15 Lessons I Learned Freshman Year Of College | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

15 Lessons I Learned Freshman Year Of College

If it's free, it's for me.

501
15 Lessons I Learned Freshman Year Of College
James Madison University

It seems like moving into my freshman year dorm room was just yesterday. Yet, in just three short weeks, I will be moving out of my tiny box that I call home and moving onto my sophomore year of college. Freshman year is a roller coaster; not just for me, but for everybody. If you think it was a smooth ride, stop lying to yourself. From learning how to do your own laundry to learning new study habits, and even making new friends, there is so much I have learned my first year of college. To ensure I was not the only one learning new things; I asked around to some of my closest friends and together we compiled a list of 15 things we have all learned our first year of college.

1. Don't eat too much dessert. Freshman fifteen is no joke.

Yes, you. No, having a cookie or slice of cake after your dinner isn't going to kill you; but sticking your head under the soft serve machine just might.

2. Academics are no joke.


No matter how many AP/dual enrollment courses you take throughout high school, nothing prepares you for the college workload. I remember walking into my first test of the semester after looking over my notes one time and thinking I had it in the bag. Boy, was I wrong. Study hard, and when you think you're finally ready for the test, study again.

3. They don't lie when they say your dining dollars go by fast.

Donald Trump may have received a small loan of a million dollars from his daddy. But odds are, the rest of us did not. Don't blow your dining the first month of school or you'll regret it when you really want Chick-fil-A and have to use real money that you honestly cannot afford to spend.

4. Don't be afraid to try new things.


Yes, you're in college to get an education. But since you live here nine months out of the year, y'all might as well find something exciting to do besides study. Join a club you've always been interested in, go hiking, join an intramural team, volunteer for an alternative break program and serve a community in need, or rush a sorority or fraternity. College campuses are known across the nation for the extraordinary clubs and organizations on campus. You (or your parents) are paying so much money to be there, take advantage of everything they have to offer.

5. Not everyone is going to like you, and that's okay.

This doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you, and it also doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the other person. Different people get along in different ways, and you realistically cannot be everyone's friend. Some girls in your sorority may not like you, or you may be a professor's least favorite student. Don't take it personally, it's just life.

6. Don't eat moon-pies and drink beer at the same time.

I haven't personally learned this because I don't eat Moon-pies, but my lovely mother passed down the knowledge so I feel it is my duty to pass it along as well. After all, moms know best, am I right?

7. Don't feel locked into a major.


I remember filling out my college registration and selecting a major just because I didn't want to start undeclared. After trying it out and hating it, I was afraid to switch because I had already committed. Here's the thing: most kids switch their majors at least once, sometimes even five or six times. You don't need to feel committed to something you don't enjoy doing, especially when you're the one paying for it.

8. Sharing is caring.

For children that come from big families like myself, I learned how to share growing up. However, for the only children out there, you have to learn to share when you get to college. My roommate and I share anything, even without asking. I've learned that having a "what's mine is yours and what's yours is mine" mentality makes college so much easier, as long as both parties hold up their ends.

9. Don't forget about your parents.

Parents and students alike usually have a hard time letting one another go for college, it's normal. However, while you're off running around every weekend with your new best friends, your parents are the ones at home living their usual lives with no-one to replace you. Call them every now and then, or at least text them and let them know you're alive.

10. It's okay to go home on the weekend.

I wouldn't recommend going home every weekend, but there's no shame in missing your family and friends. Don't get caught up in having such bad FOMO that you can't peace out for a weekend and give your hometown a visit.

11. You're always exhausted.

Everyone always told me to enjoy going to bed early while I could, and I didn't understand why until I got to college. You never get much sleep here, and even if you do, you're still exhausted. I guess that's just part of college.

12. You won't keep up with all of your hometown friends, and that's okay.

I never believed this one. I was certain each and every friend I had back home was going to remain stuck to me forever. Boy, was I wrong again. Your true friends stay by your side and keep up with your life while you're away, but some friends are only in your life for a season, and that's okay too.

13. If it's free, it's for me.

Free t-shirts on the quad? I'll run as fast as I can to beat you there. Free Chick-fil-A? Oh boy, you best believe I will be first in line. You see, the thing about college is that we magically become broke the minute we step on campus, or so we like to think. If it's free, it's for me.

14. It's okay to cry.

I hope they're happy tears, but sometimes they just aren't. There is no shame in crying through the good and the bad that comes with college.

15. Use the buddy system.

The last thing you want is to be stuck in a frat by yourself because you ran off with someone and lost your friends. Be smart, and take a buddy.

College is one of the most exciting times in our lives. It's a time when we can experience new things, meet new people, and study things we are passionate about; so take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way these next few years.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

The 5 Phases Of Finals

May the odds be ever in your favor.

1023
Does anybody know how to study
Gurl.com

It’s here; that time of year when college students turn into preschoolers again. We cry for our mothers, eat everything in sight, and whine when we don’t get our way. It’s finals, the dreaded time of the semester when we all realize we should have been paying attention in class instead of literally doing anything else but that. Everyone has to take them, and yes, unfortunately, they are inevitable. But just because they are here and inevitable does not mean they’re peaches and cream and full of rainbows. Surviving them is a must, and the following five phases are a reality for all majors from business to art, nursing to history.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition

10 ways to prepare for finals week—beginning with getting to the library.

2559
How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again when college students live at the library all week, cramming for tests that they should have started studying for last month. Preparing to spend all day at the library takes much consideration and planning. Use these tips to help get you through the week while spending an excessive amount of time in a building that no one wants to be in.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl roommates
StableDiffusion

Where do we begin when we start talking about our roommates? You practically spend every moment with them, they become your second family and they deal with you at your best and at your absolute worst. They are there to make you laugh just a little harder, cry a little less and make each day a little better. We often forget to thank them for the little things that they do to make college even a tiny bit easier and more fun. This list of 26 things are what you should thank your roommates for right this minute and every day that you live with them.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

20 Thoughts While Studying For Finals

I may or may not be stressing right now.

2715
Thoughts While Studying For Finals
StableDiffusion


That time of the semester has arrived once again, finals. The worst week ever. Who thought it was a good idea for all your classes to have exams all in the same week? Definitely not me. Here's 20 thoughts you may have studying for finals.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Disney magic for New Year!

The "Happiest Place on Earth" has a lot of characters with some pretty great advice.

7412
Disney magic kingdom castle on new years
StableDiffusion

Disney movies are well known and very popular in today's world. Although many people appreciate the plot and the storyline, not many people appreciate the wisdom these characters possess. Every Disney movie has unique advice that can be applied to everyday life. Here are 11 Disney quotes to help start your New Year off right:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments