Reflections Of A New College Freshman | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Reflections Of A New College Freshman

It's the first time your mom won't be there to take a picture of you on your first day of school.

6
Reflections Of A New College Freshman
Cru Portland

As overwhelming as the first week of college is, I’m already a big fan of it. With the workload being a heap ton more than I was expecting, the walk between classes being a pain and a built in little cardio workout, and making enough hours in the day for time to sleep — it can be a bit much to handle. You probably will feel engulfed with just everything that is happening around you, but once it all sinks in, it will all be free flowing from there on out. Overall, I think the main thing about starting college is being open. You’re going to be handed so many opportunities that will be completely worth taking. And if you were to miss them, then regret will most likely be on your side.

Don't think something is stupid.

If there is a social event somewhere to meet new people, go. There's no reason you shouldn't. You don't have any homework yet and you most likely don't know very many people so you won't have any major prior commitments. Everything is all brand new and if you don't try it out, then you're basically missing out on a huge aspect of what college actually is.

Have common decency and manners.

This should be a universal rule. But walking around your college campus, people seem to just give off a more mature and sensible vibe. Your life is your responsibility now. You have the responsibility to exist with the kindest most possible manner there is. There is no one there to remind you of doing so.

Actually come prepared to classes.

Right when you walk into a college class, you're slammed with a handful of information about what to expect and how to be successful in the class. Don't blow off assignments and studying like they're nothing because you probably won't be able to make up for the points you've lost. It might suck having so much work on your plate, but this is what you signed up for and technically it's your job.

Place yourself out of your comfort zone.

Because it is college, there will be tons of different opportunities all the time like social events, sporting games, and club fairs. I'm personally not the most social human being out there, but what motivated me to put myself out there is knowing that pretty much every other freshman is in the same boat as me. We're all just as anxious about a new beginning. Being antisocial and withdrawn will only make your college experience less enjoyable.

Bring photos.

While packing what seems like your life to bring with you to college, there's one thing you should definitely prioritize and that is photos. If you're ever feeling homesick, you'll have photos of the people and places you love the most. Also when you bring new friends back to your dorm, it's always fun telling the stories behind each of the photos.

You'll have a lot more free time than you expected.

During the week, you might have classes that are spread out widely throughout your day, which means you'll probably have a good amount of free time on your hands. That isn't a bad thing at all. It's only the first week of my freshman year of college and I've already realized how important alone time is. There's not much privacy to begin with so any time you can get to yourself, take it. It'll feel good to just spend some time in your room without your roommate, being able to freely walk around and maybe take a nap. You don't always have to be doing something with people. Make time for yourself because once you get to college, complete privacy will no longer exist anymore.

Everything and everyone is new. It will take time to adjust to the huge change. The best thing you can do for yourself is to stay calm and collected and keep yourself grounded.

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

The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter

It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

125
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

2885
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17279
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments