You've been mentally preparing yourself for this moment for as long as you can remember. You're finally out of the hellhole you called high school and now you get a fresh start in college. You can completely reinvent yourself into the person you strive to be. You're probably going to be on your own for the first time in your life. It's exciting. You think of all the fun you're going to have; how you'll be best friends with your roommate, how many parties you'll go to, how you'll love all of your classes and your professors. You have it all planned out in your head. I don't mean to rain on your parade but, it doesn't always go as planned. Being a freshman on a college campus is hard. You're learning new things about yourself, while learning everything you need to know for your future. It isn't always going to be rainbows and sunshine, but you're going to love it anyways. Take this advice and use it wisely.
1. Step out of your comfort zone.
It sounds so cliche, but it's true. I can't stress this enough. If you stay in your comfort zone, you will never learn anything new about yourself or anything else. Take small steps to work yourself out of your comfort zone if need be. Talk to new people, try new things, take walks alone, whatever it is that is out of your comfort zone. You won't regret it.
2. Sign up for clubs and organizations.
Colleges have more clubs and organizations than you can think imaginable, and if there isn't one that interests you, try starting it yourself. Join something you participated in throughout high school, or try something completely new. Sign up for the interest meetings for whatever catches your eye and go check it out. Just because you attended the interest meeting doesn't mean you're fully committed, it allows you to check it out and decide if you like it or not. Clubs and organizations are a great way to meet new people and get known around campus!
3. Call your parents.
They miss you. And believe it or not, you're going to miss them, too. They are going to want to hear from you and everything that's going on with school, and it's nice hearing about what's going on back home while you're away at school. Check in with them once in awhile, it will make you both feel a lot better.
4. Go out and have fun.
Education is important and that is what you're going to college for, but having fun is also important. Every so often, it's okay to push studying off for the night and go to the movies with your friends. Don't make a habit out of it though. Sometimes you'll have to turn down the invitation if it means staying it and studying to ensure you pass an exam the next day.
5. Take advantage of the resources that campus offers you.
Every college campus has a huge selection of resources that can be used for free for every student. From tutoring to zumba lessons, make sure you're using what is offered to you, especially because it's no extra cost.
6. Don't be ashamed to go to tutoring.
While you may have been a straight-A student in high school, college is a lot different than high school and you might find yourself struggling with something you never thought you would have. Tutoring has this terrible stigma around it, but don't let it stop you. Getting help with what you're struggling with will allow you to grow as a student and work to your best ability.
7. Talk to your professors.
They are your key to success. Don't be afraid to talk to them. They hold open office hours for you. If you have questions about something, go to their office during those hours or send them an email. They don't bite. They want to help you.
8. Don't be afraid to change your major.
Some people go into college having no idea what they actually want to do. Parents and families are usually pressing you to pick one major over another. Or maybe you thought you for sure absolutely wanted to be a nurse only to find out you hate it after your first two weeks of classes. Whatever the circumstances, if you're thinking about changing your major, talk to your advisor about it. They will be able to help you think through the decision. It's better to change sooner than later. Don't stick yourself in a position to hate the career path you chose just because you were scared to change your major. Remember, this is what you're going to be doing for the rest of your life. Change your major as many times as you want until you find the perfect fit and you are happy.
9. Enjoy yourself.
The people that said high school would be the best four years of your life lied. College will be, though. Have fun. Enjoy it while you're there because it flies by. You will meet some of the best people in college. They will help you through the stress, the mental breakdowns, and everything else that happens while you're there. You'll make tons of memories and have tons of fun. Soak up every bit of it. After all, when you graduate, you have to be a "real adult."
