As I came to end of my freshman year of college (literally how so soon?!?!), I really wanted to do a post about the "Freshman 15” lessons I learned. Without further ado, here they are:

1. It's a LOT different from high school.

From classes spread out all throughout the day to the amount of hours spent studying to dorm life and living on your own to literally anything and everything!

2. Different does NOT mean bad.

As someone who has struggled with change in the past, this year has taught me that it is OK and even good to go through change. As we develop into our best selves, people will come and go, things will be different than they once were, but we must learn to accept and embrace the changes in our lives. I would not be where or who I am today without all the change and different I have experienced.

3. Getting involved is super important.

Whether it be in Greek life, intramural sports, or academic clubs, getting involved not only keeps you busy but also helps you meet many new people! In a school like mine with over 66,000 students, I am still able to feel involved and like I belong, and there is really no better feeling (Shout out to the lacrosse team and APNS).

4. Take advantage of the on-campus facilities.

Seriously, you pay for them in some way, so you might as well! Going to the gym with friends is one of the best stress relievers, and the group exercise classes are my personal favorite!

5. Self-love is the best love!

I really found myself lacking with self-love at the beginning of my freshman year, but I've definitely learned to better appreciate myself and where I want to be in the future. You ultimately are living with yourself every day of your life, so it's so important to love that person and invest time in you! It is 100% OK to stay in for a night to do your face mask and catch up on Netflix or skip happy hour to go to the gym! Be confident in the person you are, and you will attract so much joy and positivity.

6. You're going to miss home way more than you would've ever thought, so call often.

In all honesty, I call my family every day (more than once, oops sorry, Mom) to simply just say hi! It's so weird not seeing them and hearing their voices 24/7, and these people will have your back forever so always keep them close and share your time and love with them.

7. Be true to yourself.

College is the most diverse place I have yet to experience, and it's so easy to get caught up trying to immediately “fit in.” What I found is that college is also one of the least judgmental places, and being you is enough, so there’s no reason to change! Write down your morals and always stick to them. Live your truth!

8. Time management becomes everything.

This is a skill I was forced to learn quickly, and I'm so glad I did. With classes spread throughout the day, there are times (aka every day) you just want to go nap back in your dorm when you know you should be studying for your chemistry exam that's the next day. I found it super helpful to make a routine and do my best to stay consistent with it. Netflix will still be there after your exam. I promise.

9. Stay open to opportunities.

This was a hard one for me, especially starting my first year of college having just gotten out of a three-year relationship, but I found it to be so incredibly true. I would stay cooped up in my room, feeling lonely, sad, and heartbroken, but I began to look at college as a lesson. We have four years to spend here, and we should make the most of it!

These years are going to be what you choose to make of them. After a long week of classes, practice, meetings, and studying, it's so important to do something you find fun and let yourself do so without stress. You are figuring out who you are in these four years, and opportunities help us grow, so keep your mind open and allow yourself to learn from others and new experiences!

10. Study.

By this I mean, learn to study! Go to office hours, study sessions with the TAs, get to know your professors, and use what you can to benefit your academic career. Rather than study alone, make a friend in class and plan to study with them! Find the best learning method for you and keep it up. You are first and foremost a student at a university, and your grades do matter. There’s really no studying the morning of and passing (don’t try to prove me wrong here)… stay ahead of your work.

11. Wait to buy your textbooks!

The fewer school supplies the better, and most importantly, more affordable! Attend your classes and learn the material – most professors will wait to share in person what materials are really required. And also… always check Amazon first. Save all the money you can. Seriously, just do it.

12. The boys you meet freshman year are most likely not looking for a long-term relationship.

You’re all freshmen in college just beginning your journey of finding yourself, your passions, and your purpose. I think a lot of people have this idea of having to rush to meet the “love of their life” right away, and there is no need. It is so great to be able to grow as an individual and adapt to all of the change that freshman year comes with. You can be alone and be happy, and really just enjoy being young and being single.

13. Plan a laundry day and don’t plan much of anything else on that day.

Not only is laundry in the dorm life expensive, it’s a whole process too. Depending on where you live, there’s usually not unlimited washers and dryers, so try to find a time where not too many other people are doing their laundry too. These few hours could be spent doing some extra studying or watching a couple Netflix episodes. But yeah, collect your quarters now!

14. Don’t give up.

College is a lot harder than high school and for most people, the very first test you’ll take is going to be your wake-up call. This is not a time to cry and freak out, but instead, learn what you need to do better to succeed next time. The professors are not on you 24/7 making sure you are keeping up and studying, so hold yourself accountable and keep pushing through. You can do it, and you will.

15. NEVER stop learning.

This is only freshman year, and by the second week, I promise, you will know where all of your classes are and by the second month, you’ll be calling your new school your home. You will adapt more quickly than your initial culture shock feeling will lead you to believe. College is the place to learn and to grow, and I know I have emphasized that so much, but for such good reason. Take on the new experiences, go the extra mile in all your classes, meet new people, be kind, and most importantly, be you.