Generic Tips for Incoming Freshmen | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Generic Tips for Incoming Freshmen

If you're new to college, you might read articles like this one.

5
Generic Tips for Incoming Freshmen
www.pexels.com

At this point, the advice being thrown at your face is probably gobbly-gook. Everyone has something to say on this issue, but few things you read will actually help you survive freshmen year.

It's like taking the SATs. It's supposed to make you smarter, and better prepared for school, but does it really?

On a very generic level, freshmen are new to the game, sophomores think they got the game down, juniors get slowly pummeled by the game, and seniors have almost stopped playing.

Don't blindly accept college will be the way people describe it to you. We all perceive and experience the world in a different way, and as such will have different experiences. Just try to sculpt the basics of what is important, and go from there.

You're going to learn things for yourself. There's just no way around that. Experience makes you wise, it makes you cynical, it makes you smart.

Don't act like a know-it-all. Chances are, you don't, and everyone will see through your facade. Being humble goes a long way, but it's a hard skill to learn.

Store any bit or practical knowledge you come across, and test it in the field. You hear the Papa Gino's is a really good restaurant in town? Go there and find out for yourself. You will build off of this knowledge.

Don't be afraid to be challenged. It will happen to you, whether you like it or not, and you can handle it one of two ways; you can lash out or you can arise to the challenge.

If somebody criticizes something that you do, or challenges a belief you have, you can ignore it, or you can take what they say on the head and use it to improve yourself and your ideas.

You're going to be broken down at some point. You're going to need support. So will your friends. Try to surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you, and who you care about.

College isn't this happy-go-lucky place where everyone is magically a family and friendship is forever. When you think someone is promising you something outrageous, it probably is.

That being said, it's also not hell. That's what retail is.

College is a "safe" environment where you can test your ability to survive in the real world. You'll have good moments, you'll have surreal moments, you'll have moments where you feel your life is on fire, you'll have moments when you feel like a million bucks.

If you get anything from these fluffy advice articles, it's this:

1. Don't be a dick.

and

2. Do your school work.

It's really that easy.

You can challenge others. In fact, I encourage you to hold others to the mark, aim criticism at those that deserve it, but make sure you're actually in the right, and be sure to hold yourself to a high standard. No one likes a dick. If you want to be rude, go on Yik Yak.

I'm really surprised that a lot of these articles don't focus on school work. It's the one thing, other than money, keeping you in school.

I've had so many awesome, fun-to-be-around friends drop out of school because they just didn't take their work seriously.

There isn't just a social aspect to school. Never forget why you're actually here: to learn. Have fun, make friends, live an enjoyable life, but never lose sight of that bottom line.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

178383
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

5592
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451392
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22691
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments