Lessons From My Freshman Year | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Lessons From My Freshman Year

Thank you, freshman year, for giving me one of the best years yet.

7
Lessons From My Freshman Year
McKenzie Julian

It's hard to believe that freshman year is already over. It really flew by. I thought senior year went by fast. This seemed to happen even faster, which is hard to believe. It seems like just yesterday I was attending orientation. Now, freshman year is over and I'm that much closer to entering the real world. Here are just a few things I've learned over the past year.

First, community takes time. You won't find your best friends within the first week. In fact, it always seems to be changing. You're constantly meeting new people. Don't be worried if you don't feel like you belong during your first month, or even your first semester. Community doesn't happen over night. It takes time to build deep and meaningful relationships, but those friendships are worth it.

Get involved! Whatever you do, don't just spend your time in your time. Go to events in your building. Take part in intramurals. Join some clubs. Getting involved allows you to meet so many people that you wouldn't have met otherwise and it gives you opportunities for you to grow and learn.

Don't be afraid to try something new. It doesn't have to be big. You may try something for the first time in college and find a passion for it. You can learn a lot from experiencing new things and trying things that may scare you. Challenge yourself.

Find balance. This can be extremely difficult in college. You want to make sure you spend a lot of time studying and getting the best grades you can, but you also want to do more than study. You want to be able to be involved in the community and attend events and meetings. You want to spend quality time with your friends and continue to grow and deepen those relationships. You want to go on adventures. Try not to spend so much time on one part of your life that you forget to live out the other parts.

It's okay to do things on your own. I remember in high school, no one ever wanted to eat alone in the cafeteria. While it's still nice to sit with friends, it's also okay to sit alone. Sometimes it's nice just taking a break and relaxing from all the things you need to do. Don't be afraid to go to the coffee shop by yourself, to the library by yourself, to the local park or anywhere else by yourself. Sometimes you just need time alone, and that's okay.

Take every opportunity presented to you. You may be rejected and turned down, but you make get accepted and be able to pursue that opportunity further. Don't be afraid to take a chance because you're too scared that you're not good enough or not qualified enough. You'll never know unless you try, and you can always learn something from trying.

College is honestly the best part of my life so far. It's so different and unique and challenges you in ways you couldn't even imagine. Enjoy your freshman year while you can and take it all in because it won't last forever.

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

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

4409
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

28980
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

12624
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments