Freshman year of college is a fun and exciting time. For the first time you are completely on your own. The idea of being on your own for the first time can be scary to some, but thrilling to others. I learned so much about myself being on my own. If there is anything I would tell myself that I know now, it is the following things.
1. Step out of your comfort-zone.
It's easy to want to stay within your comfort-zone, but in order to get the experience and grow as an individual you are going to need to push yourself outside of your comfort-zone. This might mean being social with people on your floor, trying a new sport/activity, asking someone to go to coffee (yes, college students go out for coffee), or befriending the person who sits by you in lecture.
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2. Be okay with saying “no.”
Often times your friends will ask you to go do something, but you have a project or some assignment to do. Just remember, its okay to take a raincheck and say "no" for now.
3. Don’t take studying lightly.
Study. Even if you didn't in high school and think you understood all the material in lecture, you still need to study. I promise things will show up on those exams that you don't remember being discussed in lecture.
4. Don’t forget to call your family.
Although you are finally on your own and away from your family, don't forget to check in and catch up with the people who have supported you since day one.
5. An 80 percent is actually a good exam grade.
If you get an 80 percent on an exam, trust me when I say that is a good grade. Although you may be used to the mid- and upper 90's, this is college and an 80% is darn good. The point is, don't beat yourself up over one exam or assignment grad—it's not the end of the world.
6. Take care of yourself.
If you aren't a college athlete, make sure to workout, eat well, get enough sleep, and just make sure you continue to take care of your body and mind.
7. Don’t procrastinate too much.
Its normal to procrastinate in college when you have time on your hands, but make sure not to continuously procrastinate day after day. Eventually, you may fail a class (or so I have been told from peers).
8. Just go to class.
Even when you "don't have to" or don't want to, just go to class. Your exam grades will probably thank you.
9. Work hard.
Don't slack off and think you do not have to work hard now that you don't have a parent reminding you what to do. College is your future.
10. Be social.
As important as it is to study and accomplish things on the academic side of things, don't forget to be social! Spend time with your friends and enjoy your college yearsthey go by fast.
All in all, these are things I wish I knew as an incoming college freshman. They're simple concepts, but important to know and remember to get the most out of your college experience.
