Congratulations on finishing high school! I bet your excited and nervous to begin the next big journey of your life. Moments like these make you feel like you’re about to watch the opening credits for a movie you’ve been waiting to see for ages. Getting ready for college seems like the best time to learn the 10 freshman year lessons taught by your favorite teen-movie characters.
1. Think Big
Freaky Student, Accepted (2006):
Enter college with a goal or a dream you hope to accomplish by the end of the year. Just like the Freaky Student (he totally deserves an actual name), you probably already have one that you’ve been telling people. It doesn’t have to seem realistic at first. When you work towards your goal every day you will most likely reach it. Want to make the Dean's List both semesters? Make a schedule of when to do homework and when assignments are due. Make appointments with your student tutoring center. Make a study group with people that have the same goal as you. Once you know your goal, think of ways you plan to accomplish it. Achieving your goal will be a mind blowing experience.2. Get Involved
Max Fisher, Rushmore (1998):
Many college have clubs and organizations that are accessible to all of their attending students. If there's a club that they don't currently have, become the founding member! Max Fisher practically participated in all of Rushmore's student activities. In fact, he created many of the clubs he was in. Usually creating an official club on campus takes a few signatures and a description of your club. Involvement in any group during your four years shows commitment to future employers. Other benefits to being involved are being able to meet interesting people and learn who you are as a college student. Sometimes getting too involved can be overwhelming. The key is to create a balanced schedule that allows you to be a student and a voice for your campus.
3. Show Off Your Skills
Karen Smith, Mean Girls (2004):
Everyone has a special talent that can lead them to amazing opportunities. You could be skilled at guitar playing, dancing, shooting hoops, or the ability to predict when it's going to rain through your breasts. Be like Karen Smith and broadcast your talent to your college community! Look for posters around campus on current events that appeal to you. The best time to show your skill could be at an Open Mic Night. Showing off your skills at events can help you make friends with students and faculty. If you shoot hoops at an open gym, then maybe you could be invited to join the Inramural basketball team. Be brave and show off your skill! Maybe your skill might even land you on ESPN or something.
4. Get Creative With Your Cafeteria Food
Allison Reynolds, The Breakfast Club
(1985):There's more to college meals besides pizza, easy mac and ramen. Although these delicious options may be an easy fix, go to your cafeteria and take note of what's available. Cafeteria food combinations are endless. They're serving chicken nuggets, fresh veggies, brownies and ice cream for late night meal? Just make a chicken salad with an ice cream sandwich for desert. Mixing different fountain drinks together can also improve your dining experience. Allison Reynolds reinvented her baloney sandwich into a breakfast cereal surprise. Think about all the meals could have ! If you're cafeteria food really bores your tastes buds, you can always make suggestions to the kitchen staff on certain food options you would like to have.
5. Wear What Makes You Feel Fantastic
Andie Walsh, Pretty in Pink (1986):
College is a great time to update your wardrobe and find your style. Andie Walsh was confident in her trendy pink outfits for a reason. The most obvious trend is wearing what makes you feel amazing. There’s nothing wrong with wearing sweatpants and a hoodie to class. There’s also nothing wrong with wearing something on the formal side. Even trying new looks outside of your comfort zone can be a fun thing to do. You’re the one wearing the outfit and you should be able to rock any look you want.
6. Roll With The Punches
new won't have you in the back of a police car.
7. Cut Ties with Toxic People
Veronica Sawyer, Heathers (1989):
Some relationships are not meant to last forever. Killing off your enemies is not the answer. Veronica Sawyer might have learned that the hard way. What Veronica did understand is that her friends and boyfriend were not the best people to be around. People often change during their transition into college. The friends you've had since orientation suddenly has become cruel. The person you've been dating for months has developed behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable. You should confront the people about how you're feeling. If they won't listen, then maybe it's time to say goodbye. Do not stay in a relationship if it makes you miserable just for the sake of keep other people happy.
8. You’re Never Alone On Campus
Cameron Frye, Ferris Bueller's Day Off
(1986):Anxiety and stress are natural feelings for college students to have. Midterms can be a nightmare and deciding a major is a scary step into the future. Cameron Frye totally freaked out thinking about his future. He later realized that Sloane was also nervous about her future, too. No matter what your campus's population is, there is at least one other person who's struggling with the same problems. Try reaching out to your advisor, guidance counselor, roommate, or a classmate your close with. Sometimes it's nice to look at the big picture with someone else.
9. Be There for Your Friends
Earl, Me, Earl, and The Dying Girl (2015):
You’ve probably already learned this lesson before, but it’s one you should never forget. Whether it’s the best friend you’ve had since elementary school or your roommate you’ve become siblings with, always support them like they have supported you. Remember how you're never alone? Make sure your friends know that too. Earl is probably one of the enjoyable movie characters to watch because he is such a loyal friend to both Rachel and Greg. He cracks jokes and is honest with his friends. Sounds simple? Because it is. Friends are bound to go through a rough patch during their time in college. It could be a break-up or dealing with the death of someone close to them. They may not reach out for help, but always let them know that you’ve got their back no matter what happens.
10. Stay Close To Family
Jim Levenstein, American Pie
(1999):Life can get a little awkward and confusing, yet your family members somehow have advice for every situation…well, maybe except for the one about the pie. Jim Levenstein had a pretty open relationship with his dad and sometimes his advice was what he needed to hear. It's great to have support on and off campus. Take time out to contact your parents if you attend a college that's away from home. Have a family meal together if you commute to your college every day. Your family members are your biggest fans during your years in college. They want you to graduate and they are willing to help with any problems you might have along the way.
