, and you shouldn't feel ashamed if you need to get help. Writing centers are also good places to look into if you're wanting to ace that essay and learn some tools to help you ace more essays to come.
7. The freshman fifteen can be more real than you think.
It'll be tempting to reach for the instant noodles on the days you have too much to do. However, junk foods in high quantities are plain bad for your body. The "freshman fifteen" a.k.a gaining weight when you first get to college is a real phenomenon. Watching what you eat and making sure to eat balanced meals can help with that and will keep you feeling good about yourself. It's also good to remember that having a meal away from your schoolwork will be a good break for your brain, too!
8. Sometimes taking a step back will help a lot.
Whenever I felt too overwhelmed and had the opportunity to go home during my freshman year, I took it. Now, I know this won't work for everyone, but changing up your environment when you feel sick of college (which will happen at some point) is the best thing you can do. Even just going to a nearby park and walking around for a while will help you to clear your head. Getting out of the school patterns you've created for yourself will keep your mood up and your mind refreshed. Plus, going home is a great excuse to do free laundry!
9. A failed paper isn't the end of the world.
Though it may feel like it, when you fail a paper or a test it won't be the end of the world. It happens to everyone. If you're feeling nervous, speak to your professor about how your grades are doing and if necessary ask about ways to bolster your grade to make up for that failed paper or test. Professors are there to help you, and usually will be more than willing to give you advice on what to do.
10. Though sometimes you'll struggle, all your hard work is going to pay off.
When you're feeling down about how much you have to do, just remember this: you are taking steps to further your education and yourself. Whether that leads to more school or a career is up to you, but you've set yourself on the path to figuring that out. Building a college experience that you enjoy and that will grow you as a person will create a memorable and useful experience for you. Make the most of it!
