Don't Worry About Being The Perfect Freshman, Just Be Yourself | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Life Stages

Don't Worry About Being The Perfect Freshman, Just Be Yourself

Hindsight is 20/20, but none of us were the perfect freshman either.

76
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmYl6FSjt7T/?taken-by=collegeofcharleston.odyssey
@collegeofcharleston.odyssey

In the weeks leading up to the start of the school year, there are a lot of opinions being put out there for freshmen to see. You'll see a lot of advice for things not to do, must-haves for your dorm, what to wear (or not wear), and how to avoid looking like a typical freshman. My two cents?

Don't worry about it.

Coming to college for the first time comes with a lot of craziness, and I think the last thing someone needs to deal with at that point is trying to fit in or stand out. There's a reason that freshmen look like freshmen—because they are! There's a lot of things about being an adult on your own that come from experience. Consuming all the media you can about any topic will never compare to getting the real-life experience yourself. Worried about looking dorky? Go ahead and do it anyway! If you think that outfit is cute, wear it, whether you might regret it in two years or not.

If the worst thing that happens to you during your first year of college is someone giggling in the distance, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. That means you've done everything right! Transitioning into adulthood is no easy task, and there's just no smooth way to do it. Babies certainly look clumsy when they're learning to walk, but that doesn't stop people from gushing over how cute they are.

Remember—you are the baby, and people just think you look cute as you take your first steps. The trope isn't going anywhere, there is always going to be a majority of people following the stereotype. Best case scenario, you blend seamlessly into the crowd and no one notices you. Worst case scenario, you overdo it and now you look like an octopus with malfunctioning camouflage and everyone notices you (but not for the right reasons).

The best thing to do in the next few weeks is to just relax and get ready for a wild ride as you become an adult. College has this great way of being really easy and really hard at the same time, so take the easy moments and make them last as long as you can. Don't worry about lists of things you need for your dorm or stuff not to bring. If you think you'll need it, bring it! If you don't need it, sell it or donate it. Whatever you forgot you can always pick up as you go. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will your dorm room.

Hug your parents every day, because you'll miss them when they aren't around every day. Savor the home cooked food while you still have it. Give your dog a few extra treats. He'll be waiting for you to come back. But all the advice columns? Don't bother. The best thing you can do to blend into the crowd is to be yourself.

None of us know what we're doing. You'll fit in just fine.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Does anybody know how to study
Gurl.com

It’s here; that time of year when college students turn into preschoolers again. We cry for our mothers, eat everything in sight, and whine when we don’t get our way. It’s finals, the dreaded time of the semester when we all realize we should have been paying attention in class instead of literally doing anything else but that. Everyone has to take them, and yes, unfortunately, they are inevitable. But just because they are here and inevitable does not mean they’re peaches and cream and full of rainbows. Surviving them is a must, and the following five phases are a reality for all majors from business to art, nursing to history.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition

10 ways to prepare for finals week—beginning with getting to the library.

1908
How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again when college students live at the library all week, cramming for tests that they should have started studying for last month. Preparing to spend all day at the library takes much consideration and planning. Use these tips to help get you through the week while spending an excessive amount of time in a building that no one wants to be in.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl roommates
StableDiffusion

Where do we begin when we start talking about our roommates? You practically spend every moment with them, they become your second family and they deal with you at your best and at your absolute worst. They are there to make you laugh just a little harder, cry a little less and make each day a little better. We often forget to thank them for the little things that they do to make college even a tiny bit easier and more fun. This list of 26 things are what you should thank your roommates for right this minute and every day that you live with them.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

20 Thoughts While Studying For Finals

I may or may not be stressing right now.

2402
Thoughts While Studying For Finals
StableDiffusion


That time of the semester has arrived once again, finals. The worst week ever. Who thought it was a good idea for all your classes to have exams all in the same week? Definitely not me. Here's 20 thoughts you may have studying for finals.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Disney magic for New Year!

The "Happiest Place on Earth" has a lot of characters with some pretty great advice.

7168
Disney magic kingdom castle on new years
StableDiffusion

Disney movies are well known and very popular in today's world. Although many people appreciate the plot and the storyline, not many people appreciate the wisdom these characters possess. Every Disney movie has unique advice that can be applied to everyday life. Here are 11 Disney quotes to help start your New Year off right:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments