Whenever someone would tell me my college years would fly by, I never believed them. I thought that it would be the longest four years of my life. Little did I know that at the end of my junior year, I would be complaining how college went too fast. I'm really dreading the first day of senior year, let's be real. I wish I had the capabilities of rewinding time so I can go back to the first day of freshman year.
To the incoming freshmen, do not take these next four years for granted. You probably will have points where you want to give up and not do it anymore, but being in college is definitely worth it. It is one of the greatest opportunities that allows you to get involved and make new friends, while getting the best education possible. When I first started college, I knew little to nothing about how my experience would be. Over the last three years, I learned a lot about college and myself, which probably would have saved me as a freshmen in college.
If you're a commuter like myself, you should leave for class as earlier as an hour before.
I'm not one to be late for school, but I learned that it is crucial to leave for class at least an hour before because you never know what type of traffic, snow storm, or hurricane you may hit on the way to class. Also, if you go to a school where parking is a major headache, you don't want to leave for class 15 minutes before, trust me, you'll thank me later.
Try not to purchase textbooks at your school bookstore.
Unless your professor absolutely requires you to get a book from the bookstore, I found that it is cheaper to buy books from websites, such as Chegg, Amazon, and ValoreBooks.
Get Involved!
It is important to get involved on campus as early as your first semester. It enables you to make new friends while being part of a community. Trust me, there is a club for everyone!
Read those required books that your professors assign you.
As an English major, I have been required to read one book per week. Even though it got to be heavy, I learned that by me reading, I was more successful in my classes. Whenever I do not read, I find that I often am missing out in class and confused.
Definitely, most definitely, do not save all your work for the last minute.
College is the prime time to be a procrastinator! I am guilty of that. But lately, I find myself getting more done when I do not procrastinate. If you do your work earlier than its due right from the beginning of freshman year, you'll be set for the rest of your college career!
Go to your professors office hours.
Even though it may be scary to talk to your professor outside of class, it always helps to go to them for extra help. I found that I have been more successful in classes when I form relationships with my professors by going to them for extra help. It shows how you're interested in their class.
Don't be afraid to make new friends, they're going through the same thing as you.
Let's be real, you and your fellow freshmen class are all going to be going through the same thing, so do not be afraid to talk to each other! You'll share the same worries so don't stress about meeting new friends. You'll find yourself meeting a lot of new people!
And most importantly...
Have fun!
If they said high school was fun, college is even better. You're finally able to gain your independence while being responsible at the same time. Do not stress the small stuff! You only have four years so make the absolute best of it!
