Starting college can be a little scary and intimidating. Leaving the comfort of your home town where you grew up, your family, your friends and everything you have ever known to start a new chapter in your life. As you pack up your whole closet and most of your bedroom, you start to think about all of the things you have heard about college and freshman year and start to get a little nervous. You have heard people's "advice" about what to do and not to do and what to expect. There are a few tips I have to help ease the stress about starting at a new school.
1. Go to all of the "silly" freshmen things
Go to the hall meetings and go to the dorm parties. Go to the "get to know each other" events. It's how you're going to make friends. I know some events sound silly or boring or may be something that you are not interested in but trust me GO TO THEM. Maybe even join an intramural team. You will meet people who you may be friends with the rest of your college career.
2. Do not be afraid to strike up conversations
This goes along with number 1. At these events or in class, do not be afraid to start a conversation with someone. Give them a compliment, ask them where they are from, ask them anything. Odds are they are as nervous as you and will appreciate it.
3. Don't believe all of the rumors you hear
People will fill your head with all sorts of rumors about college and the parties and to beware of the frat boys and don't take more than 4 classes and how you will spend hours and hours. All I have to say is do not believe everything you hear. Make your own experiences and make your own mistakes. Take advantage of the experience of going away to school and make it your own story.
4. Do not be afraid to sit/eat alone
It's okay to sit and eat alone. Study at the library alone. Sit at the student union and eat alone. Nobody will judge you. This is not like high school, nobody worries about what you're doing or why you're alone. Everybody does their own thing and that's what's great.
5. Put school first
It may seem like some things are way more important than studying for that Bio exam you have coming up. Trust me, they are not. Remember why you are there. You are at school to get your degree. I'm not saying to turn down all opportunities to have fun but if you have an exam or homework, do not procrastinate and make sure you focus on school.
6. Nobody will be mad at you if you turn down an invite to party or go out to do school work
Like I said before school comes first. You can turn down invitations to study or work on school. IT. IS. OKAY.
7. Don't fall for every guy who tells you you're beautiful
Yes, some guys may genuinely mean it but if you're out at the club with your girls and a slightly intoxicated male says "hey girl, you're beautiful", does not mean you need to go home with him. It also does not mean that you're obligated to like him or date him or go out with him. It's okay to say "thank you" and move on.
8. Greek life isn't everything
You do not need to be a part of Greek life to have a good time at school. Do not feel pressured to join a sorority/fraternity just because you heard if you don't you won't have any friends and won't be invited to any parties, that is not true. Join because you want to, if that's what you're into, not just because of things you heard.
9. Call your parents
And not just when you need money. Call them to say hi, to tell them about your day, update them on your schedule, they will appreciate it. Believe me, they miss you. They want to hear from you and known you're having fun and doing well in school. They're proud of you and want you to know that.
10. It's okay to be homesick
You've been with your family for 18 years. They have always been there and it's okay to miss them. You're not the only person at school who misses their family and friends.
11. Don't forget about your high school friends
You're going to be busy making new friends and finding yourself at your new school but do not lose touch or forget about your high school friends. They were with you through all of your awkward stages and all of the drama and they still loved you for you. Those are some of your forever friends.
12. Stay close with your siblings
Just as you're cheering and crying tears of joy that you finally get your own space and don't have to share your clothes with anybody you don't want to share them with ever again.... you realize how much you're going to miss your siblings, and that's okay. Stay in touch with them. Plan visits and use your sibling group chat and if you don't have one, make one. They look up to you and you look up to them. You guys will always love each other and it is important to maintain that bond when you don't live in the same house anymore.
13. Always have a backup plan
This is a general rule that goes for everything. Have a back up plan. Do not assume that your first plan is definite.
14. It's okay to change your major
Yes, even if you change it multiple times. You are trying to find yourself and trying to find your passion. You are choosing a profession to do for a large portion of your life, take your time and find something you love.
15. Learn time management skills
Schedule time for things. Schedule time to study, to have fun, to hang with friends, for alone time and anything else. It is much easier when you have a schedule. Otherwise, time may slip away from you and you may forget to study for an important exam or not plan enough time to sleep.
16. Take breaks when you are overwhelmed
It is normal to get overwhelmed when you are trying to make it through your first semester with decent grades. So when you feel stressed or get overwhelmed with your workload or homework, take a break, do some yoga, go to the gym, or watch your favorite TV show. Give yourself a break for an hour then try again.
17. Go to the gym or be active
I'm sure you have all heard of the Freshmen 15... well it is not always a myth. If you do not stay active or try and go to the gym or even take walks, add that together with eating whatever you want and going out with friends and drinking beer... it all adds up and sometimes makes your pants a little tighter.
18. Be confident in your abilities
You made it through high school and some of the most awkward stages of your life, you made it through the drama and the days that you thought were the worst days of your life. You can do this! These are some of the best years of your life!
