"Mom, freshman year was a learning year for me." - Myself
I remember telling my mom that when I was getting ready to start sophomore year. The truth is, we all go in to college not knowing what to expect. You hear mixed reviews from many different people. You hear, "College sucks," "College is the best time of your life," or even "College makes you grow up too fast." Let's face it, college is how you make it. You get as much as you put in. I was an orientation leader/student recruiter for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and I have learned a lot just from being in that position. Doing this helped me prepare a little for my freshmen year. So considering I am about to be a junior in college, I decided to give you guys some wholehearted advice to have a great first year.
1. Just because college boys/girls are cute does not mean they will treat you like a king/queen.
Seriously. I remember seeing all these cute boys and going "ga ga" over them, but most of them were not interested in a relationship at the time. They just started college and they want to hook up. Do not get bummed if you do not get into a nice relationship yet....focus on your new friends and studies...trust me! I cannot tell you how many times I have stayed up with my roommates talking about how this guy did this to the girl down the hall and how awful it was, or even the times I would comfort crying friends when a boy treated them like trash. Do not make finding a relationship in college your number one priority. The right guy will come to you.
2. Freshman year is your easy year.
I mean it. You sign up for basic classes and you don't have to study as much as you will your next few years. Do not take your homework/tests/quizzes for granted. It will get harder. Enjoy it while it lasts. Take the time to learn time management. If you don't, you will be in over your head the next year when more work gets put on your plate.
3. There will always be parties.
Do not skip a big study session for a party. College is meant to be fun, but you also need a future. Do not throw it away by going to every single party and skipping out on your studies. Just because you will miss the big party on Saturday does not mean there won't be another one. I can guarantee you there will be a big house party next Thursday. Priorities people.
4. Freshman 15 or 30 or whatever is REAL.
This is not a myth. If you are not careful, you will gain some weight. You will realize those cute jeans you bought a month ago are not fitting anymore and it is depressing. It truly is. Try to eat smarter and stay as active as you can. Take advantage of the walking track or the gym. Even 30 minutes a day is fine. Just be careful!
5. Join clubs and organizations.
Join clubs! Join organizations! Be a part of your new school. You will meet future doctors, future lawyers, future whatevers. Start networking now! You never know what opportunities will come to you for getting involved. Being a part of a few different clubs gave me the chance to become a Resident Assistant, get a work study job, and even win great awards that will help me get more scholarships. Get involved.
6. Anxiety and stress is normal.
My anxiety got worse my freshman year, but it happens to most college students. Do not be afraid to talk to people. There are many people out there that have anxiety and you won't even know it. Every college has counselors that you can talk to as well. If you think you may need anxiety medication, then talk to your doctor. Just do not freak out and drop out because of the stress and anxiety. College students go through it. This is normal. You have a whole future ahead of you, don't let your anxiety stop you. You got this!
7. Cliques are no longer a thing.
Seriously! We worry about that in high school, but once you get to college, no way. Yeah, you see "squads," but they are open and chill. I have never once met a group of friends that were not down to make even more friends. Everyone gets a long. You'll find your friends easily. College is about accepting one another. We are all in this for one thing....having successful futures.
8. You meet all kinds of kinds.
This goes hand in hand with number seven. College is made up of so many different people. Everyday you are guaranteed to meet someone new and different! That is the great thing about college. The student body is very diverse and unique. You never know what special talents or cool facts someone may have! When I was with my orientation group leaders, we always said one cool fact about ourselves and I promise you, I learned something new from those same people every time.
9. Being a busy college student is not rare.
Don't think that because you have a full-time job and have tons of schoolwork, you're special. No. Many college students do that. College is expensive! People work doubles just to be able to stay in college and pay off the debt. I always thought "poor me," but people have it way worse. Do not think you have it bad because someone will prove you wrong and you will feel awful.
10. Do not let people talk down your major or majors.
This is not OK. I used to doubt myself sometimes because whenever I would tell people I was majoring in nursing, they always said "Everyone does that". Do not let one person's comment change your mind. If you feel that is what you are meant to do, then do it! Prove those people wrong. Major in something you have an extreme passion for.
11. It is OK if you do not know what to do with your life.
It is only freshman year. This is the year you take basics for general majors anyways. Do not freak out, but do not procrastinate on this either. Start figuring it out this year, but like I said, just because someone else knows before they even get to college, doesn't mean you have to know before you start either. Everyone is different and sometimes people have a lot of different passions. See if your college has a career assessment test that you could take and go from there. If not, always talk to a counselor. They are there to help you and guide you here in college.
12. Finals week is dreadful. We are not lying.
When you see posts from college students about no sleep, late-night study sessions, all-nighters, etc, those are all real. Finals week is a crazy week, but you know ahead of time so this is good. You will know when finals week is and you will have time to prepare for it. Make friends with your classmates because these are the people who will show you their set of notes and make you realize you missed a slide or two. College students unite during this week. No joke. Do not take finals week lightly.
13. You will make a college best friend at some point.
I had a best friend in high school and I did not think I would make another best friend in college, but I was wrong. You will see or hear people talk about "my college best friend." They are real. You may not get one your freshman year, but you will get one at some point. They are completely different from a high school best friend. It's weird, I know, but this is not a myth.
14. People change when they get to college.
Although this may not seem true for everyone, it is for most people. When you get to college, you are no longer in high school with those same people that you would see at pep rallies and lunch all the time. You have the chance to make a new name for yourself or even change your look. So do not be afraid when you see people you know act different when they get to college. Do not be mad either. If you had the chance to start over, do not tell me you would not go for it. I changed a little bit. I learned new things everyday about people and how people are. College gave me a new perspective on things.
15. You can't expect people to keep you on track.
You are in college now. Your parents are not going to be there to tell you when your next test is or when that paper is due. You should invest in a planner or even write important dates down. You have to keep up with those things now. This is how it's going to be and if you learn this now, you will be set.
16. Most importantly, college is how YOU make it.
College can be such an awesome experience, but it's all in how you make it. People treating you like crap? Move on and go find some new friends. There are tons of people out there. Live life the way you want to! This is a new chapter in your life and if you want to have fun, then do it. Go to that play, or go to the football game with your roommate. There are many opportunities. Seize the day!
