Going to college can be very exciting, but it can also be stressful as well! Currently a junior in college, I've complied a list of my top ten tips for college freshman!
1. Pack lightly
I cannot stress this enough! Although it may feel like you need to take your entire room to your dorm, that's not the case! If you simplify it down, you'll be surprised how little you actually need. Move-in day is already hectic as it is, and having to move a bunch of stuff from your car to your room just adds more to the chaos.
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2. Try to go to at least a few events the first week
Maybe you're already sick of all the ice breakers you've had to do and don't feel like going to all the welcome week events. That's understandable, but try to go to at least a few! Not only will you meet new people, but you'll really learn what the campus is like. Also, more often than not people who come out to these events are there to socialize and meet new people; making it much easier for you to find people to hang out with!
3. Don't expect to stay friends with everyone you meet during welcome week
When I came in as a freshman, I got quite a few people's numbers during welcome week and even added them on social media. Sadly, I lost touch with them and at times never saw them again after the first week. That's okay! Everyone is just scrambling the first week and creating casual relationships; that doesn't mean they'll last. Personally for me, I formed a solid friends group towards the end of freshman year/beginning of sophomore year.
4. Don't become overwhelmed
The first week of college for me was an absolute whirlwind. Then again, I could say the same for my entire freshman year. Although it's going to be a lot of fun meeting new people, experiencing fun events, and living alone for the first time, don't let yourself get overwhelmed. Have fun in the moment and remember that everything will eventually settle down.
5. Plan out your work
Do. Not. Procrastinate. Don't do it. Trust me, doing work last minute will either ruin your grades or your well-being. Some people say they work better under pressure, but it feels so much better to get your work done early or at least on time so you can just relax afterwards. There's nothing worse than forgetting to do an assignment and rushing to piece it together at the last second. Keeping a planner will definitely help you plan your work and time out.
6. Try to eat foods that get you through the day
When I first came into college, there were sooooo many events and they all had free food. By that, I don't mean fruit kebobs, more along the lines of chips and cupcakes. Although it was okay for me to indulge once in a while, some days I would end up eating only junk food and no meals; which eventually led me to feel very sick. I would also have very little energy going throughout the day. Then I realized simply eating food from these events wasn't enough to sustain me and I began eating more at the schools's dining hall where there were many more options available. I started eating more rice, vegetables, soups, etc and immediately felt an energy boost. It's not the easiest choosing better food options on campus, but it can be done!
7. Join at least one club
Clubs are so much fun! They're also a great way for you to meet people who share something similar with you. Most campuses have a wide array of clubs, from academia to sports and everything in between. My school has a festival every semester where clubs can come and advertise themselves. This makes it a lot easier for students to become aware of what clubs are active on campus and whether or not they are interested in joining. Don't see a club you like? Maybe take it a step further and start your own club after getting your schools approval!
8. Find opportunities on campus
If you take the time to look, you'll be so surprised to see the amount of opportunities available on campus. There are so many offices that take student workers, workshops for resume reviews, networks for finding internships and so on. Don't take for granted all the resources at your service because they may not be as readily available once you graduate.
9. Don't stress over choosing a major
It's completely OKAY to come in undecided. Many incoming freshman still don't have a complete idea of what they want to do for their career and there are plenty of talks and resources available on campus to help you figure that out. The first year and even half of sophomore year will mostly be dedicated to completing your general education requirements, so there's no stress to have a major already chosen.
10. Have fun!
Of course college is about getting an education, but make sure to create time to participate in events and go out with friends! It's all about balance, so try and create time for both work and enjoyment! Make memories that will last a lifetime.
