As an incoming freshman, it’s like you are starting a new life. You are saying goodbye to high school friends and separating for your family. You’re going to be on your own at college and maybe you have no idea what to expect. Regardless of where you come from, this is a major change in your life. When thinking about moving out maybe you’re nervous, excited, scared or even all three but overall college is an amazing time. Here are some things that I wish I would’ve known coming into my freshman year of college.
1. Keep your door open
Freshman year you move into your dorm, meet your roommate, your parents leave, and then what? All freshman are typically encouraged to put themselves out there and join clubs and teams in order to make new friends, but one of the easiest ways to make new friends is to keep your dorm room door open. You’d be surprised how many friends you can make by just keeping your door open and saying “hi” to people who walk by. Introduce yourself to people who walk by and don’t be afraid!
2. ALWAYS have Advil and water in your school bag
Whether it’s after sitting through a three hour lab or eating lunch in the dining hall, you are most likely going to have a headache. And then when you have the headache and no Advil you will get cranky, and then you won’t be focused during your next class, and then you’ll have to take a nap, and then you won’t be able to fall asleep at night because you took a nap, and then you’ll be too tired to get up for your 8:00am class the next day…just keep Advil in your bag.
3. Don’t lose who you are
It’s hard not to lose who you are at college sometime. You’re going to change a little and find things that you like and things that you don’t like but it is important to not lose what you value. Don’t forget about where you came from. Don’t forget about your friends and family back home. Don’t forget your morals. Don't loose who you are.
4. Don’t forget the overall goal
Believe it or not, the overall goal of college is not to get drunk every night. WE ARE HERE TO GET A DEGREE PEOPLE. Yes you should still have fun and do what you want, but just be smart about it. If you’re flunking psychology class, don’t go out the night before the exam. I promise you that there will be other parties, but there won’t be a chance for you to retake this exam.
5. Cherish the moments
College goes by in the blink of an eye. Before you know it, you’ll be a senior who is freaking out because they have to enter the real world soon. Take pictures, have fun, be crazy, and make memories. You will most likely become best friends with the people around you for life so cherish the moments and the memories.
