The first month of college can be a very stressful, exciting, scary, and fun all at once. Seems crazy, right? Trust me, I've felt all of those emotions in one day, and I guarantee you that around 80 percent of college students can relate to that.
With that being said, there is a lot to learn your first month or so of college. Here are eight things that I've learned so far on my journey:
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1. Don't be ashamed to talk to your parents every day. That's something to be proud of.
It's not embarrassing or silly to talk to your parents every day. In fact, it's something to be proud of! Your parents miss you and you'll eventually miss them too, whether you realize it or not. You lived with them every day for 18 years or more. How could they not miss you? Even if you wanted so badly to get away from them, give them a call every once in a while. Don't be ashamed to talk to them, let them know how you're doing, tell them silly things like where you're having lunch. It'll make them happy, and I bet it'll make you smile too.
2. "Tobacco-free campus" is just a phrase that looks good on a sign.
Seriously. People smoke cigarettes and vape all the time. Sometimes they'll even smoke under a "tobacco free campus" sign. I've just gotten used to it.
3. Bloom where you are planted
God put you where you are for a reason. Whether you've decided that you want to change schools after this semester or if you want to change your major, whatever; God put you in this situation for a reason. Instead of dwelling on how badly you want the situation to change, enjoy yourself. Work on getting your GPA higher, study more, have fun, make friends. Just improve yourself and bloom where you are planted.
4. It's okay to change your major, and it's okay to decide to change schools
I know a fellow student who has already changed their major 3 times. It's really not that big of a deal! Just be glad that you're figuring out that what you originally wanted to pursue isn't for you this early in the game instead of halfway through your junior year.
5. Your professors might not remind you to turn in your work
This can be both good and bad. It teaches responsibility, but it also makes it easier to forget when something is due. Thankfully, I only have one professor who doesn't remind his students to turn in their work, and he doesn't take off points for homework being a class period or two late.
6. Try not to eat lunch alone your first few weeks of school
Although eating alone is never fun, don't eat alone your first few weeks of college. You'll start to get lonely which leads to thinking about people at home which leads to homesickness which leads to crying and calling your mom and yada, yada, yada. As you can see, I speak from experience. Just find a buddy. You aren't obligated to ever speak to them again.
7. Get involved in some way early on because clubs start to develop fast
Whether you join Greek Life, become a member of the marching band, become a member of a sports team, or join student government, just become involved. Showing interest in a club will help you gain friends that you have things in common with, even if you choose not to go forward being involved in that club or activity.
8. Find a good college ministry. Or two. Or three.
Finding a few college ministries to be involved with has been one of the best decisions that I have made in college thus far. Being a part of worship rallies, joining a Bible study, all of it is just a wonderful and unique experience. I can't describe how awesome it is to see so many fellow Christians at my college! It gives me inspiration throughout the week and reminds me to thank God no matter the circumstance. There is always something or someone to pray for!
College is fun, as long as you allow it to be. Don't stress out too much, keep your head up, and don't worry about the freshmen fifteen. Oh yeah, and don't forget to call your grandparents either.
