Here we are...somehow four months just flew by and the blur also known as my first semester of college has come to an end. The first day of college is still so vivid: the nerves, anticipation, and of course- the excitement. The first few months of college can teach you a lot about yourself and life in general. After reflecting on my freshman year so far, here are 10 useful pointers:
1. "Adulting" isn’t always easy, but it can be fun
When your parents/guardians drive away and leave you on your own, you suddenly realize all the little things that you took for granted. Mom folding your clothes fresh out of the dryer, a “magically” re-stocked fridge with your favorite snacks, or a hug when you need it. And because this is how life works, you don’t realize what’s missing until it is gone...which now means you have to “adult” on your own. But it’s not all that bad, because you get to make your own decisions and completely manage your own time. So while "adulting" can be draining and challenging at times, it is a remarkably liberating experience.
2. The first month is...well...pretty awkward
Sorry to be the one to tell you, but the first month of college really puts your social skills to the test. It will probably be the span of time in your life thus far with the most uncomfy experiences back-to-back. A lot of awkward ice-breakers *cue many awkward silences* and trying to find your niche. The good news is that you’ll figure it out, and everyone is feeling the same way.
3. Fake it till you make it
Probably the most useful piece of advice for a first semester freshman. Despite the fact that everyone is adjusting to countless changes and stressors, it will seem like everybody has their sh#t together...which in turn might make you feel discouraged if you don’t feel 100% put-together at all times. The thing is- nobody actually has it all together, they're just putting on a facade. Just fake it till you make it: convince yourself that you feel completely comfortable and confident, and you’ll actually probably start to believe it yourself.
4. FOMO is real: but don’t give it the time of day
No one ever told me about the FOMO I was destined to experience once in college. It pretty much starts the week you arrive on campus. You will feel the need to be at everything in order to establish your place and sense of belonging. It is important to not overexert yourself or put off responsibilities because you are too busy being a social butterfly. Always know that there will be another party, another group dinner, or whatever it might be. With that being said, make sure to stay involved and be open to meeting new people!
5. The freshman 15 can be a myth
I’ve heard all the stories about the freshman 15, and I am here to tell you that it doesn’t really exist. It can happen, in fact I gained a bit of healthy weight when I came to college. But it is important to know that you don’t have to change your eating habits, and going to college doesn't mean that you'll suddenly be eating unhealthy all of the time. Finding a balance is key; make sure to take care of yourself and to get proper nutrition. Staying active is important too, not only for physical health but also for stress relief. Make use of your campus’ gym if it has one, and there are usually healthy alternatives in the dining hall. But with that being said, enjoy those late-night food runs or pizza deliveries on Saturday nights...live a little!
6. You’ll probably change
Looking back, I am not the same person coming out of my first semester of freshman year that I was going into it, and that’s okay! You gain a lot of new experiences, meet new people, and learn a lot about yourself and what you value. If you stayed the exact same your whole life, you’d still be the exact same person you were at age 12...and I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say we are all glad that that is not the reality. So if at any point you feel like a slightly different version of yourself, just know that personal change and growth is normal, even if it means learning from mistakes.
7. Not everything is perfect all of the time
Life is not an Instagram feed. Not everything always plays out exactly how you imagined it, and there can be some moments in your first semester where you feel absolutely exhausted, homesick, and maybe just fed up. There may be days where you just want to lay low in your dorm and not talk to anyone. You might need a good cry session. Whatever life throws your way, just don’t take yourself too seriously and accept the fact that life is perfectly imperfect. Trust that you are strong and will be able to overcome these obstacles.
8. Don’t procrastinate on laundry
A random bit of advice. Waking up in the morning and realizing all you have to wear is a pajama shirt with shorts you already wore earlier this week (shh) isn’t the greatest moment, and you’ll find yourself wishing you had tossed in a load of laundry before it came to this. Don’t procrastinate on laundry...or you will have nothing to wear. Don’t say you'll do it tomorrow (that’s a lie), don’t convince yourself that clean clothes will magically appear in your closet tomorrow (also not realistic), just don’t do it..okay?
9. Your new friends will become like family
People you didn't even know four months ago will become your family away from home. From movie nights, to “family” dinners and brunches after late weekend nights, you’ll begin to forget what life is like without these friends by your side. Saying goodbye for breaks will be hard, and your phone will probably be blowing up because of the group chat you made.
10. You won’t want it to end
As you’re packing up and leaving your dorm sweet dorm for a month, you’ll begin wondering how time flew by so fast. You’ll probably miss your campus, tiny little dorm, friends, and even certain classes. Just another reminder to make the most of your college experiences, through the lows and highs, it is a time in your life you’ll never forget!
