I recently just moved in to my dorm at Ashland University for my freshman year of college. It has been a hard transition, but it has definitely been worth every second. I just thought I'd share a few things I've learned since I have gotten here.
1. Leaving your dorm room door open is actually a wonderful idea
It's honestly a really great way to air out your room (trust me, I have three fans, and it's still hotter than all of my friends' dorms) because your dorm is going to be sweltering for a few weeks. But the best part of it is that when you leave your door open, people will actually just stroll right in and talk to you. I was going down the hall with some snacks the other day, and a couple guys in their dorm asked why I had so much food. Their door was open, so I just walked right in and gave them some. So keep in mind, keeping your door open might lead to free food.
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2. You're going to get lost looking for your classes, and that's totally okay
I was totally ready to start classes on Monday. I had gone and found the buildings I needed to go to and I was completely prepared. But some of my classes were switched to another building, so I had absolutely no idea where I was going. Sure, I looked like a total freshie walking around, searching high and low for the new building. But I met some great people that also had no idea where they were going, and I also explored the campus a little bit more.
3. Orientation weekend is actually a lot of fun and you should go
I'm not going to lie, I wasn't very excited about it. I don't like meeting new groups of people, especially in large groups. But it was loads of fun! There was comedian, we made water bamboo, played games...It's a great way to get out of your dorm and meet new people. It's how I found out one of my childhood best friends went to the same college!
4. You have NO curfew
Holy crap, this one is great. I mean sure, you might have class at 8 in the morning, but are you really going to let that stop you? You can stay out late, drive around with friends, get Taco Bell at 3 in the morning, and your mom isn't nagging you to get home. I've been up past 2 a.m. every day since I've gotten here because I've been out having fun with friends. Sure, I'm absolutely exhausted, but I've made memories that'll last a life time.
5. You should definitely try to get involved, but not too involved
You totally have to join clubs and sports, just make sure you don't get overwhelmed but all of the things you have to do. I'm currently in marching band and art club right now, and I'm doing just fine. Find a couple things you're interested in and join! If it's too much this year, do it next year. This is a great way to meet people too and just get your booty up and out of your dorm.
6. Do not, I repeat, do NOT wear your lanyard around your neck
For some odd reason, this is a big no-no in college because it marks you as a freshman. It's not like it's convenient or you don't have to worry about losing it this way. And I mean, it's crazy to think of putting your lanyard around your neck where it's supposed to go, right? This one is goofy to me, but hey, as long as you don't look like a freshman (which I am?) then you're okay!
7. You're going to meet the best friends you've ever had
I had the best group of friends in high school. We'd hang out all the time. and it was amazing. When I first got to college, I couldn't even imagine meeting a whole new group of people. I couldn't imagine it being anywhere near as great as high school. But a few days in, I met some awesome people whom I hang out with every single day. I couldn't imagine not knowing these people now.
8. This is a time for you
I'm not trying to make you sound selfish or anything, but these four years should be about doing things that make you happy. Find the friends that pick you up when you're down, dump that stupid guy and find a new one, goof around and laugh, do whatever you want. College is the time when you discover who you are and what you want from life. So get out there and show the world who you are. Because you're amazing, and you're you.
