Your first year of college can be a little scary. For some of you, it's your first time living alone, which makes the whole year one giant learning experience. It can be tough to juggle new friendships, difficult classes, and newfound freedom.
To help mitigate some of the worries you may have about this new chapter, I've compiled a list of the eight things I learned during my freshman year at UCLA.
1. Meet with your professors
You will probably hear this a thousand times your freshman year, but for good reason. Your professors want to help you succeed, as scary or as intimidating as they may seem. Ultimately, it is their job to answer your questions and you are paying to be in their class, so utilize them as a resource. You'll be happy you did.
2. Budget wisely
Money doesn't grow on trees, so it's important to spend your money wisely. Five-dollar coffees and Uber rides from one end of campus to another do add up, which leaves less money to spend on other activities. Also, you're in college and things can go wrong. It's important to have the extra cash in case of emergencies.
3. Get involved
Getting involved in clubs and organizations on campus is a great way to meet other students with similar interests. As a freshman, college can seem like a never-ending sea of unfamiliar faces. Joining student groups helps make a big school feel smaller. Also, if you're anything like me, clubs and organizations keep you busy, making your time more valuable, thus preventing procrastination.
4. Work hard, play hard
This may sound like a given, but trust me, it is easy to get distracted in college. Just like grades mattered in high school, they matter even more in college. The higher your GPA, the more opportunities you have down the road.
But that being said, it's also important to let your hair down sometimes. Going out with friends and having fun is a great way to release stress.
5. Don't study in your dorm
Dorms serve two purposes: getting ready and sleeping. If you study in your dorm, you're exposing yourself to a world of distractions. Instead, study in a library, in a café, or even outside.
6. Stay active
The freshman fifteen is very real. If you want to avoid putting on the extra lbs, take advantage of your on-campus gyms or even go for an outdoor run. Additionally, daily exercise helps to maintain stress levels, minimize breakouts, and boost overall self-esteem.
7. Find hidden gems on campus
You're only in college for a limited time. Find the relaxing outdoor study spots or the virtually unknown cafes. Take walks around campus and become familiar with all the unique places it has to offer.
8. Talk to your family regularly
Just as going off to college is an adjustment for you, it's also an adjustment for your family. Call them, communicate with them, let them know what's going on in your life. They probably worry about you a lot, so it's nice to ease their minds and let them know how you're doing.
Hopefully these tips can help you find success in college. Just remember that it's okay to make mistakes, but don't let them define you. Have fun and make the most of your experience.
If you'd like to see how my freshman year went, click here.
