If you're a freshman in college, you've probably had an interesting year filled with new experiences, new people, and new priorities. Taking a step back and recalling all of the lessons learned from college thus far is important because it sets the tone for sophomore year and it allows you to take pride in how far you've already come. While there are hundreds of little lessons learned throughout both semesters, here are 10 that I personally found important.
1. Do what makes you happy.
Not everyone knows what they want to do for a living in the future, including many students in college. So don't worry at all if you have no clue what you want to do, because you're part of the majority. Instead, find a major that most interests you and start there. You can always change it... in fact, I've known people that decided to change their major their senior year of college (lots of courses overlap)! At the end of the day, find something that makes you happy because if you're going to spend 80% of your life working, then it better be something you love to do.
2. Have some self-respect.
Yes, college is a good time to meet new people and put yourself out there, however, coming from someone who remains faithful in a long-distance relationship, it's very important to have self-respect and to stay classy. Yes, it's possible to do this at fraternity parties and other social events. Don't get me wrong, wear what you want and do what you want, but keep in mind the social implications behind lacking composure, confidence, and class.
3. Don't underestimate the value of calling mom and dad for advice.
At first I thought that I would never want to come home. Well, three weeks into my first semester I was petting my dog while sitting in my parents’ room asking for guidance. Lucky for me I only live two hours away from them. Even though you might feel like “adulting” means doing everything by yourself, it doesn’t. A five-minute phone call with mom or dad can be the best thing in the world.
4. Let the judgment go.
You’re going to see some interesting things in college, and you’re going to witness a whole new world of self-expression. You might even be in a class with people 10 years older than you. The reality is those people are in college to get an education, just like you. It’s easy to judge people based on physical appearance, so don’t. Be bigger than that, and search for more important things in a person. Forget about skin color, gender identity, sexuality, or general interests other than your own. People are people.
5. Become a part of something bigger than yourself.
You’d be surprised at how much college has to offer in regards to various clubs, sports and other extracurricular activities that you can easily become a member of. Take advantage of intramural sports, volunteer-based organizations, Greek life, and school clubs (they will help you with homework if they relate to your major). Not only will you gain a new appreciation for what you decide to do, but you will also meet many new friends.
6. Work hard, but play hard too.
It can be easy to get off task in college, but it can also be easy to go overboard with school. Just remember to enjoy these four years because they will go so unbelievably quick (according to Seniors). Don’t be a homebody your entire freshman year because you’re “too busy studying.” Remember to have fun, because it’s perfectly okay despite the fact that you’re taking tough classes.
7. Sleep is your best friend.
Find what class schedule works best for you, but I would highly recommend later classes if you struggle getting out of bed every morning. Also keep this in mind because a large percentage of class grades are based on attendance and in-class participation. There will be nights where you stay out late with friends, and nights that you will be downing your second cup of coffee at the library. However, it is so important that you still make sleep a priority, as it is required for all aspects of health.
8. Develop a good eating habit and exercise routine.
The freshman 15 is NOT a myth. Fast-food restaurants, unhealthy snack choices, and booze are all made much more accessible in college, so be wise and spare the fries. Don’t feel guilty indulging every now and then, but you will thank yourself later if you start this habit early on. Colleges still have healthy food options and a lot of opportunities for physical fitness, so just be aware! Healthy eating habits and exercise are important for your mental heath as well.
9. Say "yes" more often.
This one goes hand in hand with #6. Go out with friends, join a new club, try a sport you’ve never played before, be a part of a study group, go Greek if you’re interested, and stay up an extra half hour to hangout with a friend. If you keep saying you don’t have the time to do certain things, you’ll miss out on all of the opportunities that college has to offer. Don’t say yes to everything, but learn to live a little.
10. If it's not going to matter in 5 years, then don't waste your time worrying about it now.
A teacher actually told me this one on my last day of Gen Chem. As students, we worry about the little things, and we tend to overemphasize our personal failures. It is necessary to realize that a few bad grades will NOT matter in the long run. Your grades do not reflect who you are, but they often reveal the effort you put in. Don’t try to be the best student, the best athlete, or the best friend. Become the best person that YOU are capable of becoming and leave it at that. Your efforts will not go unnoticed.
