So recently I've been getting in the back to school spirit by covering things from how to organize your life before you get to school to healthy eating tips in college. To wrap up this mini back-to-school series, here are a few of my biggest tips for first years that I learned my first year at school. I may still have plenty to learn, but maybe what I know so far can help you!
1. Talk to your professors
Talk to your professors. Advisors. Faculty. Staff. Everyone. Literally get to know as many people who work at your university as possible. Firstly, you never know who you're going to meet and what connections they may have that can benefit you. Secondly, the more you actually engage yourself with the people that are the life of the university, the easier it is to seek and find help when you need it. Lastly, they are just nice people in general. The connections and academic help are nice of course, but you build some great relationships when you put yourself out there.
2. Get to know campus and where your classes are
Before classes actually start, walk around and find exactly where each of your classes will be. Walking into the wrong classroom is something you don't want to experience. Trust me.
3. Don't wear your lanyard around your neck
I honestly couldn't tell you why it is taboo to wear your lanyard around your neck, but it is. When you do, you're basically announcing to anyone near you that you are a freshman. Even though it may be easier to carry that way sometimes, just be weary.
4. Meet people anywhere
Everyone is in the same boat you are of trying to desperately meet and connect with people. If you just let the casual conversation flow, you can meet some pretty good friends almost anywhere. Your floor, in line for lunch, in class, at the gym or literally anywhere. Just start chatting and see where the conversation leads you.
5. The boy's floor smells weird and there is nothing you can do about it
You can tell it's the boy's floor because of the way that it is.
6. People aren't kidding when they say not to bring your whole closet
Storage space is incredibly limited in college. Whether that information fully sinks in with you or not when you're packing, it will hit you harder if you ignore it. Switch out your wardrobe as the seasons change and you will save yourself a lot of heartache.
7. You won't make food in your room as much as you think you will
I was someone who bought a cute little college cookbook and brought all sorts of dishes to school with me. I literally ate a piece of half cold pizza on one of my plates once the entire year. Unless you are living off campus or in an apartment, where you will not have a meal plan, leave the kitchen set at home.
8. Randomized roommates can be amazing
Checking the little box to be set up with a random roommate worried me far more than it ever need to. Seeing everyone find roommates on Facebook made me incredibly nervous about who my random roommate would end up being. Well let me tell you, she ended up being one of my best friends. I don't think I could have gotten luckier! I'm not saying you're going to be automatic best friends with your randomized roommate, but if you give them a shot, they very well could be.
When it comes down to it, your first year is going to be a whole rollercoaster of events. No amount of tips are going to stop every mistake or awkward situation, but you're also going to have an insane amount of amazing memories. Just remember to breathe and fully embrace your first year.
