Freshman year of college can go by in the blink of an eye. Before you know it, it's in the past and you're back to working your summer job. Here is the list I created of the things I wish I did more of freshman year of college.
1. Take more pictures
For all of the great memories I've experienced freshman year, I wish I had captured more of them with my phone! Taking a picture or video allows you to relive moments you won't get back!
2. Accept/give more hugs
You never know what other people are going through, and showing others, especially your friends, how much you care about them through a hug might make their day a little better.
3. Find one thing to be happy about each day
College can become really overwhelming really fast. With everything on your plate, take the time to recognized one thing you're happy about in your life each day to keep your mind and spirit balanced.
4. Study a little bit every day
This sounds cliche, but when you retain information on a daily basis, it saves you from having a complete panic attack and cramming the night before an important exam. Setting up a Quizlet and adding to it everyday will help you in the long run.
5. Keep room clean
For me, having my room clean helps me think I have control over my life. Whether it's making your bed in the morning or putting your clothes on the floor in the laundry hamper, it can help you start the day right.
6. Make healthier choices
Yes, there are cinnamon pretzels, but maybe you should check out that salad bar every once in a while.
7. Develop workout routine and stick to it
You should exercise often! It's a great stress reliever and helps clear your mind. Jump start your day with a morning workout or take the time at night to decompress and relax after a long day.
8. Create a budget plan and follow it
Set an X amount of dollars you want to have through the year. Then divide that by the number of months your in school. Give yourself a monthly budget, and try not to go overboard for the month. This way, you don't spend all your money in the first semester and are left scrapping to find money to go out for food by the end of the year.
9. Keep healthier snacks in the room
When you're in your room,, you're going to eat what you have. If you provide yourself with healthier snacks you can guilt free binge eat when you're hungry and it's late at night in your dorm.
10. Drink more water
STAY HYDRATED FOLKS. Buy a reusable water bottle. Buy a Swell one or a Nalgene, I don't care. Keep it in your backpack and drink it throughout the day, trust me.
11. Keep a planner
Some people prefer to deck out their planner with different colored pens or have a planner on their computer calendar; either way, it helps you stay organized and visualize everything you have to get done. Also, if you're feeling overwhelmed, writing down what you have to do will make it seem more reasonable and more attainable.
12. Keep stuff charged
My phone always ends up dying in the middle of the day (thanks Apple) but keeping it on low battery mode or investing in a portable charger will help you in the long run. How can you meet up with your friends for dinner if your phone's dead?
13. Go on mini adventure trips
SAY YES. Late night fast food run? Yes! Mid-day ice cream trip? Yes! Quick bike ride along the river? You guessed it... yes! Laying on a blanket watching the stars after midnight? Yes! Whatever it is, take advantage of your youth and your circumstances, and live your life! Netflix can wait!
As you go through freshman year, you'll learn what does and doesn't work for you. It's a learning experience! Overall, keep an open mind, and be open to new experiences! College is about having fun and finding yourself. Spend your time with friends, work hard in school, and have fun because freshman year will be over before you know it!
