Anyone who knows me know's that my younger sister, Sara, is my pride and joy. And even though you may see us arguing over silly things — like me talking too loud or her not letting me borrow her clothes — I love her more than anything. We are only a year and a half apart, and she is about to start college in just a few weeks, so naturally I am freaking out and so excited for her!
The small age difference helps with a lot of things, including her transition into college life since this was me just two years ago. And since she’s constantly asking me about advice for ASU, I thought I would write up some advice for all the little sisters out there heading to college soon.
Here you go my dear sissy, some tips for college from your big sis!
1. Don’t skip your 9 a.m.
Trust me, I know you thought 9 a.m. seemed a lot later than it is when you were making your schedule, but 9 a.m. classes can be tough, especially when you were up all night the night before binge-watching the latest Netflix obsession, studying or hanging out with your new friends. You will feel better and more productive when you keep your routine, so as hard as it is, get out of bed, throw on some Lulus and get to class. And then next semester, don’t sign up for a 9 a.m. — freshman mistake.
2. Don’t wait around for people.
Friends from high school, boys, no one. I promise, it’s not worth it. You only have one freshman year. Go out and make the best of it. The right people in your life will stick around and support you no matter what.
3. Become friends with the people on your floor.
Use that doorstop your CA gave you the first day and keep your door open! This is how I met everyone on my floor, whether it was them walking inside to introduce themselves, or me doing the same. It was such a fun way to get to know the people I was living with and see everyone’s rooms. Plus, everyone wants friends freshman year, and your hallmates are the perfect people to start with. Soon, you’ll be eating in the dining hall with them and their friends, and you’ll be inviting them to come shopping with you and yours.
4. Do make the gym part of your routine. I don’t think I need to say more. You saw me after my freshman year. Freshman 15 is real, but you can avoid it. Plus the gym is only a five-minute walk from your dorm.
5. Study at Hayden.
Or anywhere outside of your room, preferably before finals week is upon you. College is a lot harder than high school and studying an hour before your test just doesn’t cut it anymore. I found that I study best when I forced myself to go to the library with friends who also need to get work done. It keeps you all more accountable. Plus to make it more fun, you can all be in charge to bring a certain snack to share or grab Starbucks on the way. The sooner you get into a regular studying routine, the more successful you will be.
6. Rush a sorority.
Attend as many of the new-member events as you can, cheer on your house at intramural games, invite that guy from your class to your first date party or let your friend set you up with her boyfriend’s fraternity brother. I know it can all be a little intimidating going into something you’ve never done before, but once you get past the first couple times, it all becomes second nature. Soon you’ll have no problem meeting up with your friends at a fraternity philo or going with a random to formal. Greek life is what you make of it. The more you get involved and attend the events, the more people you will meet, and the more fun you will have.
7. It’s okay to binge eat at 3 a.m.
There’s a 24-hour Domino's and Taco Bell across the street for a reason. Whether you’re having a night in with your roomie or heading home from a night out, sometimes you just gotta eat.
8. You don’t always need to go out to have fun.
Some of my favorite nights from my freshman year were when my roommates or the people on my floor and I all hung out together. We’d order food, bring out blankets and pillows and chill in leggings in our hall. Maybe it sounds lame, but I could go on for hours about all of the fun nights we did this our freshman year.
9. Take a ton of pictures and videos.
College is all about making memories (and getting an education, of course). Don’t forget to stop and take pictures and videos of football games, Fall welcome events, birthdays and all of the fun events in between. Trust me, you’ll want to look back on those pics when you’re an upperclassman.
10. Use ASU’s resources.
The tutoring center, your freshman success coach, health services and more. Your tuition goes to all of these things to make sure you are successful in college. Plus, getting that extra help in math or stopping by the doctors on campus can help prevent you from becoming burned out and sick later.
11. Eat at Barrett.
It’s as good as everyone says — compared to Hassy, anyway. And it’s definitely worth the meal swipe plus a few M&G. When you’re having a bad day, nothing beats a Barrett burger, fries and gelato.
12. It’s okay to go home.
Mom is close to ASU, and sometimes you’ll need her for a home-cooked meal, your own bed or even just a hug. It’s okay to go home for the extra feeling of comfort. Freshman year is hard, but balancing everything and transitioning slowly will make it a little easier.
13. Make time for yourself.
Whether that’s going for a walk around campus, finding a quiet place to study in your hall or treating yourself to a pedicure once in a while, your “me time” will be something you will learn to cherish, especially when you’re constantly surrounded by other people.
14. I’m just a text/phone call/short walk away.
ASU may be a big campus, but I’m just a five-minute walk away anytime you need me to borrow clothes, catch up or for a sister sleepover.
15. Have fun.
I was a grandma freshman year, and while I don’t necessarily regret it, I definitely wish I put myself out there more. Go out with your friends on Saturday night, go to football games, concerts and as many fun events as you can. I started to love college once I surrounded myself with new people all the time. It forced me to get out of my comfort zone and get to know different guys and girls that I now call my best friends. Grow your network, make friends, have fun and soon, ASU won’t feel like such a big place anymore
Just a few weeks till we take on the same school again. Can't wait to see what we can get ourselves into. Good luck, sissy!
