Going into your freshman year of college is an exciting yet intimidating transition. After my parents moved me in and drove back to everything I've ever known, I realized that I had no idea what to expect or even what to do next. I didn't even know how to do laundry by myself if we're being completely honest... It took me one semester (and only one breakdown) to figure this whole college thing out. What I discovered as the key for success can be told through the words of seven immaculate songs that hold a special place in the hearts of all millennial students. Along with all of the other recommended items on your freshman college packing list, the wise words of your childhood anthems are something you will want to remember come fall.
1. "All Star" -- Smash Mouth
So much to do, so much to see
So what's wrong with taking the back streets?
You'll never know if you don't go
You'll never shine if you don't glow
That's right. You've just arrived on campus when clubs, organizations and greek life are all on the prowl for new members. It can be quite an intimidating thought to put yourself out there, but go for it Find something you're interested or passionate in, and get involved. This way you can establish a friend base with similar interests as well as contribute to your university's community.
2."Hold On"-- Wilson Phillips
Some day somebody's gonna make you want to
Turn around and say goodbye
Until then baby are you going to let them
Hold you down and make you cry
Don't you know?
Don't you know things can change
Things'll go your way
If you hold on for one more day
After your first few weeks of getting used to this new place, you start to get the hang of rapid note-taking and making homework the priority when the first wave of grades start to hit. And they hit hard. The first tests come back leaving you questioning if you really need to go to college. Do you really need a degree? You even consider moving to California to try your hand at reality T.V. After you pull yourself together with Dairy Queen's Blizzard of the month, you realize that you just studied all wrong. Even though you tried your hardest to keep past-tense and present-tense Spanish conjugations straight, the vocab section is what really snuck up on you. Each professor has a different teaching style, so use the first papers back as a learning opportunity to understand what needs to be done on future exams.
3. "I Want You Back" -- *NSYNC
You're all I ever wanted
You're all I ever needed, yeah
So tell me what to do now
'Cause I want you back
This one goes out to -- well, you know who you are. That's right. Your bed. Learn how to take short, yet effective, naps. This skill will literally get you through college. The endless nights of homework and papers can really be eased by just 10 minutes of a power nap. I don't know how many times my roommate and I would had a collective "nap time" from 11:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. in order to get the energy boost we needed to finish the night's workload out strong. Of course the times will have to be specific to your schedule and how what you can fit in, but college curriculum can definitely become manageable if you take it one nap at a time.
4. "Wannabe" -- Spice Girls
If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends
(Gotta get with my friends)
Make it last forever, friendship never ends
During your first year you will meet an overwhelming amount of people, which is a great thing! However, really focus on making strong, lifelong friendships! This is the time to find your people. The people who will go on late night food runs, Netflix binges and weekend getaways with you! The amount of unforgettable memories and pictures are what you will carry with you forever, so why not put yourself out there and find your forever friends?
5. "Getting' Jiggy Wit It" -- Will Smith
Yo my cardio is infinite
Ha ha
Big willie style's all in it
Gettin jiggy wit it
Na na na na na na na nana
Guys. The freshman 15 is real. Well sort of. Anyways, you will be surrounded by endless amounts of food in your student union or dining hall, and guess what? It's buffet style. Also, with your newfound freedom as a college student, late night T-Bell runs sound more and more appetizing. Please just find some time to get some exercise. It's good for both the body and mind to workout and sweat a little. So please take my advice before it's too late: get jiggy wit it before you get jiggly wit it. LOL okay moving on.
6. "Pump Up The Jam" -- Technotronic
Pump up the jam, pump it up
While you feet are stompin'
And the jam is pumpin'
Look at here the crowd is jumpin'
Pump it up a little more
Get the party going on the dance floor
Don't be afraid to take time away from studying to reward yourself. Set goals on when you need to accomplish things, and schedule time to be social. Go out with your friends on a Friday night, sing 90s karaoke and dance until the lights come up! Have a healthy college experience and focus on the right things, but don't forget to let loose and reveal your inner Beyoncé every now and then.
7. "...Baby One More Time" -- Britney Spears
My loneliness is killing me (and I)
I must confess, I still believe (still believe)
When I'm not with you I lose my mind
Give me a sign
Hit me, baby, one more time
Last but not least -- when you are stressed, happy, or bored, call your parents. Hit them up. They know you best, and have probably gone through similar situations. Parents are one of your most valuable resources, so take advantage of it! Honestly, they are probably dying to hear from you too. Brighten their day, and gather a little peace of mind while you are at it. Think about it. Without them, you wouldn't have even been born to experience the pure magic of '90s music. And without their support, you wouldn't be where you are today surviving college in the first place. So in the profound words of Vanilla Ice: "word to your mother."
