You would think after three years of college and trying to succeed at “adulting” I would have the whole moving situation, saying goodbye to your parents/friends and organization skills down, but I definitely don’t. When I graduated high school, I thought I was ready, which I was, but I wasn’t ready for the little things in life that helped me grow to be the person I am today. So, I want to give some advice to freshmen students so they can take a little breather before they leave the nest and embark on an amazing journey.
1. It’s OK to cry
I don’t care if you are male, female, athletic, can barely walk and talk or are running for student body president; crying is good for you. When I was a freshman, I thought I had to prove to everyone I was stable and could “hang.” I would keep all my feelings and emotions bottled up so when I finally burst, the entire world knew about it. It’s OK to go lock yourself in your car, go for a drive and cry. It will make you feel 100 percent better and somehow it gives you the confidence to do bigger and better things in college.
2. It’s OK to not know what you are majoring in
It’s OK to not have your life together. Most college freshmen students don’t know and that’s why they are at college. Everyone is in the same boat as you. They are trying to meet new friends, go to parties, get good grades and try to become someone successful. But, something to realize as you are a freshman is drop out to save your money if you can’t figure out your life. I know so many students who are increasing their debt because they don’t know what they want to do with their life. It’s OK to “stop” going to college for now, work a little to gain experience and think about what you want to be. You don’t want to be 30 years old, still in college working on your undergrad, and are by far six figures in debt because it has taken you almost 12 years to finish. Stop, get a job and then figure out what you want to do. No one is going to shame you for saving money and trying to figure out what you want to become.
3. Get a job
I know the first year is rough and you are trying to transition into a whole different life. It can get overwhelming and it’s hard to escape. I told myself I wouldn’t get a job my freshman year because I didn’t want to overload myself. I’m the type of person who likes to stay busy, so once my second semester came around my freshman year I was applying for part-time jobs. Little did I know having a job in college was one of the best decisions in my life. I was able to learn responsibility, organization, time management and people skills very quickly. Surprisingly, it allowed me to get good grades because I had to prioritize what needed to get done, and obviously school was at the top of my list.
4. Don’t be afraid of school
Don’t be afraid of big assignments, don’t be afraid of sitting in the front of the class and definitely don’t be afraid to talk to your professors. When students look at the syllabus, they have a tendency of freaking out because there is always at least one big assignment that is worth a lot of your grade. Instead of worrying, slowly start gathering information on that big assignment. It’s OK to start something months in advance, so when you “actually” need to start on your assignment you will be ready to go and won’t have much to do. If you want the professor to notice you (which you do), sit in the front row or right in the middle. You are paying a ton of money for college, why not use the $300 or more it is for a class and gain some knowledge out of it? Lastly, don’t be afraid to talk with the professor. Make an appointment, sit down and just chat. Professors love when students come in with questions, thoughts and worries. They are getting paid to help you so take advantage of that opportunity. Plus, it helps when they are grading because they know you are taking the time and effort for a good grade if you talk to them.
5. Work out
Freshman 15, 30 or even 50 is a real thing. Physical excursion gets the endorphins going, which will make you feel better, release stress and overall become a better student and person. I have found out that taking 30 minutes to go for a walk, rollerblade, run, lift and even bowl helps your mind focus on other things and allows you to release stress. Grab a buddy who doesn’t want to gain a ton of weight in college and do something active. It’s OK to take a break from studying and do something fun.
College isn’t all about studies. Yes, you are paying for an education, but don’t throw away an experience of good times and unforgettable memories. I wish I knew these little things when I was a freshman because I think it would of saved me a lot of stress and anxiety. I wish everyone who is starting off their college experience a grand time, and to make this time in your life one hell of an experience you will never forget.
