Transitioning from a high school senior to a college freshman is a significant change. Apart from the change in class style and atmosphere, it's a huge lifestyle change. Most freshmen are away from home for the first time in their lives, with more freedom than they know what to do with. It can be very overwhelming and it may take time to adjust to, but here are just a few pieces of advice to help you along your way.
1. Don't wear a lanyard.
Nothing says "freshman" quite like someone wearing their ID card on a lanyard around their neck. Personally, I always had mine on a lanyard, and even though I was called out, I never once lost it and never had to pay a $25 fee for a new one. If you think you might have trouble keeping track of your card, maybe risk getting one, but there are also sleeves for them that can be attached to your phone.
2. Quiet hours are a real thing.
To a certain extent, you can be as loud as you want in your building, but once quiet hours go into effect, quiet means quiet. If you're screaming, slamming doors, or otherwise being obnoxious in anyway, not only will people be mad at you, you'll probably get written up by an RA.
3. Don't leave your trash everywhere.
This seems like it would be self explanatory, but you'd be surprised. Don't leave your trash and empty food containers lying around in the hall or a common area. If you do, the entire building is actually going to have to pay a fee for its removal. And believe me, those little fees for messes and vandalism can add up.
4. Don't lose your syllabus.
Don't skip syllabus day. Don't lose the syllabus. Don't ignore the syllabus. Live by the syllabus.
5. Don't go out every Thursday night.
Thirsty Thursdays are a very real thing, and a lot of people feel obligated or pressured into going out every single Thursday night. While you obviously don't have to go out if you don't want to, it can be good to stay in just because. You don't want to miss out on sleep, fail assignments, or sleep through a class every week. People will always be going out, there will always be a party, and there will be another Thursday in a week.
6. Talk to your professors.
7. Don't be afraid to expand your horizons.
Get out of your comfort zone! Join a club, talk to people, do things you wouldn't normally do! College is a time to find yourself and make yourself, but you can't do either of those things if you don't take risks and put yourself out there.
8. Try to get some sleep.
College feels a little bit like a never ending sleepover. There are no bedtimes and you have freedom to do virally whatever you want. When you're not up all night writing papers, you'll probably be up with friends or going out somewhere. The lack of sleep doesn't take long to catch up to you, though, so try to squeeze in as many hours as you can.
9. Choose your meals at the dining hall wisely.
It may be tempting to pile your plate up with pizza, fries, and cake every single day, but overtime, that limited diet will leave you groggy and drained of energy and nutrients. Not only that, but it will make the "freshman 15" a reality.
10. Don't forget why you're here.
It's important not to forget why you're attending college in the first place, to get a degree and a future career. There's plenty of time for fun and games, but don't get sidetracked touch from your final goal.
11. Make Mistakes.
Finally, make mistakes. It's okay to make a few mistakes here and there, or even a whole bunch of them, as long as you're learning from them along the way. College is time of discovery, and nothing will ever be discovered if you' not messing up a little on the way.
