Lesson #1: What to bring
You do not need every single shoe and article of clothing you own! I don't care how bad you may thing you need favorite Banana Republic cashmere sweater or Timberlands. You will not I repeat WILL NOT wear this in the middle of August in the blazing heat. Bring clothes seasonally using breaks to switch out clothing. To start bring tennis shoes, light stuff, and things you wear all the time. Over break switch out all your light summer clothing for your fall sweaters and jackets. This gives you more closet space and keep you more organized.
Lesson #2: Get to know yourself
You aren't going to know who you are the moment you walk in, but this year is the year your going to learn some new things about yourself. Definitely be open to new ideas, but never forget your morals and who you are. People sometimes lose themselves in trying to be something their not and then look back wondering where they went. Don't get lost in the sauce!
Lesson #3: Get Involved
I could not stress this enough!!! Sitting in your dorm with your eyes locked on your book for 13 hours straight is not healthy and doesn't bring as stellar results. I wish someone would have told me this in advance. I NEVER left my room and it really gets depressing after a while and you definitely become even more stressed out. Getting involved is a positive way to meet friends and even learn communication skills. I actually had much better grades and attitude my second semester after being involved in more than 3 different organizations. Also, going to campus events are always great because they are FREE yes I did say FREE!
Lesson #4: How to handle being homesick
I know that for me it was hard being away from home and living on my own. Just know your parents have not forgotten about you, and you shooting a call home is not going to upset them. They miss you too ya know!! Learning to live on your own is important, but never forget where you came from.
Lesson #5: Having a job is a must
Okay my first semester of college I was all about studying/ grades, but having to ask you parents for money and not being able to get whatever you want GETS OLD. I need a job! I applied on campus because I had no kind of transportation. It takes waiting, but results will come if they are meant to. Do not be upset if you don't get the job you applied for, there will be many more opportunities that will come to you. After playing the waiting game and getting denied, I finally got a call for an interview!!! I got the job and just seeing that check hitting that direct deposit made me feel like I was a millionaire. Having a job taught me the some responsibility including time management, handling money, and leadership skills.
Lesson #6: Don't spend it all at one place!
Great now that you have money its time to ball out! No, absolutely not. Manage your money and remember you have to eat, you may have some bills to pay, and you have way more needs than wants. Plan a budget, don't stray from it and account for every last dollar. Its okay to buy cheaper foods, look for the best prices you can get but don't take too many budget cuts. Don't forget to have some money to have a little fun too and treat yourself! Also, as crazy as it may sound, open a savings account and every check put a little cut in there. Thank me later when your savings are in the thousands and your about to put a down payment on your first car!
Lesson #7: Friends come and go
When you first start school you will meet all new people that you know nothing about. Make sure to make good decisions! You are the sum of the people you hang around with, so surround yourself with positivity. It's okay to distance yourself from people that are not being a good influence or don't bring good vibes. Understand that you don't have to chase after people that have walked away from you. LET THEM LEAVE. You cannot be everyone's friend, you definitely can't please everyone, so just keep striving and thriving!! Blessings will come your way one step at a time and it's not the end of the world.
Lesson #8: Make connections
Having connections around campus is so helpful especially when you need a recommendation letter! It can also help you find jobs and be offered opportunities to be a leader on campus. You can find a mentor or get to know your counselors and advisors. In the long run it will definitely help.
Lesson #9: Utilize your resources
Find out about all the things your campus has to offer including health services, the counseling center, and the tutoring center. I can tell you from personal experience that the tutoring center is not a bluff I saw actual results in my grades. I can't speak for every school, but my university has student tutors that have received an A in that class, it helps to know they ave been in your seat once before. Health services is there to help you when you are feeling the slightest bit sick. Like my mom always said, "You already paid for it, you might as well use it!" College life isn't easy, but your university is doing its best to make this transition as easy as possible by helping you out however they can.
Lesson #10: You Come First
This is never something to forget YOU COME FIRST. No amount of schoolwork is more important that your health. Set time in your schedule to relax whether it be 30 minutes or an hour. Having time to relax will be beneficial in the long run and will reduce stress levels. You are not alone so many freshmen are walking into a fresh new space and are gonna be scared. Keep your hopes up and everything will work out.
