1. Grades do not define you.
In highschool I was the person who made straight A's and didn't even have to try for them. When I made my first bad grade in college, I began to feel like I wasn't smart enough anymore and it began to make me constantly frustrated with myself. But then I learned that the majority of people are also struggling, and the most important thing is what you get out of the class and what you learn. Most job employers look for people who were involved and have an outgoing personality rather than people who made 4.0s and weren't involved in college anyway.
2. It is okay to order a whole pizza for yourself.
The freshman 15 can be a real thing. But do not be scared by this. Sometimes a whole pizza and Netflix is all you need to make yourself feel better. Don't feel guilty about this.
3. It is okay to be alone.
At the beginning of college, I was terrified of being by myself, or even walking around campus by myself. But college as taught me that being alone is okay, and sometimes you really need alone time.
4. Being single isn't a bad thing.
A lot of people find relationships in college and it gets hard seeing all of your friends happy in their relationships. But you have to remember that you are only a freshman and there is still so much more time for you. So, have fun with your friends and enjoy being single while you can.
5. Keeping in touch with your family is crucial.
I call my mom at least four times a week, and on some weeks every day. Your parents will miss you more than anything and it is so important to make sure you do not lose contact. College can keep you extremely busy, and you will sometimes forget to call. But a phone call home to my parents always brightens my day and reminds me of the support they have for me.
6. Money is power, don't spend it all.
Spending money becomes so easy when you get to college. I blew through all of my summer job money mid-way through the fall semester. Cook meals at home, or use your meal swipes on campus more often because before you know it, your bank account will read zero and your parents will not be happy.
7. Take pictures.
Taking pictures is so important. There will be so many memories in college that you do not want to forget about. Sometimes I take too many pictures and probably annoy my friends with the amount of pictures I ask them to take but it is worth it. Looking back at all of the pictures from freshman year and seeing how much I have changed is special.
8. You will get hurt, but you will learn from it.
Whether it be a friend backstabbing you, or a boy hurting you, this will happen. It also becomes even harder when you don't have your mom to cry to. But through all of these experiences, you become stronger than you could have ever imagined. It might take time, but you will move on. Remember that everything happens for a reason.
9. Procrastination will be the death of you.
I thought procrastination was bad in high school but just wait until college. If you wait until the night before to write a huge paper, or to study for a big exam, you will be screwed. In college things take so much more time, and everything is ten times more difficult and lengthy. I have learned to stay on top of things. It makes life so much easier.
10. Sometimes watching a movie in bed on a Friday night is necessary.
You will have these nights. All of your friends will want to go out, and try and convince you to do so. But I have learned that sometimes staying in and watching your favorite movie can be some of the best nights.
11. Never forget who you are.
College opens you up to a whole new life. You will meet a TON of new people and make new friends. But never forget who you are and where you came from. All of your new friends do not know anything about you, so it can be easy to change. But just remember what you stand for and you will become the best you yet.
12. Just because you can go out on school nights does not mean you should go out every night.
Being away from home and having all of the freedom in the world can be extremely tempting. People will want to go out every day of the week and it can be tempting if you don't have any schoolwork to do. But being hungover for your 8 AM class the next morning is never fun.
13. You will have to deal with people that you do not like.
I have learned how to socially deal with people that I do not like and who do not like me. My roommate hated me and I had to deal with her and learn to be positive in negative situations. Although this sucks, it teaches you real-life skills and how to deal with people in the real world. It can be though, but it is a useful skill to possess.
14. You will make mistakes.
I have made countless mistakes, and it is just my first year. The best advice is to not beat yourself up about these mistakes. Everybody makes them and everybody has to deal with the consequences. Just remember the good things and all of the things that you have accomplished and you will be okay.
15. You will have the time of your life.
College is the best four years of your life. Although things can be tough and sometimes life will smack you right in the face, you will enjoy every minute of it. My freshman year has flown by in the blink of an eye, but I wouldn't change anything for the world.
