With exams winding down and 1st semester coming to a close, I've been reflecting on the things that I've learned throughout my 1st semester as a freshman at Syracuse. Whether it has to do with school, friends, boys, or anything in-between, I've learned a ton during these past 4 months.
1. The people you meet the first week won't be your best friends
I naively thought that the first people I made friendly conversation with at the many orientation events would be my best friends. That couldn't be more false. True friendships take time and need to grow organically. At the very start of the year, everybody is in the same boat of trying to find their people.
I was so stressed at the beginning that I was behind in the friend-making game, but once I took a step back and let things happen naturally, I started forming great friendships that I am so grateful for.
2. Laundry is a pain in the ass
Saying goodbye to home this August also meant saying goodbye to the luxury of my mom doing my laundry. In college, you are solely responsible for making sure your clothes and sheets get washed. No one is going to keep you accountable, so it's up to you if you want to live in filth or not.
Doing laundry in the dorms can be frustrating because it is so time-consuming and people don't feel the need to take their clothes out of the wash once they're done...but you'll get through it -- everyone does!
3. Not everyone has the same personal hygiene standards as you
To put it simply: people are gross. You would think that it's pretty easy to flush the toilet, throw trash in the trashcan, wash your hands, and cover your mouth when you a cough...but apparently some people don't feel the same way.
4. Work piles up fast
My planner is my savior. Without it I would be so unorganized and not able to keep up with all my assignments. College is not like high school where teachers are constantly reminding you of due dates. Deadlines pop up out of nowhere and if you're not on top of your work and keeping yourself accountable, you'll fall behind real quick.
5. Social media will stress you out
During my first few weeks I found myself constantly thinking that everyone was having a better time than me because of the posts I'd see on Snapchat or Instagram. I was comparing my college experience to their highlight reels, putting up unrealistic expectations for myself. It was unhealthy and it caused me a lot of anxiety. Fortunately, I realized what I was doing pretty quick and focused on living in the now and being thankful for what I have going on in my life.
6. Homesickness comes and goes
I wasn't homesick at all during the first few weeks of school. Then during mid-September, I was hit with a wave of homesickness and it completely shocked me. I was so confused because I had been doing so well and was adjusting so easily. Homesickness is completely normal though and its okay to go through it -- everyone does.
7. You won't wear a majority of the clothes you packed
I overpacked -- tremendously. I brought so many pairs of cute jeans and sweaters, but in reality, I wear leggings and a sweatshirt to class every day. Let's face it: comfort > cute.
8. Time moves fast
I cannot believe that I'm basically halfway through freshman year. It feels like yesterday that I was moving into my dorm, sweating profusely in my no-AC room. These 4 months have been the best of my life and it is so crazy to me that half of it is over.
I pack up to go home for a full month this Friday and I seriously cannot believe that I'm halfway finished with freshman year. The first semester has been scary, fun, exciting, and amazing all in one and I am so thankful for the experiences that I have had here at Syracuse!
1/8th down, 7/8ths to go...