Freshmen year of college was the scariest year for me. Yes, I said scariest. I don't know how many times I cried before move-in day because I was so scared. Move-In day came, and I was not scared anymore. My roommates and I got along beautifully. I was perfectly prepared for the first day, or so I thought. I learned quite a bit about myself freshman year a long with some other things.
1. Talk.
Don't be afraid to start a conversation with a random stranger. I made quite a few friends just by saying "Hi, my name is Micheala!" (And I am the ultimate Introvert.) If I can do it, so can you.
2. Do something outside of your comfort zone.
I decided to acquire a job where I would work with technology all day long, and, needless to say, I ended up managing the social media accounts for the second largest department on campus. I have also gained so many awesome skills in IT, and am still learning more. I never thought I would work for Information Technology, but I definitely like it and may, eventually, even love it.
3. Go to class.
It's not hard. I learned fairly quickly you have to go, no matter how early it is, just go. It's totally worth your time and the professor pretty much gives you answers to the exams if you go to class. As Shia LaBeauf says, "Just do it!" only in this case, "Just go to class"!
4. Make a resumé.
Start building it, or clean it up! It will be needed for the daunting search for internships, externships, and the big job search! Make sure the Career Services department of the university looks it over so that you know it was done right and it will land you that dream job. "Just do it!"
5. Don't drive everywhere!
I wasted a lot of gas, and this year I'm using my bike. It's a better workout and it beats waiting on the bus. Obviously, riding your bike is weather permitting. If you live in dorms, walk with your friends or jam to your favorite tunes with your headphones in, it makes you happier anyway.
6. Keep your door open.
If you live in an apartment complex, or dorms, like I do then you learn pretty early on to keep your door open. You make friends and it is motivation for keeping your room clean. (Gotta remember to do that.)
7. Use The gym.
You definitely want to avoid the freshman 15, and you paid for that expensive membership in your tuition, so you may as well use it! Plus, it's a great way to reduce all the stress that freshman year can bring you.
8. If you need help, go get it.
Asking for help is the hardest thing to do, but you have to. If you don't help yourself, no one else is going to help you either. Ask for the help you need and you shall receive it!
9. Talk to your professors.
They are human and they do not bite. They may even give you better grades because you sought them out and tried to befriend them.
10. Use ratemyprofessors.com!
I learned about this my second semester and needless to say, I got way better grades than my first semester. Great professors make class fun and exciting! Utilize this!
11. Free stuff everywhere.
If there is a line, something is free. Go get in line! It's usually food and an awesome trinket (headphones, mugs, or T-shirts). College is expensive enough, so enjoy the free stuff when you can.
12. Get organized.
Your parents will not be there to tell you to do your homework or to go to work or set up meetings with your advisor! You are now an adult, you must organize and stick to it. (Ultimate tip for college.)
13. Make phone calls.
Call up Mom and Dad, or Brother, or Sister every once in a while. Keeping in touch is fantastic, and much needed in my opinion. Plus, they will want to hear from you every once in a while too.
14. Take advantage of your general education classes.
Take things that will interest you and challenge you (but not too hard, because these are also GPA-boosters). This is where you figure out your major and what you could stand doing for the rest of your life. Make good use of it!
15. Check out deals for textbooks.
If the bookstore gives a fantastic discount on books, by all means, but don't forget to check out the rates of books elsewhere like Amazon Student, Chegg, or another bookstore like Half Priced Books or Barnes & Noble. Don't waste your money where you don't have to.
16. Financial responsibility.
I learned how to make a budget, why a credit card is important, and how to save just by being in college. How great is that? Being financially responsible isn't only important for college, but for the rest of your life.
17. Learn a new skill outside of your major.
I've learned information technology skills even though I'm a communications major. I've also learned how to write formal emails for a workplace setting. Communicable skills help your chances of getting a great job. I'm currently trying to learn HTML and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, and more). I highly recommend this!
18. Question.
Your major, your friends, your life plan. It's OK to question everything, this is how you grow and reflect on decisions. It's OK to question how to handle things or yourself to be a better person and to get an all around better life.
19. Your parents weren't as dumb or nagging as you thought.
I learned that my parents and I had different views on things, but I learned and grew more as an adult utilizing what they taught me than I ever did while I was in high school. They have done their job and prepared me for the real world. Appreciate your parents because they did more for you than you will ever realize.
20. Be passionate!
I learned that I have to put my heart, soul, and mind into college in order to get the college experience I want. I can't sit around and wait for it to happen. That is not how life works and it is no fun to just sit by and watch it go past. Be passionate about college and put yourself into it. It's a great experience.
I loved my freshmen year of college, but if I could I'd make it a little better than what it was. I learned about rolling with the punches and bending with the changes. You'll get through it if you just breathe a little.
