Every year that passes we reflect and learn a lot. We wish we had been given a heads up as to what was to come that year before we started it. The more important aspect of reflection, is what you were grateful for and remembering the happy memories made. Every year is packed full of different things, people, places and more. The thrill of freedom and new experiences of your freshmen year is unforgettable.
I was given pieces of advice here and there before taking my first big step in to the college world, but I had no true idea what was to come; the great memories I would make or all the crazy experiences I would have. Here are some of the most important bits of advice I hope to pass on to incoming freshman.
1. You will meet more people than you can possibly remember.
College is a huge pool of people. People know you without you knowing them, and you will see so many faces and meet many different people that it becomes hard to keep track. Everywhere you go you will meet new people. You will be adding more contacts and snapchat usernames to your phone than ever before.
2. You will learn about yourself.
Everybody has a pretty good idea of who they are going in to school, but that can change drastically in college. You've probably grown up in a pretty similar bubble your whole life, know the same people and have experienced similar things. College is a place where thousands of students come together and form a campus so big it feels like a whole new world. Through this, you will take your first step in being alone and entirely responsible for yourself. The freedom is amazing, but responsibility is huge. You will encounter all types of people, learn about different religion, politics, peoples stories and backgrounds. You will develop different likes and dislikes and learn more and more about who you are over time, and you may be taken by surprise.
3. You meet amazing people
One of the best parts of college is how many people you meet. You will make so many new friends and memories that will be important to you forever. Every time you go out, or even walk to class, you will learn new names and faces and run in to people who could become some of your best friends.
4. College is an endless cycle of stress and fun.
Although the school work feels impossible sometimes, before you know it the weekend has arrived and you'll have the time of your life, once again. Every weekend there are new parties, more things to do and more people to meet. So in the end, the fun you have in college certainly balances out the stress of school work during the week.
5. If grades are good, life is good.
The world feels like its crumbling down if your grades start to slack. Be sure to make appointments with teachers, TA's and tutors. Any extra help you receive can go great lengths. When you're doing well and grades are up, life feels like it couldn't get much better. Make sure to stay on top of things to ensure less stress.
6. You will be exposed.
You will be exposed to hundreds of new things, new people and new experiences. But through this you will learn a lot about others and be able to gain great life lessons.
7. Go out, get involved and have fun.
It's easy to stay in some nights and relax, but going out is an awesome way to make friends and memories of a lifetime. Try to get involved as best you can whether that be joining greek life, or clubs and intramural sports. The more involved you are, the better your experience will be.
8. Relationships are something most people are not looking for.
Being in college is similar to being in a candy shop. So many things you want to try. That being said, most are not willing to be tied down to one person during their first year of freedom, parties and new people. Don't have high expectations because often people are looking for one thing, and that is not a relationship.
9. College is the best time of your life.
Have fun, be open and be willing. Be social, be hardworking and give school work your all. When you do well in school, everything else will fall in to place. Go out, be social, party and meet as many people as you can. Through the late nights out, drunk runs to cosmos, funny Uber rides and crazy stories and memories, you will be putting together your first year of college which you will reflect on and be fond of for the rest of your life. You will make more memories freshmen year than any other year because of the new exposure, freedom, social life and adventure.
10. Take it all in, and enjoy it.
Freshmen year went by in the blink of an eye. The biggest thing I wish someone would've told me was to slow down and enjoy every second. You only get this year once, and it's the best. It'll be over before you know, so appreciate it all.
