College is definitely a unique experience, but I remember how it felt only a year ago graduating from high school and I know what I feel now. College will change you in ways you cannot imagine, but looking back on my year, this is my advice I would give to any freshman next year. I learned all of these lessons the hard way (I have a feeling you will too), but at least let me warn you.
1. When they say get involved, they mean it.
By getting involved with an organization or a club, it makes an easier transition. For the most part, you have built in friends with common interests and chances are you will meet some upperclassman (who, might I remind you, have cars.) To make this even better, find something you are passionate about, and do not lose it. (If that means you take an art or music class every semester, or you go to all the baseball games on campus, then do it!) Take time for the creativity and the kid in you to be free because college is cry-yourself-to-sleep stressful.
2. Do not fall for visitation day food.
The truth is that the food in the cafeteria is going to be worse than you expect. The food items they have out on visitation day are the best of the best, so keep that in mind as you determine whether or not you want a full meal plan.
3.Get organized.
If you are not an organized person, college is going to be rough. There is always that class project that is mention on the first day of class, but the professor does not bring it up again until the day it is due. Aside from the weekly class work if you do get involved with a busy organization, you will need to keep organized.
4. Learn to balance your time.
Do your work. This point in crucial in order to be successful at college; however, I have also learned that GPA is not as important as it seems in high school, so do let it determine your worth. It is okay if you have one bad grade every so often. It happens every semester. Just remember you are paying thousands of dollars for this education. BUT--Look, life should not be solely about work and grades. Even during finals week, I still make it a point to go out and have a good time with my friends once or twice. If you see something fun advertised on campus, do not be afraid to explore it.
5. Friends come and go.
The friends you make during orientation week are not the friends you will have for the rest of your first year. You have to remember that everyone is trying to find their place and most times, that means leaving some people behind. Do not fret though because you will make some awesome friends and by the end of the year, you will be able to clearly see who is going to stick around.
6. Take a risk.
I know this sounds super cheesy, but seriously, take a risk. Getting outside your comfort zone can lead to amazing friendships and memories you will never forget. Go on a mission trip. Try a new intramural sport. Talk to that stranger. Do things that absolutely terrify you and you never could see yourself doing before. This is the time to explore the world and so please take advantage of all the opportunities that are presented to you.
7. Sleep is the most beautiful occasion in the world.
Oh how I love to sleep, so when I can, I absolutely will. There are weeks when I function with hardly any sleep, so when I can sleep in or take a nap, I do. You never truly appreciate sleep until you cannot have it.
8. College is nothing like your high school teachers say it will be.
I can remember sitting in English class with my know-it-all teacher lecturing us on the college work load and the distractions that college provides and how everyone is going to leave you out to dry and on your own. (Oh, and the professors are not going to care about your well being...) He was wrong. The college experience is different for everyone depending on where you go to college at, but in my experience, he could not have been more wrong. Do not expect to be spoon-fed everything, but remember that chances are there will be resources to use if you ever need anything.
