College isn't always what it seems. A SEC school like Mississippi State University isn't like most schools. Freshman year isn't easy. I know this because I have been there. I have walked down those same halls that you are now trying to figure out where your very first class is, or buying every textbook because it's "required." The first week of class is always more laid back compared to the other weeks of the school year so be prepared for a long and sleep deprived semester.
Believe me when I say that I am not all knowing when it comes to Freshman year, but I do know a thing or two to help you guys in the future. Here is some advice from a more superior ... oh .... I mean Sophomore student.
Freshman Fifteen is not a myth, it's real.
You are surrounded by many food options that are convenient and cheap, but do not rely on fast food to keep you through the day. Eat at the school cafeteria and try the different kind of food that they serve there. I know Chick-fil-a always sounds good but save some money and limit to eating fast food one or two times a week. I know not everyone has time to eat in a cafeteria because of a heavy schedule, if that is the case always bring some healthy snack foods like crackers, almonds, or packs of hummus.
Sleep is important, but so is that test.
When it's time for your first exam do not take this lightly. This isn't high school where you don't have to study and still make a good grade. If you don't study in college, it will be God's will if you pass. You have to work hard for what you want, remember you're paying to go to school so make it worth it. There will be plenty of sleepless nights that you are relearning multiple chapters that will be on one test that is 75 questions long. Those sleepless nights will turn into restful days once you realize that all your hard work paid off and you aced your exam.
Be social.
I even had trouble with this, and I still do. Being social is so important in college! You don't want to rely on the friends that you went to high school with to be your friend until you graduate. That is not the case sometimes. Do not be afraid to talk to the person you sit next to in class. It makes class more enjoyable knowing that you have someone that will laugh with you when you realize the instructor's zipper is down instead of laughing by yourself. Or you can meet up with people that you have met online through a group Facebook page for freshman, Yik Yak, Tinder, Group Me, etc. You have to get out there and show people how freaking awesome you are and just maybe, they'll be even more awesome than you.
It is okay to get depressed.
It is hard being away from home from the first time. Some people take it exceptionally well and others not so much. Personally, I have never called my mom as much as I did my freshman year. I missed her and my dad a lot and it was so different living without them. Sometimes the loneliness is too overbearing and it consumes you. You feel so stuck and upset and you aren't sure if you made the right decision leaving for college. You can always leave, it is an option. Or if you know that college is right for you then you have to pull yourself up from the hole you have dug yourself. That is why being social is so very important. It is perfectly natural to feel down and upset, but turn to friends and they will help you, or there are counseling services on campus that are provided. There are ways to help. If you are feeling suicidal or depressed there is the National Suicide Preventon Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or they have an online chat available.
Enjoy the experience and have fun!
This should be the last point because it is so important, have a good time in college! Always make time to go on an adventure with friends or grab a quick bite to eat at 2:00 AM. Make memories that will last a lifetime your freshman year. It will be like no other. Take plenty of selfies and post them all over social media because you get to look back and think "I had an amazing time my freshman year." There will be times where you feel like youre stuck between a rock and a hard place, but nothing compares to the overwhelming feeling of knowing you had an absolute blast this school year.
So all the new "fresh meat" out there, just remember that you are here to start the rest of your life. You decided what you have wanted to do in the future and now you are starting to fulfill it. Congratuations Freshmen C/O 2020, I wish you the best of luck on your journey, you're going to need it!
