8 Things College Freshmen Definitely Shouldn't Do Their First Semester
Start writing a post
Student Life

8 Things College Freshmen Definitely Shouldn't Do Their First Semester

Going to college can always be a scary transition, but it's also a time where you can discover yourself in many different ways.

297734
8 Things College Freshmen Definitely Shouldn't Do Their First Semester
https://unsplash.com/photos/-Xv7k95vOFA

Beginning college last year, a lot of my friends from high school and relatives about to go off to college have asked me what I loved about my first "year away from home." But in reality, I didn't have an answer. All because my first year as that little freshman girl with a backpack of school supplies and a baggy school pride sweater was not really what I wanted from the experience. I distanced myself from everything besides classes, ultimately making the year drag on. But now, as a sophomore, I'm absolutely ready to take this new school year head-on, avoiding these top 10 mistakes I made my first year.

1. Holding off talking to my roommate until move-in day

I didn't even try to figure out how to get in touch with this stranger I was now supposed to live with for the next year and ended up bringing every item that was on the school "recommended" list. Little did I know, my roommate had also done the same thing, and it took us about a week to figure out how to fit everything we owned into the small dorm room.

2. Not introducing myself to the rest of my floor or RA

Last year my floor was filled with brand new freshmen girls. Most were very quiet and kept to themselves, which only encouraged my shyness and led to never speaking to anyone. You should always try to get to know most of the people on your floor. You never know who you're going to meet and who could be your next best friend.

3. Not joining any clubs/sports teams/extracurriculars

Joining clubs or any sort of group that is outside of your normal class schedule can be a great stress-reliever. Trust me, you don't want to be sitting in your dorm after hours of studying and not have anything left to do except continue to sit there. Joining any sort of activity during your year away at school will help the transition go more smoothly, help you meet new people, and feel a little happier at the end of the day.

4. Making time for myself

Everyone needs a break from the world once in a while. Just remember that there is nothing wrong with setting down the books and watching your favorite movie or doing an arts and craft project. Whatever helps you relax at the end of a long and stressful week, always remember to make time for it when it's desperately needed.

5. Not managing my time effectively

She's begging you to call her. If she's not already blowing up your phone, she's learned to control herself as she waits patiently for you to make the first move. Even if it's just a text explaining what you did that week or a Skype call scheduled once a week, check in with her instead of only calling when you need something.

6. Going home almost every weekend

Going home every weekend keeps you from getting involved on campus, and as stated above, getting involved is something that helps the transition into college go a lot smoother.

7. Eating a bunch of junk food

Without Mom or Dad telling you how many cups of water to drink or which fruits and vegetables to eat on the daily, your body almost shuts down. You feel weak and tired all the time, and you're much more vulnerable to getting sick. Even if you're not a fan of the healthy living, remember to drink water daily and fit those fruits and vegetables in at least during every meal.

8. Not acting like my true self

Going to college can always be a scary transition, but it's also a time where you can discover yourself in many different ways. No matter where you're going or what you're studying, remember to always be true to yourself and make every day a memorable one.

Report this Content
Featured

27 Hidden Joys

Appreciation for some of life's most discredited pleasures.

32279
Best Things in Life

Life is full of many wonderful pleasures that many of us, like myself, often forget about. And it's important to recognize that even on bad days, good things still happen. Focusing on these positive aspects of our day-to-day lives can really change a person's perspective. So in thinking about the little things that make so many of us happy, I've here's a list of some of the best things that often go unrecognized and deserve more appreciation:

Keep Reading...Show less
beer on the beach

Summer is hot and humid, and it's almost like summer was made specifically to drink the refreshing, cold, crisp wonderful, delicious, nutritious nectar of the gods. Which is none other than beer; wonderful cold beer. With summer playing peek-a-boo around the corner while we finish up this semester, it's time to discuss the only important part of summer. And if you haven't already guessed, it's beer. There are few things I take more seriously than my beer, in order are: sports... and beer. Here are my favorite summer brews:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

7 Reasons SoCal Rocks!

75 degrees and sunny, plus, no humidity. I mean do I really need to say more?

4812
woman in black and white long sleeve shirt carrying girl in red jacket in Venice beach
Photo by Jeff Hopper on Unsplash

SoCal summers are the best summers by far, and honestly, no argument is needed. But, if you aren't sure why SoCal summers are the best, here are 7 reasons why!

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

25 Lyrics for Selfie Captions

Because let's be honest, we all use lyrics.

56340
woman takes a selfie for social media
Pixabay

Sometimes you can't think of the perfect caption for your Instagram post. I love using lyrics as my captions because there's so many great lines in songs that just seem to fit in the moment. Here are some lyrics that could work for your selfie or pictures of you with your friends!

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Bruce Springsteen's Top 7 Lyrics

Everything Bruce says in his classic rock songs.

40562
bruce springsteen album cover born in the usa

Anyone who was born and raised in New Jersey (or anywhere really) knows of Bruce Springsteen, whether or not they like him is a whole other situation. I hope that his hundreds of classic rock songs and famous high energy performances, even in his sixties he can put on better concerts than people half his age, are at least recognizable to people of all ages. Love him or hate him (I identify with the former) you have to admit that some of his songs and interviews have inspirational quotes and lyrics.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments