I know summer just started. But with orientation and buying things for college and college countdowns, it'll be here sooner than you think. I have just finished my freshman year and there is some advice that I would give to the incoming freshman. Some of this advice will be about friendships, dorm life, classes, social life and so on. This is advice to the incoming freshman, from an outgoing freshman.
1. You don't need everything you think you need.
GiphyTake it from someone who brought too much to school their first year. You do not need all the things you think you need. And if you forget something or need something, you can buy it or have someone bring it to you or have it shipped to you. I know you want to bring everything because you are away from your house, but trust me you do not need that sequin dress you begged your mom to bring.
2. You will make friends and you will find your home.
GiphyTrust me. You will find your friends. Whether it be from your dorm, a club, class or just talking to someone in the dining hall, you will find your friends. You will also find your home, whether it be on a sports team, in a club, in your major or in greek life. It will happen, so don't worry.
3. Go to every class.
GiphyI know sometimes you just want to hit snooze and go back to sleep, but your grades will thank you later on when you go to every class and take the notes you need and pass the class with no problem. You paid for them, so why not just go.
4. You don't have to be friends with your roommate.
GiphyOf course, it is always nice to be friends with your roommate. But remember, if you are not friends with your roommate, it's not the end of the world. If I'm being completely honest, I only really became friends with my roommate later on in the year and we were fine. I went random, and even if you pick your roommate, you just have to live with them.
5. There are people and resources to help you.
GiphyIf you need help, go get help. There are so many people and resources to help you, and if you go looking for help, you will find it. Trust me, you are not the only one to need help and that's why colleges have so many resources. Use them, especially if you need them!
6. You don't have to eat in the dining hall all the time.
GiphyIf you want to go out once a month with your friends to a nice restaurant, by all means, do it. You should use your meal plan, but you do not have to endure that every single day for the whole semester.
7. You don't have to go out to eat all the time.
GiphyI know not everyone is going to have a kitchen. You most likely paid for a meal plan, so you should use it. I'm sure you will find at least one thing to eat in the dining hall. You do not have to go out all the time and your wallet will thank you.
8. Go out and party every once in a while.
GiphyIf you want to go out on the weekends and take a break from school for a night and have fun, go do it! It is so okay to go out with your friends and have fun for one night and just forget the world for a little while.
9. You don't have to party every day, and you do not have to go to every party.
GiphyIt is okay to stay in one night, especially if you have to study. It is okay to go out and party, but you do not have to go to every party and you do not have to party every day. It is so okay to stay in and get what you need done, especially if it is to take time for you or your schoolwork.
10. Study, study, study!
GiphyYour schoolwork is so important and it is so important that you study for your exams and start studying in advance so you don't leave it to the last minute.
11. It is okay to say no.
GiphyYou don't have to agree with everything and if you are uncomfortable or you do not want to do something, don't be afraid to say no.
12. You matter and your opinions matter.
GiphyYour opinions matter. That's why they're opinions and not facts. No one can tell you they're wrong and that they don't matter. You matter. You matter so much to everyone you meet and everyone's life would be different without you and don't let anyone make you feel like you do not matter.
13. Take time for you.
GiphyIt is very important for you to take time for yourself and do what you love. If you have to take a day and just stay away from everyone and do a face mask and read a book, do it. Sometimes I just like to put on a face mask, lock myself in my room and binge watch The Office on Netflix.
