When you go into college, you don't get a lot of guidance on how you should do things. Just like learning how to walk, it takes time and repetitions. Here's just a few things I learned during the first semester of college:
1. Time management.
It's hard coming out of being a senior in high school, not really needing to apply yourself as much as you did in earlier years. Due dates were nothing to worry about because most of the teachers understood how you felt. In college, no one tells you that you have to do anything. You're the one paying for it. Professors give you a due date and you are expected to write it down and remember it.
2. Social life vs. academic life.
Yes, making friends is key to having a great first year of college, but it doesn't make or break you. The overall thing to remember is that you paid to go to school and further your learning experience. Having a social life is fun, but don't lose sight on why you came to your college/university.
3. Making time for family.
The first few weeks are going to be the hardest. You'll feel alone and probably cry a little. As the day's go on, you'll realize that this was the best thing you could possibly be doing. Texting is a good way to talk to family and friends back home (I didn't call my mom until the midway through my first week). As the semester goes on, keeping your family updated is the best way to make them feel like nothing really changed. Your schedule is always changing so it's hard for them to know when to call or talk to you. (I gave my mom snapchat so she would feel informed on what I was doing without talking to her all the time! She loves it!).
4. Reinvent yourself.
No one knows you! If you don't like the way you are, change it! Even though college itself changes you, you'll feel it when you go home. There are so many different people that it's hard not to make some sort of friends.
5. Have Fun.
College is full of possibilities. Have the time of your life. This time is all about you and what you need to be doing. Find who you are and pursue it.
